Blind Willie Johnson, Ry Cooder, Allen Ginsburg, Tom Lehrer, Bob Dylan, David Bromberg, Harry Chapin, Andrew Bird, Ron Sexsmith, Beck, Rufus Wainwright, The Bruce Springsteen.
If you ask him, New York Native Andrew Vladeck will tell you it's all about the words. Yet it's his modern take on old-time instrumentation that first calls attention. A Fender Twin amplifier doesn't come to mind when one thinks of a banjo, but in his quest to escape the folky comfort zone, Andrew has hotwired his way into a truly individual style.
A well-known musician in the alt-folk scene in NYC, Andrew's unique sound is captured on the upcoming End Up Records release "The Wheel." Produced by Kyle Fischer (Rainer Maria) and mixed by Dave Schiffman (Johnny Cash, Mars Volta), with appearances by Caithlin De Marrais and Lara Meyerratken (Ben Lee), the album includes the caustic "The Songs you Inspire," which won 1st Place in the Int'l Songwriting Competition.
A former Urban Park Ranger, Andrew was fascinated by the interplay of nature with Gotham, and the edges where the two meet. Andrew is similarly inclined towards music, striving to blend his affection for the ante-bellum with the contemporary. The result is folk and indie rock reconfigured -- a "new wave" of folk that is distinctly American sounding. Still, Andrew is first and foremost a wordsmith, whose sparkling, sharp-edged approach sets his often dark and hilariously ironic lyrics over sparse and tasteful instrumentation.
Andrew was featured on BBC's The World, and was voted NYC Artist of the Month in The Deli Magazine. He's also a founding member of the upcoming indie folk quintet The Honey Brothers, and is a regular contributor to the NYC-based folk collective, Balthrop, Alabama.
The Wheel is the first full-length release by Vladeck since 2006. He will be touring extensively throughout the summer and fall in support of the new record. MORE INFO.
If I get you an Indian Wedding for your next birthday will you make me tambourine shoes for mine? you rocked the socks off of everybody at Club Passim~ there were testimonials in the form of big grins and foot stomping. Papa J. Hurt, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Bojangles are currently doing a get down dance to your one man kung pow of roots and soul.
....just watched your utube clips....you do stomp your right foot :) I love it- one man in the space, bad ass rebel old soul banjo man making the old new again. see you down by the water side, and on rooftops drinking in misty stories from the air and singing them out. It is your time to shine. listening. ever listening. to a true heart calling me back.
Fantastic show last night!..but I'm sorry we didn't get to say chat! I saw you in the downstairs bar and yelled "Andreeeeww!" but I guess not loud enough. Next time!
Andrew!! How are you? Loving the new music! I hope all is well in your neck of the woods...I know I sound like a broken record, but I AM coming to another show of yours very soon! xo
