Trinidadian Canadian guitarist Tony “Wild T” Springer gained notoriety after moving to Toronto as a teen in the 1980s. He created his band, Wild T & The Spirit, in the 1990s. Growing up in Tunapuna, Trinidad, Springer was exposed to Caribbean music: calypso, steel drums, and Jamaican reggae. He began writing songs at age six and would soon seek a change outside of the traditional Caribbean genres. Listening to the Yes band guitarist, Steve Howe, was the catalyst for his picking up the guitar. From here, he became influenced by artists like Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, Lenny Kravitz and James Brown. With his band, he writes music that incorporates elements of blues, funk, soul, and rock while Springer maintains his personal style.

Past members have included Danny Bilan (drummer), Brian Dickie (bass), Kojo Ferguson (bass), and Chas Laurie; they all contributed to the band’s success and development throughout the early 1990s. They attracted attention with their debut, Love Crazy, which reached number one on the RPM CanCon Chart. Taking advantage of the opportunity, they toured regularly and collaborated with iconic blues and rock contemporaries. Springer collaborated with Buddy Guy in Chicago for a short time in the 90s before returning to his band, and they also found themselves opening for Bon Jovi on a Canadian tour in 1993, continuing to open for Colin James afterwards. In 1992 Springer and his band co-headlined with Joan Jett. David Bowie asked Springer to be the guitarist for his album Black Tie White Noise, resulting in his appearance on Jay Leno, David Letterman & Arsenio Hall, and on the behind-the-scenes DVD for Bowie’s album.

Wild T first gained recognition in Toronto for his technical skills and ability to imitate Hendrix, and eventually he was voted the Canadian Black Music Awards’ best guitarist. Wild T & the Spirit have earned two JUNO nods for Most Promising Male Vocalist (1992) and Best Hard Rock Album (1994). Springer also acted occasionally during his career, appearing in Daydream Believers: The Monkees Story (2000), Body Count (1987) and Soul Food (2000).

Currently operating as a trio, Springer, Guenther Kapelle (bass), and Dave Langguth (drums) are still making an impact on Canadian blues-rock music.

Awards:

• Canadian Black Music Award for Best Guitarist