The pairing of vocalist Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown is one of those rare combinations where all parts seem to fit. Their shared musical aesthetic is evident as they glide through standards and bossa novas both and familiar and obscure. Intimate, romantic and soulful, their sound is easy on the ears and heart.
Petra and Andy’s interest in jazz began in Cincinnati. Inspired by local legends like guitarist Kenny Poole, they took part in the fertile jazz scene that Cincinnati had to offer. After several years, they relocated to New York City and played collectively and separately with such musicians as Joe Cohn, Dan Block, Murray Wall, Harry Allen, and Howard Alden.
In 2004, Petra and Andy moved to Chicago where they found a niche on that city’s vibrant jazz scene playing at such prominent venues as The Chicago Cultural Center, The Green Mill, The Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Pops For Champagne, and Katerina’s with such renowned Chicago musicians as Judy Roberts, Russ Phillips, Kim Cusack, Chris Foreman, and Art Davis.
As a duo, Petra and Andy have played such festivals as the prestigious Jazz at Chautauqua jazz party as well as Holland’s oldest Jazz festival, the Gorinchem Jazz Fest. Petra and Andy have played at top regional clubs including Cleveland’s Night Town, Ann Arbor’s Firefly, Cincinnati’s Blue Wisp Jazz Club, and New York City’s Ear Inn as well as for many jazz societies.
“Petra and Andy are long-time sweethearts (now married) who make lovely intimate swinging sounds together. I caught them at their two morning sets at Jazz at Chautauqua, and they kept a roomful of people rapt. Petra is a find: she has a delicate focused voice, doesn’t overact or emote, has beautiful lilting time and musical wit. She honors the songs and their emotions. And she’s no Imitation: when I first heard her, I didn’t instantly think, “Oh, she’s been listening to the Complete Recordings of _ _ _ _ _,” which is a relief. Andy impressed me immediately with his lovely chording, subtle melodies, and generous accompaniment. Many guitar players spatter the room with notes, gangster-style: Andy makes music. He can also provide incredible drive and subtlety to a band. He has a lovely tone and a quiet pulse. And — even better — this duet shows just how well this pair of expert musicians listen to one another. They are worth listening to! Petra and Andy give us hope.”
Michael Steinman, Jazz Lives
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