Bman's Blues Report

Chris Antonik News & Summer Schedule It has been a busy year for Maple Blues Award-nominated guitarist/singer Chris Antonik. In February 2012, Chris began work on his highly-anticipated second album, which will feature guest appearances by Grammy award-winning vocalist Mike Mattison (The Derek Trucks Band, The Tedeschi-Trucks Band), Maple Blues award-winner Shakura S'Aida, Juno-award winner Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk) and more. British blues guitarist Ben Fisher and New York City songsmith Paul Olsen (Scrapomatic) also feature as co-writers. Look for the album in early 2013! This past March, Chris was one of the featured artists at the DAWG FM/Toronto Blues Society showcase for Canadian Music Week, and gave a live-to-air performance and interview on New York City's “Sounds of Blue” radio show. This summer, Chris and the band will be making appearances at blues festivals across Canada, including Manitoba’s Great Woods Music Festival...

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...

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 pro...