“Two Blues Diamonds!” Blues Blast Magazine
DIANA BRAITHWAITE -2024 BIO
Diana Braithwaite is a multi- award winning internationally renowned blues vocalist and writer who most recently won the Life Time Achievement Blues With A Feeling Award at Canada’s National Maple Blues Awards.
Keeping the blues alive, singing from the heart, Braithwaite, who was born in Toronto is known for her authentic blues style that captures the essence of an age old tradition of blues singing, while bringing the music into today’s world.
Through a repertoire of blues songs that feature and highlight the different sounds, melodies, stories and rhythms of the music, Braithwaite shares with audiences, the beauty and captivating sound of the blues.
Diana Braithwaite incorporates blues tradition, old songs and stories that honor the sound of yesteryear, in particular, blues popular in the 50’s and 60’s, while lending her own unique style to the genre, adding a contemporary musical sound, to the blues journey of today.
When Diana Braithwaite sings, you hear passion, with sultry stories of life beautifully expressed through music.
Braithwaite is a descendant of the Wellington County pioneers in Canada. With roots in the southern United States her ancestors escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad and lived for four generations in Wellington County, the first African-Canadian pioneer settlement in Ontario. Dubbed “a national treasure” by BLUZ-FM’s Radio host Danny Marks, Diana Braithwaite has created her own unique appealing and expressive blues style.
CHRIS WHITELEY-2024 BIO
Chris Whiteley was born in Kansas and came to Canada as a youth where he came to be one of the top musicians in the country. A multi-instrumentalist and nine time Maple Blues Award Winner for Best Horn Player of the Year, Whiteley is also a recipient of Jazz Report Magazine’s Album of the Year Award.
Apart from establishing his own successful career as a band leader /player within the jazz and blues scene in Canada and the United States, Whiteley is known as a legendary stalwart multi-instrumentalist within the Canadian music scene, who as a young musician starting out, would often be first call as a guitarist to back up touring blues artists such as – Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Blind John Davis, Chuck Berry just to name a few.
Whiteley is also a member of the renowned musical Whiteley family – father to Juno award winning vocalist – Jenny Whiteley, mandolin virtuoso Dan Whiteley, and one of the top blues and jazz piano players in Toronto – Jesse Whiteley. Chris is also brother to the dynamic musician and multi-instrumentalist, Ken Whiteley.
During his career, Chris Whiteley toured with Stuart Maclean’s Vinyl Café show on CBC for 10 years. Kansas born multi-instrumentalist Chris Whiteley, (guitar, harmonica, trumpet, steel guitar), has had an illustrious music career spanning some 50 years since his early beginnings with the renowned Sloth Band. A legend on the Canadian music scene, Whiteley’s extensive touring career includes working with many renowned jazz and blues legends such as Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and countless appearances on television and radio including a special guest appearance on Saturday Night Live with the international recording artist Leon Redbone. A multiple award-winning international touring performer, Chris Whiteley has appeared on over 250 recordings. In January 2020 Chris Whiteley won the Maple Blues Award for the top blues horn player in Canada–for the 9th time.
DIANA & CHRIS – COMBINED BIO: 2025
The blues couple have recorded 11 albums together and have toured all over North America, UK and Europe winning numerous awards for their songwriting and albums together.
Their first CD collaboration, MORNING SUN, garnered rave reviews, extensive air play, and led to multiple Canadian MAPLE BLUES NOMINATIONS & AWARDS, including Album of the year, and Acoustic Act of the year. Their second albums, also recorded for the Electro-Fi label, NIGHT BIRD BLUES was extremely well received, with great reviews and airplay internationally. It led to them being awarded 3 MAPLE BLUES AWARDS in January 2010, including being recognized as SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR. Their third Electro-Fi release, DeltaPhonic, led to more Maple Blues Awards, and reached number 1 on B.B. Kings Bluesville XM Sirius satellite radio network.
They have continued to tour tirelessly across Europe and North America, appearing at Festivals and concerts, as well as numerous radio and television appearances. Highlights include 4 successful tours of Art Centers and Blues venues in the U.K., including featured performances at the Great British R & B Festival in Colne and the Monaghan Harvest Blues Festival in Ireland, concert appearances in Russia, Spain and Europe, and numerous national tours of Canada. Their American profile continues to expand, with such events as the Hudson River Park Blues Festival in New York City, Tinner Hill Blues Fest in Virginia, and appearances on TV and National Public Radio.
SONGWRITING Additional to touring and performing, Diana and Chris are an award-winning songwriting team, signed with the international music publishing house – Nightingale Music to create and produce original songs for inclusion in movies, TV and film. Their latest project – Roadhouse Music Project was released internationally in 2018.
The Concert – Sugar and Gold – Stories of the Underground Railroad also premiered in February 2018, at four theatres across Ontario as Diana and Chris presented their new theatrical, musical show to standing ovations and welcoming audiences.
LIVE SHOW AND RECORDING REVIEWS AND QUOTES
2024
Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley – Forever Blues | Album Review
THE EDMONTON JOURNAL
Four must-see acts at the Edmonton Blues Festival
By Roger Levesque
No strangers to Edmonton, Toronto veterans Braithwaite (vocals) and Whiteley (guitar, trumpet) have fashioned one of the best blues duos around, winning Maple Blues Awards and Blues Foundation nominations in the U.S., and touring internationally with their mix of early period blues styles and original tunes in a similar vein
LIVING BLUES MAGAZINE – ISSUE 235 DIANA BRAITHWAITE &
CHRIS WHITELEY
“The Canada-based duo of Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley are known for their fine fusion of modern sensibilities with classic blues styles. Their latest release, is no exception: the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist have put together a harmonious assortment of originals and covers that sounds both timely and timeless at once. Every song has a tale to tell, and Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley convey each one in their elegant, eloquent fashion.”
—Melanie Young
Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley Feature of the Week on celebrity Dan Akroyd Blues Breaker List for their song “Florida”
Feature of the Week! Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have been making music together since 2005. They are each talented performers in their own right, she as a singer, songwriter and interpreter of the blues, and he as a guitar player, songwriter and cornet player. He won Canada’s Maple Blues Award in 2014 for the top blues horn player…for the 7th time. Here are Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley….“Florida!”
Dan Akroyd- The Bluesmobile Radio Show
THE TORONTO SUN -Rhythms ’N’ Rhymes “
Talented couple highlight the TD Toronto Jazz festival, which kicks off today across the city.”Chris Whiteley and Diana Braithwaite, my favourite blues couple, make some of the most inventive, thought-ful and soulful blues in this country ….
Errol Nazareth
XM/Sirius Radio Bluesville – Recording hits # 1 on the charts
Electro-Fi Release – 2010 – Night Bird Blues – hits #2 on Bluesville & Electro-Fi release “Deltaphonic” charted #1 on XM/Sirius Radio’s B.B. King’s Bluesville Radio chart in 2011 Blues country was recorded with Gary Kendall-Bass, Mike Fonfara-Keys, Mike Fitzpatrick-Drums, Pat Carey-Sax
GOLD CADILLAC MAKes TOP 10 for BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Gold Cadillac makes the best album of the year Jazz FM Top 10 list released January 2020!
Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley – Gold Cadillac | Album Review- Blues Blast Magazine
Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley – Gold Cadillac
G-THREE
CD: 11 Songs, 37 Minutes
Styles: Blues Covers, Jazz-and-Soul-Influenced Blues
Good blues makes one entertain the notion that the singer “feels your pain,” as former president Bill Clinton used to say. Great blues transmogrifies its performers into personal pals and crooners into confidants, for as long as the music lasts. Canada’s Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley generate such intimate rapport with every note they sing and chord they play. Their chemistry and consummate musicianship are brilliantly showcased on the selections that their latest album Gold Cadillac features. However, what’s almost spooky is the way these two seem to enter into your living room, automobile, or other personal space you occupy and make you feel like they’re your closest friends. You’d tell them your secrets, for they would understand. They’ve been in the blues for so long that no heartache is beyond their ken. Although only three songs out of eleven are originals, every one of them is full to the brim with warmth and clarity. Whiteley, the winner of MAPL’s Best Horn Player of the Year for 2019, and Braithwaite, dubbed “a national treasure” by JAZZ FM, are two of a kind – two flawless blues diamonds.
Even though they’re not widely known in the United States, Braithwaite and Whiteley are mainstays of the Canadian blues scene. They’ve won countless awards, including several from SOCAN and MAPL, but they’ve also garnered the prestigious African American Women in the Arts Award and the Cable Ace Award. With roots in the southern United States , Diana’s ancestors escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad and lived for four generations in Wellington County, the first African-Canadian pioneer settlement in Ontario. Growing up, she spent summers in Montreal, Quebec, in a place called “Little Burgundy,” the historic African-Canadian neighborhood where her father and the great jazz musician Oscar Peterson were born. As for Chris, he’s had an illustrious music career spanning some forty years. His extensive touring career includes working with renowned jazz and blues legends such as Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and countless appearances on television and radio, including a special guest appearance on Saturday Night Live with international recording jazz artist Leon Redbone.
Alongside Braithwaite (vocals) and Whiteley (guitar, harmonica, cornet and vocals) are John Sheard on piano, Ron Johnston on bass, Vince Maccarone on drums, Neil Braithwaite on tenor sax, and background vocals by Bobbi Lee.
“Toodle Loodle Loo,” lucky number seven, is the first of the three original tunes. It’s a bouncy boogie with perfect big-band sound, not to mention terrific harmonica from Chris. John Sheard heats up the ivories to a sizzling temperature as well. Two songs later, the title track arrives, super-short (two minutes and forty seconds) and super-suave. Braithwaite’s velvety voice excites as she calls out, “Yeah, all you humdingers, all you bell-ringers, in the back of the line!” Polishing off this CD is “Down the Road We Go,” a slow burner and trip down memory lane.
Gold Cadillac is a winner for sure, presented by two classic Canadian confidants in the blues!
Gold cadillac Review 2020
Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley are Canadian ambassadors of the blues, offering their unique take on the genre while travelling the globe in harmonious good will. Any album by these two is sure to be heartfelt and true to the tradition, as well as groundbreaking in their easygoing way. Gold Cadillac finds the twosome authentically taking on many blues styles. Multi-instrumentalist Whiteley masters every lick on the guitar, harmonica and trumpet, while Braithwaite brings thoughtful wisdom to every lyric. When the two sing together, the blend is indicative of the abiding love they share and the example they set of harmony in more than just music. Gold Cadillac takes the pair a little further down the road they travel together just as it takes the listener to a place where blues meets a whole lot more. Danny Marks- BLUZ FM ON JAZZ FM
QUOTES
“Diana is a branch close to the root. The expression “Real Deal” may be overused, in “ this case, it’s absolute.” Danny Marks- Bluz FM on Jazz FM 2019
“If you’re a lover of downhome blues, you’ve come to the right place”
Greg Bluzdog Szlony BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE
“The duo of Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley are known for their fine fusion of modern sensibilities with classic blues styles”
– LIVING BLUES MAGAZINE
“They really hit their stride exploring the poignancy of Skip James “Hard Time Killin Floor”
– Frank John Hadley
– DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
“Superbly effortless Chris Whiteley and Diana Braithwaite, whose genius simply flowed.”
– TORONTO STAR, Richard Ouzounian
“Braithwaite and Whiteley pay homage to a bygone era of blues!”
“Vintage! A sweet-sounding touch of class from Chicago’s past”
“Masters of Old School Blues!”
–BLUES REVUE MAGAZINE, USA
“Best in vintage blues, the real deal…”
– DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
“Electro-Fi’s latest offering will be regarded as “manna from heaven”
“Whiteley’s guitar…brings Lonnie Johnson to mind”
“Braithwaite’s “classic blues” styled vocals mesh irresistibly with Whiteley’s Broonzy stylings” BLUES IN BRITAIN MAGAZINE Blues Revue Magazine-USA
“Two talented performers join forces…”Whiteley’s “Great Big City …
holds special appeal” DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
Frank-John Hadley
“Back to that Bluebird sound” “Diana’s voice is full of class
and dignity”BLUES RADIO POLAND
“Chris Whiteley… Un musicien de bon gout, qui puisse aux meilleures sources (blues, jazz, swing) du patrimoine musical americain. D’autre part, c’est un bon chanteur, doté d’une voix douce teintée de bourbon”
SOUL BAG FRANCE
“Won me over at first listen…expressive and beautiful”
CBC – CANADA
“Diana Braithwaite is “a blues diva of outstanding talent”
BLUES IN BRITAIN
“Diana Braithwaite is a national treasure. Her blues goes back to the land where blues began”
Danny Marks, JAZZ FM 91.1
“Timeless blues lovingly sung and played” John Valentyn – Toronto Blues Society – Top Blues Pick – July 2019
“Superbly effortless Chris Whiteley and Diana Braithwaite, whose genius simply flowed.” ~ TORONTO STAR October 2, 2014 Richard Ouzounian
“Braithwaite’s voice is a crystal clear, full-bodied, gorgeous instrument.” ~ BLUES IN BRITAIN MAGAZINE
“Braithwaite and Whiteley have a beautiful way with a song” ~ BLUES REVUE MAGAZINE USA
“Diana Braithwaite is a national treasure.” ~DANNY MARKS BLUZ FM ON JAZZ FM
“The musical talents and abilities of Chris Whiteley are seemingly endless. As well as being an award-winning songwriter, he is equally at home on instruments as diverse as guitar, pedal steel, trumpet and harmonica.” ~ LATE MUSIC LEGEND JEFF HEALEY
AWARDS
2020 – Chris Whiteley wins! Best Horn Player of the Year 2019!! Maple Blues Awards
2019 – Diana & Chris’s blues recording Gold Cadillac makes the Top 10 list! of the best albums of 2019 – Jazz-FM
2018 – Diana Braithwaite – Awarded Global Music Bronze Award – Best Female Jazz Vocalist
2018 Winner – Diana Braithwaite Life Time Achievement – Blues With A Feeling Award – Maple Blues Awards
2014 Winner Chris Whiteley – Best Horn Player of the Year – Maple Blues Awards -for the 7th time!
2011 Winner – Chris Whiteley Life Time Achievement – Blues With A Feeling Award – Maple Blues Awards
Diana & Chris Win Canada’s SOCAN Best Songwriters Award
Chris – Winner ~ Jazz Report ~ Album of the year
Diana – Winner of The African ~ American Women in The Arts Award ~ Chicago, Illinois USA
Diana – Winner of The Golden Sheaf Award ~ Best Soundtrack
Diana – Best Original Songs for feature-length movie ~ Canada
Diana – Gemini Award Winner ~ Canada
Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley – Blues Country | Album Review – BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE
Blues duo Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have collaborated on a total of 6 Cd releases since 2006. Born in Canada, vocalist Diana Braithwaite has an interesting history, steeped in the essence of the Blues. Four generations ago, her family escaped from slavery in Florida via the Underground Railroad and settled in the first African-Canadian enclave in Wellington County, Ontario. Prior to her association with Chris Whitey, Braithwaite has shared platforms with John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, Mel Brown, Model T Ford and Jeff Healey. Her career took off after opening the 1999 Lilith Fair Festival in front of a crowd that was 18,000 strong.
Kansas born Chris Whitely has been a working musician for more than 30 years. He plays guitar, cornet and harmonica. Greatly influenced by Lonnie Johnson as a teenager, Whitely has worked with Taj Mahal, Sunnyland Slim, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry,John Hammond and Leon Redbone.
Both singularly and in tandem, the duo has amassed many awards, including Canada’s Maple Blues Award. Whiteley has won the Maple Leaf Award 7 times for best horn player.
Blues Country is a deft mix of that rural Country Blues sound and urbanized, horn driven ensemble playing. The opening track, “Sleepy Little Village,” develops an engaging story line after slowly starting with a slide guitar intro, followed by a lonely sax, segueing into a rollicking lament about returning home. When the piano, pounded by Electric Flagg alum Michael Fonfara jumps in, the band is hitting on all cylinders and the tone is set.
The band also consists of bassist Gary Kendall, drummer Mike Fitzpatrick and tenor & bari player Pat Carey (all of whom along with Fonfara, have been members of the Downchild Blues Band of Canada).
Standout tracks include “It Doesn’t Matter,” set apart by Whiteley’s clever cornet phrasing and “Motorcycle,” whose adroit lyrics tackle the proclivity that women’s hearts may have for Louis L’Amour type cowboy paperbacks, whose heroes sometimes leave cowgirls lacking. A mouthful to be sure, but when the female protagonist decides to mount a motorcycle and roam the countryside, against a simmering, down in the alley Blues backdrop, it definitely works.
The heartfelt “Sunday In Savannah” elicits traces of Nina Simone from whom Ms. Braithwaite admittedly culls inspiration. It is the only track on Blues Country not written by Braithwaite & Whiteley.
“Jumby Bash” though, might be questionable with its quirky, lyrical content. Is it Blues, or a type of stylized Bobby “Boris” Pickett Popish Top 40 effort? You be the judge.
Overall this production has formidable traction. The band cooks and Diana Braithwaite swings. Definitely worth adding to your collection.