Think of Robert Plant and Allison Krauss or Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons and you get a good idea of where these two Saskatoon singer-songwriters are coming from. They complement one another beautifully as they perform each other's music. John Antoniuk comes from the indie/roots side of life and Jen Lane has a bit more country/folk in her repertoire. Together, they create straight ahead rhythms and harmonies that complete the musical package. They have performed many times on a National stage showcasing at Breakout West, Canadian Music Week, North by Northeast and Prairie Scene, and achieved International recognition at Folk Alliance in Kansas City, MO, South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and through SaskMusic’s Export Showcase in Los Angeles, CA.
John and Jen have always kept their projects separate, with John working on Smokekiller and the recent more rootsy, eponymous, Always With You; and Jen Lane taking 3 of 4 releases to nominations for Album of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. It was during their attendance at one of their many showcases that the industry began to buzz with the idea of a full collaboration between the songwriting couple. These ideas led to Jen and John spending some time between individual writing sessions to try to create some songs together. The personal dynamic that is present between John and Jen comes to life in their writing.
The album “Jen & John” is a co-production effort by Jen and John and features 3 new songs written by John, 2 new songs written by Jen, and a couple covers for a special treat. “Oh My Sweet Carolina” by Ryan Adams was the first song the musical couple sang together when they met and began jamming. “Crazy Mama” by J.J. Cale (1972) was recently discovered when John got Jen a record player for Christmas last year and picked up a few old, used records.
With a full tour schedule booked for this summer in Western Canada, you’ll have lots of opportunities to catch Jen Lane and John Antoniuk live, and experience the magic of “Jen & John” for yourself.
Watch/ Listen/ Post an unreleased track ”Crazy” by Jen Lane & John Antoniuk: here
Jen Lane and John Antoniuk, “Jen & John” Track Listing
1. Give It All Away (john) 3:39
2. Lost (jen) 3:46
3. Sweet Carolina* (ryan adams) 4:54
4. Having A Good Time (jen) 3:46
5. End Of The World (john) 4:08
6. Crazy Mama* (j.j. cale) 4:07
7. The Way Home (john) 4:03
Jen Lane and John Antoniuk Western Canadian Tour Dates
July 29 The Last Drop, Revelstoke, BC
July 30 Tractorgrease, Chilliwack, BC
August 1 Thurber's House Concert, Nanaimo, BC
August 3 Salt Spring Centre, Salt Spring Island, BC
August 4 Treehouse Cafe, Ganges, BC
August 7 Garlic Festival, Salt Spring Island, BC
August 8 Heritage Workshop, Salt Spring Island, BC
August 10 Treehouse Cafe, Ganges, BC
August 14 Cafe Deux Soleils, Vancouver, BC w/ Jack Marks
August 15 House Concert, Kelowna, BC
August 16 Grizzly Plaza, Revelstoke, BC
August 17 Fratter's, Red Deer, AB w/ Twin Peaks
August 18 Ironwood Stage, Calgary, AB w/ Northern Beauties, Twin Peaks
September 12 Artful Dodger, Regina, SK w/Still House Poets
October 2nd, Bassment, Saskatoon, SK w/ guests
