Keith Andrew
Keith has been playing guitar since he was just 10 years old and has never lost the passion to listen, compose and create music that is fresh, distinctive and new. His latest and third independently released solo recording is cookin’ up some hot new flavors which he calls “Blue Funky Blue”. This latest CD perfectly reflects the dynamic blues elements he’s incorporated into his music since he released his first self titled debut and its popular follow up “Contemplation”. Originally from Baltimore, he moved with his family to San Francisco where he has been influenced by the rich and diverse music scene the Bay Area has to offer. Melding the influences of the San Francisco street style musicians and those of his teachers, Joe Diorio, Buzz Feiten, and Smooth Jazz mainstay, Norman Brown at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Keith has been able to develop a sound that is uniquely his own. Loaded with self confidence, training, and experience, Keith has made his mark with Smooth Jazz by gaining significant airplay on both terrestrial and internet radio. He has also performed live with numerous Northern California based bands, such as the popular World Jazz Fusion band Mana Humana, as well as showcasing his diversity during a stint with the South African band, Zulu Spear, Sound Minds, and others. Most recently, Keith sat in with Smooth Jazz rising star, Marcus Anderson, at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Playing with these unique ensembles is exactly what makes Andrew different. From World music, Jazz, to Blues – Keith Andrew is a talented and eclectic composer and performer who has kicked instrumental music into high gear. On Stage Keith co-founded and co-composed for the LA based Jazz/R&B band Himalaya, which became a staple of the Los Angeles music scene in the early 1990s. Keith had the honor of sharing the stage with stars such as Najee and Pieces of a Dream. Himalaya, whom Keith on occasionally still performs with to this day, has been at the core of many of Keith’s recordings and live performance projects, but more recently he has been focusing on his own group – The Keith Andrew Band - which has been performing at festivals and clubs in the Bay area. He has a unique, exciting sound that gets down in your soul, from your heart to the soles of your feet, and makes you want to stand up and dance – regardless of age. Keith says, “Growing up and living most of my adult life in the Bay Area was great for my musical development because I was exposed to so much world music, eclectic jazz and have gotten to be part of the area’s big jam band scene. Now in my solo work, I’m incorporating all that but also realizing that blues is the root of it all.” And that’s why The Keith Andrew Band is in such high demand.