There are so few words capable of capturing how good Andy McKee is at guitar. He is possibly one of the best living acoustic guitarists, and yet somehow relatively unknown. Despite receiving over 28 million views on his youtube video “Drifting”, the Topeka, Kansas native is still under the radar. I discovered him a few years ago, searching for a decent version of Toto’s “Africa,” and was delighted to see Andy’s acoustic arrangement.
Andy McKee is simply a genius. And although seeing a genius in action tends to inspire, in the case of Andy McKee, any aspiring musician may just want to lay the axe to rest. A master artist on the strings, Andy McKee puts some of the famous names to shame. The reality is, talent like this demands respect, even if it means realizing I will never be that good.
McKee kicked off his two-year tour at the Highline Ballroom in New York City, the first show promoting his new album, Joyland. Seeing Andy McKee live is a beautiful experience; it’s more than a show. It’s like getting to see Michelangelo work on the Sistine Chapel; truly an artist at work. The guitar simply is an extension of his body. McKee also has mastered the Harp Guitar, a 6-string guitar attached to an added body with bass strings, allowing for a variance of sound and a further showcase of talent. As a Solo/Acoustic/Instrumental musician, McKee has no trouble keeping the audience captivated for the entire set, and leaves people buzzing long after the curtains close. The music speaks for itself.
A simple Youtube search of “Andy McKee” will confirm.
Johnny Dickinson opened, playing a set of folk tunes from all over the world. Primarily known for his slide guitar abilities, Dickinson delivered a soulful array of songs. Calling him a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist is an understatement. He was the perfect opener for a night of superb musicianship.
Here is McKee’s “Drifting”
Here is a cover of “Africa” by Toto
Here is a cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears.
Here is an original called “Friend I’ve Never Met”, on the Harp Guitar.
www.highlineballroom.com
431 West 16th Street
New York, NY 10011-5892
(212) 414-5994
Hoping for Andy’s Arrangement of “Caribbean Queen”
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