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"A working musician in the truest sense, ...a great songwriter who puts out his own records." CBC Radio 3
Once labeled “a songwriting Charles Atlas” by the Toronto Sun, Chris Staig returns in 2015 with “Shack By The Tracks”. This new recording is the best representation of both Staig’s blues tinged folk rock writing and the live sound of his hard working band The Marquee Players.
Each of Staig’s five recordings are roots rock chronicles detailing how characters in love with music, barrooms and occasionally each other survive with their ideals and passions more or less intact. A review of Staig’s 2006 release “Davenport” noted the disc featured “a winning combination of power pop, roots rock and singer/songwriter pop. There are also hints of Neil Young and John Lennon as well as Grandaddy's Jason Lytle." On April 7 2008, "Time Won't Leave You", from "Davenport" was selected as CBC's New Music Canada Track of Day.
Notable performers who have enlisted Staig’s guitar talents for recording and live performance include Greg Hobbs, bagpipe-funk pioneer Grier Coppins and Dakota Tavern stalwart Jimmy Byron. Staig for has also recorded and played live with Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene. His guitar playing is featured on the track "Blue Skies" from Collett's CD "Motor Motel Love Songs".
Staig is the only songwriter to have his work covered and recorded by both power pop cynic Dan Bryk ("Honest Love") and novelty song act The Arrogant Worms ("Buy a Bottle of Booze")
Chris Staig's current band, The Marquee Players maintains a monthly residency at Toronto’s fabled Hole in the Wall, and perform many shows around Ontario each month.
"Shack By the Tracks" was recorded with Andy Magoffin (Great Lake Swimmers, The Constantines) at The House of Miracles in Cambridge, Ontario. A series of shows throughout Ontario to promote the album commences in April of 2015, and included an official launch party on Friday April 3rd at Toronto’s Junction City Music Hall.