Antone’ “Chooky” Caldwell is a Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer, Producer and Engineer born and raised in the Nation’s Capital Washington, DC. With generations of talented musicians in his family, Chooky was destined to be born with great talent and musical genius. He received his 1st musical instrument at the age of 5 when his father, Melvin Caldwell, gave him a bass guitar for Christmas. “As I got older, I learned how to play different instruments and enjoyed the freedom of composing and writing songs,” says Chooky. His love of music and instruments is evident every time he takes the stage. He’s not only a master of the bass guitar but also the trombone, piano, sousaphone, lead guitar and percussion. Chooky’s musical aptitude transcends the limitations of musical genres and has afforded him the opportunity to perform in a variety of places, from churches to sold-out stadiums nationally and internationally.
As one of the music industry’s most respected musician’s Chooky has worked with a variety of national talents and professionals including Heather Headley, Macy Gray, Sisqo of the group Dru Hill, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, The Pussycat Dolls, Rahsaan Patterson, London based recording artist, Ali, Lonnie Liston Smith, the late great Andrae’ Crouch, and Shirley Caesar. “The experience and advice I received from these great artists, in addition to my passion and hard work, prepared me for this chapter in my life,” says Chooky. A veteran on the musical stage, Chooky is also very skilled off the stage, and has contributed numerous compositions to the world’s music library. He produced the song “Full Time” for Heather Headly’s 2002 Album This is Who I Am and co-produced “No Thang on Me” for Snoop Doggs’ 2004 Platinum album Rhythm & Gangsta. Most notable, Chooky engineered and produced Jazz Saxophonist Ski Johnson's album New Beginnings, which topped at #1 on the Billboard charts in the Contemporary Jazz category for three solid weeks.
Chooky’s music has been described as riveting and heartfelt while at the same time signifying deep meaning. “I never compose a song that doesn’t move me first. I have to feel it in order for the audience to feel it. I often say that the audience is eavesdropping on a conversation me and the band are having with God. My music will always reflect who I am,” says Chooky. While Chooky’s heart is open to all genres of music, he credits his grandfather and guitarist the late Rev. Jesse O. Flood for his gospel musical influence and for being an influential role model.
Chooky's most recent project, Subject 2 Change, flaunts strong jazz, soul, and rhythm & blues flavors. His gospel influences appear on the project as well, most notably in the re-mastered classic “How Great Thou Art”, which is dedicated to his “Grandpa Flood”. The project’s single “Back Again” not only captures Chooky’s musical talents but reacquaints listeners with his vocal abilities. Chooky has had the privilege of being the featured artist at the Historic Howard Theatre in Washington, DC and has been a staple on the Capital Jazz Cruise for the past several years. He is a much sought after musician, artist and producer who continues to bridge the gap between genres and generations.
- Jul, 12 Bassist Antone “Chooky” Caldwell at Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
- Jun, 16 Sophisticated Sundays Spotlight on Antone Chooky Caldwell
- May, 20 Indie Music Reviews Antone' "Chooky" Caldwell
- Aug, 14 GKAM Records and SEI Entertainment present CD Release "Subject 2 Change"
- Jul, 18 Atlanta Song Writers write blog about Antone "Chooky" Caldwell
- Jul, 01 Antone "Chooky" Caldwell auditions for Mariah Carey's summer tour
Bassist Antone “Chooky” Caldwell at Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
“Bassist Antone “Chooky” Caldwell followed Afro Bop Alliance at the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival with a riveting set I would describe as electric energized funk. Flanking him on stage was The Truth Band, consisting of Corey Wallace on trombone, Grif Rikkley on sax, Devonte McCoy on trumpet, Jarel Abraham also on bass, and Lester Wallace on drums. The charismatic bassist spared no talent on the track “Touch of Latin.” His wife Tamika Caldwell joined him on stage for a sweet duet on the soulful slow jam “One 4 Me" after which they Sealed with a Kiss. Next was a riveting funky track called “Good Lord” from Caldwell’s last CD Basically Chook with Caldwell delivering smooth, fluid bass riffs we jazzers definitely appreciated. Caldwell then exhibited his soul and gospel creativity with a pair of covers, namely the classic “Always On My Mind” (made famous by Willie Nelson) and an up-tempo jam with the dueling basses with Abraham on the Stylistics’ classic “People Ma”
- Mike Sutton, The Smooth Jazz Ride (Jul 12, 2014)
Sophisticated Sundays Spotlight on Antone Chooky Caldwell
“Many people are unaware of the various talented and accomplished artists that started on stage right here in D.C. It’s my pleasure to spotlight a homegrown musician, Antone “Chooky” Caldwell for the 2nd Black Music Month installment. Twenty years into his successful music career as a multi-instrumentalist, respected bassist, Billboard charting producer and engineer, anyone can tell that Chooky was born for a life of music. His live sets captivate audiences with a 17-piece instrumental & vocal arrangement. His albums place him in various musical roles & he’s collaborated with a long-list of legendary artists such as Macy Gray, Sisqo of Dru Hill, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, The Pussycat Dolls & Rahsaan Patterson. Most notably, Chooky engineered & produced Jazz Saxophonist Ski Johnson's album New Beginnings, which topped at #1 on the Billboard charts for 3 solid weeks. Chooky just released his latest album, Subject 2 Change debuted last week with 2 sold out shows at Blues Alley in D”
Natasha T. Brown - OnStage DC - Sophisticated Sundays
Indie Music Reviews Antone' "Chooky" Caldwell
“Antone “Chooky” Caldwell can not only give you an instrumental, but a song chalked full of soul. “Good Lord” is a funky instrumental that really just sends out good vibes all around. With “Whatever It Takes” you get this mid-tempo track that has a bit of romance to it. Then “Consuela’s Star Child” and “A Touch of Latin” showcase the well, Latin side of what Antone “Chooky” Caldwell can do. Much to my surprise, there were lyrics in “One 4 Me.” I’d gotten used to grooving to the music but wow, Antone really has a set of pipes on him. His voice is silky and really hits the spot. Lyrics were found again with “Back Again.” Not sure if this guy has ever tried out for a singing competition – but he should. While I was enjoying what he was doing with the instrumentals, R&B is where he belongs and shines bright. If you’re either into hearing the musical components to a song or really looking for a new voice to attach yourself to, check out Antone “Chooky” Caldwell!
- Kendra Beltran, Indie Music Reviews (May 20, 2014)
GKAM Records and SEI Entertainment present CD Release "Subject 2 Change"
“GKAM Records and SEI Entertainment are collaborating to present the CD Release "Subject 2 Change" and LIVE performance by World Renowned Bassist and Producer and Engineer, Antone "Chooky" Caldwell, at the Historic Blues Alley in Washington, DC, on June 6, 2013 for two shows, 8pm and 10pm EST. Caldwell will debut his newest and critically acclaimed project, Subject 2 Change, which flaunts strong jazz, soul, and rhythm & blues. Caldwell's gospel influences appear on the project as well, most notably in the re-mastered classic How Great Thou Art which is dedicated to the late Guitarist Rev. Jesse O. Flood, Caldwell's grandfather and musical mentor. The project's single Back Again not only captures Caldwell's musical talents but reacquaints listeners with his vocal abilities. Subject 2 Change also features a host of world renowned writers, producers, and musicians including Marcus Johnson, Warren Jones, Vohn Higginbotham and Chris "Biscuit" Bynum, Jamal Moore and Daryl Woodson.”
- Forum Jazz News (Aug 14, 2013)
Atlanta Song Writers write blog about Antone "Chooky" Caldwell
Check out what bloggers are saying about Antone "Chooky" Caldwell's new CD
"Subject 2 Change"!! Click here
Antone "Chooky" Caldwell auditions for Mariah Carey's summer tour
“Antone "Chooky" Caldwell's audition for Mariah Carey's summer tour was over before it began. Caldwell was ready to show his stuff when he looked up from his bass and into the eyes of American Idol talent scout Randy "The Emperor" Jackson, who played bass on Carey's latest, The Emancipation of Mimi [Island]. But Jackson, who was searching for a bassist to stand in for him on tour, put an immediate end to the proceedings. "Randy remembered me from Sisqo's Thong Song tour in 2000," relates Caldwell. "He was like, 'Man, you don't have to audition. You've got the gig.'"”
- Kevin Owens, Bass Player Magazine (Jul 01, 2005)
- Jan, 19 Takoma Station
- Jan, 21 Ben's Next Door - A.I.R. Artist in Residence
- Jan, 25 Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club
- Feb, 16 Takoma Station
- Feb, 18 Ben's Next Door A.I.R. Artist in Residence
- Feb, 27 Identity Ultra Lounge
- Mar, 18 Ben's Next Door A.I.R. Artist in Residence
- Mar, 23 Alleyne AME Zion Church
- Mar, 30 Takoma Station
- May, 16 Takoma Station (GKAM Artist Showcase)
- May, 18 Simpson United Methodist Church
- May, 20 Ben's Next Door A.I.R. Artist in Residence
- Jul, 12 Lake Arbor Jazz Fest
- Aug, 23 Bellissimo of Bel Air
- Oct, 30 Blues Alley
Takoma Station
6914 4th St NW Washington, DC
Ben's Next Door - A.I.R. Artist in Residence
1211 U Street Washington, DC
No Cover Charge
Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club
Takoma Station
6914 4th St NW Washington, DC
$10.00 Cover Charge
Ben's Next Door A.I.R. Artist in Residence
1211 U Street Washington, DC
Identity Ultra Lounge
8521 Liberty Rd, Randallstown, MD 21133
$5.00 Cover Charge
Ben's Next Door A.I.R. Artist in Residence
1211 U Street Washington, DC
No Cover Charge
Alleyne AME Zion Church
1419 King Street
Alexandria, VA
Special Guest/Speaker of the Hour
Takoma Station
6914 4th St NW Washington, DC
$10.00 Cover Charge
Takoma Station (GKAM Artist Showcase)
6914 4th Street NW
Washington, DC
$10.00 Cover Charge
Simpson United Methodist Church
"Just Us" Anniversary Celebration
907 Centreville Road
Wilmington, DE 19804
Ben's Next Door A.I.R. Artist in Residence
1211 U Street Washington, DC
No Cover Charge
Lake Arbor Jazz Fest
Lake Arbor Community Center
10100 Lake Arbor Way
Mitchellville, MD
Bellissimo of Bel Air
Antone' "Chooky" Caldwell & The GKAM Experience
featuring Tamika Caldwell
Performs at Bellissimo of Bel Air for the Womens Challenge Inc.
Blues Alley
Antone" "Chooky" Caldwell Presents: The G.K.A.M. Experience
Featuring new GKAM astists: Jesse Washingtonian, Primo the Dutch, Tamika Caldwell & Ashia Bello backed by the baddest band in the land, "The Truth"!
Tickets and More Information
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Ducci's Dirty Funk79 playsAntone "Chooky" C...https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/31196/07_Duccis_Dirty_Funk.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/31196/07_Duccis_Dirty_Funk.mp3Ducci's Dirty Funk
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Back Again68 playsAntone "Chooky" C...https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/31195/14_Back_Again.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/31195/14_Back_Again.mp3Back Again
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One 4 Me - Antone "Chooky" Caldwell ft. Tamika Caldwell at Bethe -
Antone Chooky Caldwell CD PromoPerformance Sampler of Antone Chooky Caldwell's CD Bassically Chook released 2011
Antone "Chooky" Caldwell
Phone: (240) 463-8950
Email: chookoutmybass@gmail.com