Album Notes

Chris Kirby is a witty, spitey, pasty white kid from the woods whose style is simply addictive. He plays funky piano, saucy guitar, and sings as if the fate of his own mother hangs on every note. Chris’ music is “East Coast R&B” - it’s original, it’s eclectic, and it’s groovy!

The 25-year-old Norris Arm, NL native moved to the city of St. John’s in 2001 to study Electrical Engineering. When he wasn’t studying, Chris could be found playing in bars with various local bands. On May 25 2006 he graduated from Memorial University with a B Eng degree, and the very next day he released his solo debut album: “Chris Kirby on Rum and Religion”. Since then, Chris Kirby has enjoyed increasing success as a 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\". 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 “...Rum & Religion” 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 country including Stuart MacLean’s Vinyl Cafe and Blaine Morrison’s The Blues Own. Terry Parson’s Blind Lemon Blues program listed “Chris Kirby on Rum & Religion” as number 7 in the top 20 Canadian blues recordings of 2006.

Chris brings his soulful sound to the masses with the help of his band, the Marquee; bassist Craig Follett and drummer Mark Marshall. Mark is a talented musician who has showcased at international drum festivals and received high acclaim from some of the industry’s renowned players. Craig is a MusicNL-nominated sideman who regularly performs with some of Newfoundland’s finest performers.

Chris Kirby and the Marquee have appeared on radio and television across the country including the CBC Janeway Telethon (NL), Breakfast Television (NS), and CIUT FM (ON). Most recently, the band was featured on the live national CBC Radio One program, “GO!”. They also showcased at the 2008 ECMA conference, performing on the CBC Rising Star stage.

Chris and his band have begun working towards the recording of the follow-up to “...Rum & Religion”. This project is tentatively titled “Vampire Hotel”, and will be produced by the one and only Gordie Johnson (formerly of Big Sugar).

Live, Chris Kirby & the Marquee entertain and inspire. They are a refreshing throwback to the styles of blues and R&B 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.