| Chris Kirby is a young blues songwriter with a sound beyond his years. His eclectic and soulful new recording, entitled Chris Kirby on Rum & Religion, serves up thoughtful guitar, rumble-tumble piano, and smooth harmonies. The 23-year-old pasty white kid from Norris Arm, moved to St. John’s in 2001 where he began playing in a string of bands on the local scene. With his first album, Chris finally emerged as a solo artist, and a captivating songwriter and performer. Chris Kirby on Rum & Religion is a collection of all-original material, and has been unofficially classified as "modern pop-blues". Since its release to a packed house at the Fat Cat blues bar in May 2006, the album has earned Chris a nomination for MUSICNL Blues/Jazz artist of the year, a showcase at the 2006 MUSICNL awards conference, and a slew of media attention. The title track from the album debuted in the top ten on the East Coast Countdown in September of 2006, and has garnered interest from other Atlantic Canadian radio shows. In his home province, Chris has been featured, interviewed, and has performed on various popular shows from CBC radio, MUN campus radio, and Rogers Television. On Rum & Religion, Chris is joined by his band, the Marquee. The Marquee includes bassist Craig Follett and drummer Mark Marshall. Craig is a 2006 MUSICNL nominee (“side musician of the year”), and regularly performs with many of Newfoundland’s finest musicians and groups. Mark is a talented young musician who recently showcased at the Cape Breton International Drum Festival, where he received praise from some of the industry’s renowned players. The album also features performances by jazz keyboardist and ex-Marquee member Cullam Bruce-Lockhart, blues guitarist Darrell Cooper, the Funky Dory horn section, and guest vocalists Johnny Ennis and Armondo Fowlow. Live, Chris Kirby & the Marquee entertain and inspire. They are a refreshing throwback to the styles of blues legends, but with a modern flair that's all their own. With tight arrangements and spontaneous jams, CK&M deliver a unique and unforgettable show every time. | |
