Album now available on ITunes
www.AndyShawBand.com
“Here we have the sound of Andy Shaw Band coming into its own. Ways of the World exhibits a fully-formed unit that transcends . . . .”
- Chris Deville, Columbus Alive
“Andy Shaw Band . . .uses the best elements to create unique, laid-back grooves. Shaw and cohorts, among the hardest working musicians in town, have honed their trademark sound.”
- John Ross, Columbus Alive
"The sound is an incredibly approachable tap into the reggae genre that is initially disguised by an almost alt-country feel and intense technical tightness, commanding audience respect, especially live."
- Dana Stewart, Metromix Columbus
“There is a little Stevie Wonder, a little Steely Dan and a lot of fun to be found in the terrific little surprise that is Ways of the World.”
- Rick Allan, The Other Paper
"Get ready to move and groove with the Andy Shaw Band! Live or on tape, get ready to rock!"
- Maggie Brennan, Music Director, WCBE 90.5
What is Andy Shaw Band?
ASB is a unique blend of professionals who effortlessly cross genres, powered by their passionately well structured songs. The Columbus-based band is exploding through the release of their new album “Ways of the World”, gaining attention of media and radio alike. The band weaves elements of reggae, rock, blues, and a mix of others, to create a fresh and original sound. Songwriter Andy Shaw has taken his lyrical taste and expressive voice to the next level in songs like "Loving You" and "Wise Man", bringing a true magnetism to the music. Within the crew is a mastery of over 30 instruments and the participation in over 30 bands. Each is a kindle to the others fire that fuels the epic groove to their romantic reggae rock.
From restaurants to festivals the Andy Shaw Band’s history is as rich and diverse as its enthusiastic fan base. In 2007, as well as 2009, the band was selected to the Midpoint Music Festival, a festival for independent musicians from around the world. With 4 years, 3 albums, a dozen festivals, and a few hundred shows under their belt, Andy Shaw Band is rock solid. Tight grooves, lyrical melodies, and endless dancing make each show, an event. A feast of musical flavors.
Who is Andy Shaw Band?
Andy Shaw Band is a collective of natural performers who are eager to continue soaring through the hearts of the adventurous.
Andy Shaw is a man continually entranced by a sense of melody and pop, while always keeping true to the unique groove and connectedness he feels with his band mates. As the lead songwriter, Andy pushes the limits of his voice, while also staying true to his range, creating hooks at every corner. His style of writing is akin to Dave Matthews, Bob Marley, and Rufus Wainwright, as he shares the same focus and intensity of his predecessors.
Theo Perry is exploding with energy and personality. As the lead guitarist, Perry pushes the sound right into the spotlight with his vicious guitar riffs and spot on vocal harmonies. His energy is what sails the band into the range of eleven.
Chris Shaw is a drummer who shines as a unique and authentic groove crafter. Influences from Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band, to Adrian Young of No Doubt, Chris makes his own path through reggae to rock to groove oriented palettes of sound, leaving peers and fans alike with jaws dropped.
Jim Shaw lays down the glue to cap off a solid sound. Adding a genuine texture and gloss to the sound, Jim adds experience and maturity along the way. Weaving through elements of piano, organ, and vintage sounds, Jim can make you understand the true passion of music.
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Columbus Alive -
Practice makes perfect -
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 -
By Chris DeVille
It's fun to watch a band build its own universe starting from scratch. It's even more fun to be that band.
Just ask Andy Shaw. Little by little, pieces have fallen into place around the singer-songwriter in the four years since he moved back to Columbus, leaving him with a fully fleshed-out lineup, an extensive community of likeminded bands and a friendly pub to act as their hub.
After playing solo during his stint at Columbia College in Chicago, Shaw recruited friends and family to perform his music, a set of jammy pop tunes steeped in reggae and classic rock. Shaw's father, Jim, and his brother, Chris, give the lineup a familiar feel.
As Andy Shaw Band took shape, they began to form a network of similar acts around Columbus, a community that includes the likes of The Floorwalkers and Jared Mahone Band. The bands congregate around decades-old Summit Street hangout Ruby Tuesday, where Andy Shaw Band plays every Monday.
These factors have come together to make this the best year yet for Andy Shaw Band. To celebrate, they'll cap off 2008 with a free New Year's Eve show at Oldfield's on High, an event they hope will be a fun, recession-proof alternative to the lavish, expensive New Year's Eves of yore.
"We just feel like everybody's so broke, including us," Shaw said. "The only reason we even did [a New Year's show] was because we could do a free thing or something that would cater to people who need something different."
Despite the budget price, the band promises this gig will be "over the top," with appearances by the Wet Darlings and the Ooh La Las burlesque troupe. Along with drink specials, the group thinks its New Year's shindig will have something for everyone: "It's called sex, booze and rock 'n' roll," bassist Bobby Wildermuth said.
Despite moving to Oldfield's for the New Year's bash, Andy Shaw Band remains inextricably linked with Ruby Tuesday, where they will continue to play nearly every Monday for the foreseeable future.
The residency has been a big momentum builder for the band. Every week they get a chance to test out new material, perfect older tunes and develop a large catalog of music. If a crowd shows up, the band gets to shine. If not, they get to practice.
Along with the addition of guitarist Theo Perry, who joined around this time last year, the constant appearances have helped Andy Shaw Band to hone their sound as they prepare to release their second album this spring.
They hope to host multiple release parties, including an all-ages event that will probably happen at the new Wild Goose multipurpose space near Rumba Cafe, and perhaps a bigger event at one of the city's more sizable clubs.
And of course they'll always come back to Ruby's, where every week has become a celebration of sorts for Andy Shaw Band and the scene that continues to bloom around them.
Photo by Jodi Miller
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Andy Shaw Band
Columbus Alive: Sensory Overload
Andy Shaw Band
“Ways of the World” release show
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Here we have the sound of Andy Shaw Band coming into its own. Ways of the World exhibits a fully-formed unit that transcends the frat-rock limitations of whiteboy reggae in favor of something richer and fuller.
Imagine a friendly but unmemorable kid cousin who one day shows up to family reunion wearing your favorite band’s T-shirt and spouting fascinating insights about the latest headlines. Andy Shaw Band’s new album is that sort of head-turner.
Their pals the Floorwalkers, with whom they share lead guitarist Theo Perry, have obviously been a positive influence. Shaw’s songs still rest on a foundation of island riddim, but his vocal melodies and the band’s arrangements are more thoughtful and satisfying than on previous releases.
Shaw has never been one to settle for warmed-over “Ras Trent” dreck, but here he and his band have shown the positive consequences of playing as many shows as possible and constantly challenging themselves to up the ante. They’ve stepped toward accessibility and sophistication in one fell swoop.
The group has two more release parties planned after Friday’s event at the Thirsty Ear. April 27 they’ll celebrate at their weekly Monday gig at Ruby Tuesday; April 30 they’ll host an all-ages event at Wild Goose Creative.
By Chris Deville
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