Andy Brown is a jazz guitarist living and working in Chicago. Inspired by the greats on his instrument, his style emphasizes tone, touch, and taste. Combined with his melodic approach, he has developed a unique voice that has impressed audiences and musicians alike.
“Andy Brown is fast becoming one of Chicago’s hottest guitarists…his playing is intelligent, sensitive and thoughtful; wonderfully clean and uncluttered…he swings so hard and sweet!”
-Chicago Jazz Magazine
Andy's new CD "Trio and Solo" includes an eight song trio set with two of Chicago's most in demand rhythm section players - bassist Jake Vinsel and drummer Mike Schlick. Influences such as Barney Kessel, Ed Bickert and Kenny Burrell are heard, and the result is a satisfying trio session. The solo set has shades of Kenny Poole, Ted Greene, George van Eps, and Joe Pass, and showcases Andy's take on the delicate art of solo jazz guitar.
Andy was born in New York, NY in 1975. Exposed to music at an early age by his family, he took up the guitar at age fifteen. Soon after getting his first guitar he moved from upstate New York to Cincinnati where he started exploring the local blues scene. He began working professionally while still in high school, and upon graduation started working full time with many of his blues heroes.
At the age of twenty Andy started becoming involved in jazz and was lucky to be able to take part in the fertile jazz scene that Cincinnati had to offer. Mentors like Ron Enyard, Cal Collins, and Steve Schmidt were very important, as were the relationships with the talented young musicians there. Perhaps his most important musical friendship was with local guitar legend Kenny Poole, who called Andy his “protégé” in 20th Century Guitar Magazine. Kenny provided Andy a living example of mastery, and continues to be a bottomless pit of inspiration for him.
After seven years on the Cincinnati scene, Andy relocated to New York City. During his time there, Andy was able to work and play with several of New York’s finest players including Howard Alden, Randy Sandke, Joe Cohn, Murray Wall, Frank Tate, Marion Cowings, and Terrie Richards.
Andy arrived in Chicago in the fall of 2003, and soon found himself welcomed into that city’s thriving jazz scene. Since moving to town he has worked at many of Chicago’s finest jazz venues including The Jazz Showcase (with legendary pianist Hod O’ Brien), The Green Mill, The Harris Theatre in Millennium Park, The Chicago Cultural Center, Andy’s Jazz Club, Pops for Champagne, Katerina’s, Pete Miller’s, La Piazza Sotto Jazz Club, and Philander’s with many of Chicago’s most inspired jazz instrumentalists including Russ Phillips, Chris Foreman, George Fludas, Kim Cusack, Art Davis, Dennis Carroll, Bradley Williams, Bobby Lewis, Greg Fishman, Judy Roberts, John Brumbach, Chuck Hedges, and Dan Trudell. He has also had the pleasure of working with many of Chicago’s great jazz vocalists including Kurt Elling, Jeannie Lambert, Kimberly Gordon, Petra van Nuis, Libby York, Elaine Dame, and Gingi Lahera.
Currently Andy is enjoying several exciting musical endeavors. He is a member of the Kimberly Gordon Trio which plays at Chicago’s famed Green Mill on Sunday nights. This group features the fantastic Chris Foreman on Hammond B-3 organ. Andy is also a member of trombonist Russ Phillips’ group with whom he appears with regularly at Andy’s Jazz Club, as well as at regional and festival appearances. Andy also takes great pleasure in the ongoing collaboration with his vocalist wife Petra van Nuis.
Andy can be heard playing solo guitar regularly in the Chicago area, and also leads his own groups at many area clubs, restaurants, parties and social events.
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