I had not heard of Chris Antonik before receiving his CD in the mail, but from what I have gathered it is clear that he is an extraordinary musician with electric, acoustic, and dobro, being his forte'. He is also, by all accounts a very thrilling sideman in and around the Toronto area, in bands that play mainly the Blues and Blues Rock.

Chris Antonik's Debut release consists of 10 Tracks, 8 which were written or co-written by Chris and 2 exceptional Covers, "Double Trouble" an Otis Rush Classic and Jerry Ragovoy’s “She’s a Burglar”, made popular via Freddie King. The Album clocks in at just over 4o minutes, which is a fairly healthy length for a Debut and consists of a good mixture of Blues and Blues Rock done very well, both Acoustically and Electrically.

This is one of the more unique Debuts Albums I have gotten, because the main man, Chris Antonik, is not the main vocalist, in fact he only lays down his vocals on one track, "Double Trouble". I do hope in the future that he does attempt more vocal duties, because he did sound pretty good for his vocal debut.

When it came to the Artists accompanying Antonik', on this Album, he picked a group of very talented individuals indeed, which included the amazing vocalist and keyboardist Josh Williams. With Chris Antonik deciding not to be a prominent vocalist on this Album, the decision to have Josh do that part, was masterful. Other players, in part or whole, included Andrew Taylor (Bass), Chris Chiarelli (Drums), Chris Hegge (Percussion), Geoff Daye (Piano/Hammond Organ), Richard Underhill (Alto Sax), Perry White (Tenor Sax), William Sperandei (Trumpet), Bryan Prince (Trumpet), Eric Prince (Electric Guitar/Banjo/Backup Vocals), Jef Kearns (Flute), Henry Lees (Lead Vocals), Don Forster (Bass), Anthony Lucic (Drums), Steve Dinunyk (Organ/Accordion). Mark “bird” Stafford and Suzie Vinnick also lend their unmeasurable talents to one track each on this Album.

Beyond Antonik's exceptional instrumental talents, it is very appearant that he is also an exceptional writer, which is highlighted in no uncertain terms on “The King of Infidelity”, and my favorite "Persevering Kind", the last track. In fact that last track was a double whammy for me, not only because of the great lyrics, but also because of the fact that Antonik' simply shined on Acoustic Guitar.

All in all I give very high grades for this Debut release. It was exceptional recorded, mixed, and mastered, thanks to Audiolab Recording Company in Toronto, Silverbirch Productions in Toronto.

I really enjoyed this Album and look forward to his next release. Highly Reccommended...

Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

Additional Info

 

Websites:

 

http://www.myspace.com/chrisantonik