Chris Antonik News & Summer Schedule |
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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!
Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Monday, May 28, 2012
Chris Antonik News & Summer Schedule
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Chris Antonik February/March News
Chris Antonik February/March News |
After coming onto the scene with one of the best-reviewed Canadian blues albums of 2010 and a Maple Blues Award nomination for Best New Artist of the Year, guitarist Chris Antonik spent much of 2011 performing at a number of major blues festivals and venues. Performances at the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival, the Beaches International Jazz Festival, and the 1st Annual Calabogie Blues Festival, among others, were met with a great reception. In October 2011, Chris and his band also played extremely well received shows in Quebec City and Ottawa. In February 2012, Chris begins work on his highly-anticipated second album, which will feature an amazing guest line-up, including: Grammy award-winning vocalist Mike Mattison (The Derek Trucks Band, The Tedeschi-Trucks Band), Juno-award winner Julian Fauth, as well as Maple Blues award-winners Shakura S'Aida and Steve Marriner. Josh Williams, Chris Chiarelli and Andrew Taylor will once again form the core band. "The band and I are thrilled to be working with these incredible talents and to begin this follow-up project," says Chris. “I am also excited to have Josh, Chris and Andrew with me again for the next record.” says Antonik. The 2012 shows kick off on February 18th at Toronto's Hugh's Room, where Chris will be performing as part of the Tribute to the Kings of Chess Records. In early March, Chris will perform in New York City on WFDU’s “Sounds of Blue” radio show. Upcoming Shows: February 18 Hugh's Room 2261 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON A Tribute to the King's of Chess Records w/ Danny Marks, Julian Fauth, Dylan Wickens, Mike "Shrimp Daddy" Reid Advance: $22.50/Door: $25.00 March 7 In-Studio Performance The Sounds of Blue Show, WFDU-FM New York City, NY March 15 Monarchs at the Delta Chelsea 33 Gerrard Street West Toronto, ON March 24 Highway Sixty One 1620 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON March 30 The Huron Club 94 Pine Street Collingwood, ON |
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Havce You Ever Been Mistreated - Chris Antonik Band
After thrilling audiences in Toronto blues clubs as a sideman, Antonik has stepped out on his own to deliver this self-produced collection of original material and two classic blues covers.
..The album “Chris Antonik” is a portrait of a maturing blues guitarist and songwriter who fully grasps the importance of song over solo - while still leaving plenty for guitar fans to enjoy. The songs deal with repairing relationships and giving back to those around you, as well as classic blues themes delivered in modern vehicles. Using the guitarist–as–front man approach and a variety of guest vocalists, the record is a solid collection of soulful, strong and smart blues. Guest performers include some of Chris’ friends from the Canadian blues scene, including Mark Stafford, Suzie Vinnick and Richard Underhill... ..The primary vocalist and keyboardist on the record is the gritty and stirring Josh Williams of the jam band Fat Cats. Bassist Andrew Taylor (The Blazers) and drummer Chris Chiarelli provide the tight and funky rhythm section... ..From the jump, “More to Give” gets the record moving with a kinetic, Hammond-soaked groove. The track is about learning from the mistakes of the past, having more to offer to the ones you love, and is filled with blues-rock guitar momentum that pays respect to early 70’s Clapton... ..The album swiftly moves into the stripped-down blues funk of “Roll with It,” where Antonik channels his slide guitar heroes. A vintage dobro provides a country-blues contrast to the deep pulse of an urban, almost hip-hop-like drum beat - a contrast that mimics the song’s theme of just going with what comes our way... ..“The King of Infidelity,” a narrative about the consequences of unfaithfulness, marries melodic song-craft with blues-slinger inclinations. With its blues-pop sensibility, Infidelity pays homage to late 80’s adult contemporary blues albums, such as Clapton’s “Journeyman” and Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “In Step,” as well as the recent “Continuum” from John Mayer. Maple Blues award-winning artist Suzie Vinnick provides rich and alluring back-up vocals to shadow Josh Williams’ ardent lead vocals and retro Rhodes piano... ..Veteran blues harmonica player and singer Mark “bird” Stafford then jumps in on “If We Start from Here,” an upbeat, no-nonsense call for reparation delivered as a double-shuffle blues number... ..The record peaks with a cover of Jerry Ragovoy’s “She’s a Burglar,” popularized in 1974 by guitarist Freddie King. Antonik pays tribute to his hero, with King-inspired guitar playing complemented by some of the most sought-after horn players in the business: Juno-award winner Richard Underhill, Perry White (the Shuffle Demons) and William Sperandei (Colin James)... ..A cover of Otis Rush’s minor key classic “Double Trouble” features Chris making his lead-vocal debut (pointing to future growth in this area for the evolving guitarist). Trouble also features in-demand Toronto musician Geoff Daye (Sue Foley, Danny Marks) on Hammond organ and piano... ..The album was produced by Antonik, recorded at Audiolab Recording Company in Toronto, and mixed and mastered at Silverbirch Productions in Toronto... ..In October 2010, Chris was nominated for a 2010 Maple Blues Award in the “Best New Artist” category on the strength of the debut album. The Maple Blues Awards recognize achievement in blues music in Canada... ..Upon its release, the album “Chris Antonik” debuted on the Roots Music Report international blues radio play charts at #35. It was also one of two independent albums in the top 50. This charting was the result of significant airplay in Canada, the US and worldwide on blues radio stations/shows. In addition, for the week of September 24, 2010, the album was ranked #4 for Canadian roots music radio play (Roots Music Report)...
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