For those of you that know me, thanks for the support and love you’ve shown me, and for those new here welcome, and thanks for digging in this far!
My sisters tell me my first words were “Yeah, yeah, yeah”. Rock and roll played in my nursery days. From my earliest memories music was surrounding me and runs deep in my family. I started on a guitar when I was about 12. I quickly found chord books and worked my way from John Denver, to the Beatles, to the Dead, to Dylan and John Prine. I once heard Ray Charles say he loves Country music, because the songs tell a story. Those are the songs that I connect with strongest. Though I had written a few songs, I never really pursued it far. I spent many years as a worship leader, and wrote a few songs to present my faith. But rarely beyond that.
Beyond that began when the pandemic hit. Given the time, I sat down and began to write in earnest. I had been playing as a duet (When Less Is More) with Melissa Moser, and occasionally with Adam Stec and Matt Anderson. One of the songs Long Summer Nights, changed its name and appears as Remember to Forget, with Melissa singing a beautiful harmony at the end. Dirt Track Demon was written pre-pandemic, but near everything else was created during those months. I had time to record with Adam playing drums, and Matt adding bass and guitar and eventually keyboards. As the songs came together I felt like we were on to something.
I wanted to give the music a chance, and began to look for ways to present it. This website and the products are here to support that effort. I hope you give the music a listen and find it enjoyable.
But why Uncle Andy?
I am an Uncle. I have been one since I was 9.
But I wanted to write a song that was not necessarily me. Or at least an odd more unique version of myself. Adam is technically my nephew, so there is that. It’s also sometimes a familiar used for people not a blood relative. Someone part of the clan. Long time friends of the family. I think I was thinking more in these terms.
The days, they come at you with such velocity.
I’m turning 60. This is my first album of all original work. I’m so happy to have completed it and hope that at this late stage of the game I’m able to continue to write and record for years to come. I believe it’s never too late to start something you feel deeply connected with.
Pardon my insobriety.
It was said that during the pandemic people became a hunk, a chunk or a drunk. Not one disciplined at exercise, I began to explore cooking and drinking. There are so many cocktails and such little time! I enjoyed exploring different concoctions and flavors. From the Black Cow to the Skipper, to the Long Island Ice Tea or the Handsome Johnny. I lift my glass. I thank you for being here. Let’s have a song and make merry and enjoy this moment.
Cheers to You all!