Chris Kirby - Vox, Guitars, Piano
Craig Follett - Bass Guitar, Backing Vox
Mark (Gingersnap) Marshall - Drums
Influences
SRV, Jimi, Colin James, Ray Charles, Dr. John, Keb' Mo', Robert Johnson, Clapton, Muddy, Buddy, Ben Folds, Wide Mouth Mason, Gordie Johnson........if they got soul, they on the list!
Chris Kirby is a young blues songwriter with a sound beyond his years. His latest eclectic and soulful recording, entitled "Chris Kirby on Rum & Religion", serves up thoughtful guitar, rumble-tumble piano, and smooth harmonies.
The 24-year-old pasty white kid from Norris Arm, NL, moved to the city of St. John’s in 2001 where he began playing in a string of bands on the local scene. With the release of "...on Rum & Religion", Chris finally emerged as a solo artist and a captivating songwriter and performer.
"Chris Kirby on Rum and 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 MUSICNL and ECMA nominations in blues categories. It has also spawned showcase and songwriters circle appearances at major local and national festivals, where Chris shared the stage with greats such as Ron Hynes, Pamela Morgan, Kyle Riabko and Harry Manx.
Just four weeks after its chart debut, the title track from the album hit number 1 on the nationally-syndicated East Coast Countdown. This and other tracks from the album have since been featured on radio shows across the nation. Locally, Chris has been featured, interviewed, and has performed on various popular shows from CBC radio and television, CHMR (MUN campus radio), and Rogers Television. CHMR’s “Blind Lemon Blues” listed “Chris Kirby on Rum & Religion” as number 7 in the top 20 Canadian blues recordings of 2006.
On "...Rum and Religion" Chris is joined by his new 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.
In the year 2008; girls have been reduced to sexual objects by the Girls Gone Wild, Spike TV, Ultimate Fighting, TMZ nation. Hitting girls, referring to them using derogatory names, and lying to them for sex has become common behavior. Young kids are watching closely, copying our every move, and repeating this cycle. THIS MUST END.
Hi Chris, Hope you can make it to our NL show on July 12th at Club One when we come to "NAIL" the rock !! "Tickets NOW ON SALE" at these locations: Sundance Big Ben's Fred's Records, Duckworth St. Griffith's Guitar Work's, Ropewalk Lane Music City, Waterford Bridge Rd. Music City, Stravanger Drive Here's a video ad with more info..
Thanks Chris, I put up a blog letting my fans know about the songs and your stellar writing. Hope it sends some people your way to listen:-) Cheers! Layla
was so great to perform with you guys and do some studio stuff:-) U guys rock and your songs are still stuck in my head Chris! Hope to see you all in Toronto sooooon! PS hey! shouldn't I be in your top friends, haha!
Hi Chris, Thanks for visiting from one of my favourite places in Canada. Or if you prefer, my favourite place in the Republic of Avalon. Glad you're enjoying the music. Maybe our paths will cross next time we're in Newfoundland. All the best, Cynthia
thanks so much Chris---I appreciate it...glad you like the tunes. Thats awesome you'll be recording in Texas...and that'd be great, I hope to play a bunch this summer...take care!
