Andrew Distel was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. While studying at the prestigious College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, he was taken under the wing of Mary Ellen Tanner, a close friend and colleague of Rosemary Clooney. Under her tutelage, he was able to sit in and learn from some of the great musicians in the Cincinnati jazz scene—John Von Ohlen (drummer for Stan Kenton) and Cal Collins (West Coast guitarist for Benny Goodman).
Upon his arrival in Chicago, he began headlining at such notable venues as the Pump Room, the Green Mill, Pops for Champagne, Green Dolphin Street and performing at a variety of festivals including the International Association of Jazz Educators. Andrew’s steady weekend performances at The Pump Room have given him the opportunity to hone his craft even further with a band that is comprised of the young lions of the Chicago jazz scene.
As a studio musician, Andrew has lent his vocal stylings to companies such as the Illinois Lottery, Caterpillar, Mattel, and Euro Disney.
He has performed with Maria Schneider, Ira Sullivan, Bobby Caldwell, Ron Hawking, Rob Parton, Fred Hersch, Darmon Meader, the Lakeside Singers, and the Phil Degreg Trio in both educational and professional environments.
As an educator, Andrew is an adjunct professor of jazz voice at Roosevelt University. He has also assisted the band programs of schools throughout the Midwest as a guest conductor and clinician for jazz vocal groups, show choirs, and jazz bands.
Andrew Distel’s first full length CD entitled “Stepping Out of a Dream” is due out in early 2007 and will be available through www.andrewdistel.com, www.cdbaby.com, www.amazon.com, and iTunes.
Read more...