If you like the way cats like Big Dave McLean or Watermelon Slim play the blues, mixed with a touch of Texas and a smattering of jazz, you will like Toronto bluesman Chris Antonik, who has just released his new CD “Better For You.”
Antonik has a big, gruff, immediately appealing voice and a smooth, Santanaish guitar sound through the 11 tracks on the CD. There are many flavours in the music from subdued organ, plus perfect horns.
And he taps into the spirit of the delta blues, on Walter Horton’s blues classic “Have A Good Time” — an acoustic number with a great harp solo from Josh Williams which is very reminiscent of Big Dave McLean.
Monkey Junk’s Steve Marriner adds an exceptional harp solo to the first track “Long Way To Go.”
He has a pretty solid guest list on his CD. Suzie Vinnick provides background vocals on several highlights including “Turn To Shine,” “Come From A Good Place,” and “So Tired.”
While Antonik usually sings lead, he brings in powerhouse soul vocalist Shakura S‘Aida to sing lead on “Come From A Good Place.”
“Better For You” features one of many beautiful guitar solos on the CD. This one sounds like a long lost Pink Floyd solo.
CD: Better For You
Artist:Chris Antonik
Genre: blues