“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”

“>> Antone "Chooky" Caldwell has played bass for the likes of Mariah Carey, Macy Gray and The Pussycat Dolls. When not touring or producing with platinum-selling artists, he leads his own smooth jazz group. The band will be at Blues Alley on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 +$12.50 minimum/surcharge.”

“Antone "Chooky" Caldwell is the new whats happening on the pop scene from the east coast to the left coast from NYC to L.A. Chooky is a multi-dimensional musical artist & native of Washington, DC. A music prodigy by age five he has worked with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Mariah Carey, The pussycat Dolls, Lalah Hathaway, and Cisco just to name a few. As a result of working with these artist Chooky commented about his prospering career, “The experience & advice I received from these great artists, in addition to my passion & hard work, has prepared me for this next chapter in my life.” Mr. Caldwell has traveled the world performing & sharing his many gifts and exceptional abilities as a producer, composer, lyricist, keyboardist, bassist, lead guitarist, percussionist and vocalist. His style is passionate but cool, funky yet mature and provocative. Chooky's newest release "Subject 2 Change" is already gaining fans world wide. This is one artist you need in your play deck fo s”

“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.'"”

“Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Outdoor musical performances by local and national jazz artists including Marcus Anderson, Avery Sunshine, Plunky & Oneness, Antone “Chooky” Caldwell, Marcus Young and the Afro Bop Alliance. Other attractions will include vendors, arts and crafts, food and more. A pre-festival fundraising dinner is scheduled for Friday 7-11 p.m. at Jazzy’s Restaurant in Bowie ($20 in advance, $25 at the door). Saturday noon-9 p.m. Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville. 301-333-6561. www.lakearborjazz.com. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.”

“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.”

“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”

“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 “Chook”