DESCRIPTION:
March 30, 2004 " Steppin' Up " Album

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00110HA3I/ref=dm_sp_alb

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/andreward

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=6708363&style=music

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/steppin-up/id157639368

With the ability to play the Soprano, Alto, Tenor Saxophone, and EWI ( electronic wind instrument) with skilled ease and passion, Andre Ward has been making noise on the Smooth Jazz scene winning fans over with his dynamic live performances. Having accomplished a top 5 position in Billboard Magazine's Contemporary Jazz Chart with his debut album entitled " Feelin' You," Andre is now ready to take the next step in his progression with his sophomore release appropriately titled "Steppin' Up".

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Andre started playing music at the age of five. The snare drum would be his first instrument that would introduce him to his love of music, but it would be the saxophone that would ultimately allow him to receive a music performing scholarship to the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. Andre continued gaining recognition around the world, whether it was at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland or at the Performing Arts Tour in Africa. With a resume of experience working with some of the biggest names in the business, it is no wonder that Andre can command a stage and personally connect with each listener.

As for what inspires Andre creatively, it would have to be his love of different kinds of music. "I think it helps me to be a well-rounded musician. Gospel, Hip-Hop, Contemporary and Traditional Jazz influence me. At first I only listened to Grover Washington, Jr. Then I was introduced to a recording of Cannonball Adderley and was blown away. I didn't know that a saxophonist could sound like this. I fell in love with Traditional Jazz; Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. That is when I began to understand what Grover Washington was doing, he was combining both elements."