BIO:
Andy started life in Colorado, which is where he learned the trumpet. Then he moved to eastern Washington for a while where he taught himself the piano and started singing, then Portland for a while where he learned guitar, and then Seattle where he started to write songs. He plays on stages from time to time, and when he does, he drags the piano with him, and trumpets, bass, guitars, percussion, drums, other voices. On stage he plays the piano and sings while other, more-skilled people do all that other stuff.
QUOTES & PRESS FOR BURN THE MAPS AND BURY THE COMPASS (2009):
"At a time when artists pursuing the piano-pop route to fame aren't as common as they used to be, locally based singer/songwriter Andy Werth seems focused on expanding the genre's capabilities. On his debut full-length, Burn the Maps and Bury the Compass, Werth blends sounds and songs together to fit the nuances of everyday life. Love and loss are key themes, but the music feels cinematic... All told, Werth's songs leave a deep, lasting impression."
-
Jonathan Cunningham, Seattle Weekly
“…With bright accompanying horns (trumpet and sax), joyful piano arrangements, and a hint of electronic sounds mixed in, Burn the Maps and Bury the Compass is a perfect soundtrack for spring...."
-
Megan Morgan, independentclauses.com
QUOTES & PRESS FOR SEEING STARS (2007):
". . .Good-time pop that never fails to take my mind off the cares of the world. Andy's got a great band. . .The group's songs would fit with Wings-era McCartney or Supertramp, but have a depth that recalls great songwriters like Cole Porter and the Gershwins. Andy has confident but vulnerable vocals. . .and no one can deny the hooks. There’s not a bad song in the bunch.
-
Abe Beeson, KEXP
"... He (Andy Werth) draws from a variety pack of influences that
would be noninterchangeable in less inventive hands... Much of this
disc's strength (Seeing Stars) is in Werth's stellar arrangement
skills, employing layers of flugelhorns, organs, electric and acoustic
guitars, and piano. This approach has become less common in our world
of loops and samples; it's refreshing... His backing band delivers
topnotch grooves with a sound that is tighter than a recession budget.
If these tunes were performed solo, on an acoustic guitar, it wouldn't
measure up to the power that results from a full-blown pub rock-style
band burning down the house..."
- Ed Schrader, City Paper (Baltimore,
MD)
"Exuberant horns! Rollicking piano! Bouncing drums and bright harmonies! Andy Werth's music is an epic burst of happiness that takes you to a time when magnetic showmen would deliver solidly crafted pop songs catchier than the Meow Mix jingle. Live, Werth summons the feel-good energy of a 70's Elton John and the romantic croon of Burt Bacharach, performing with a band who lend his songs the modern-day symphonics of Belle & Sebastian or Ben Folds. It's something you can listen to when your parents visit without entirely sacrificing your cool."
- Megan Seling, The Stranger (Band of the Week)
". . .bouncy, uplifting pop that hearkens back to 1970s pop without feeling dated or kitchy. . .there isn't a throwaway song in the bunch. Unlike many EPs, which seem tossed off to tide folks over until the next full-length, Andy has put five strong songs on this sucker. . . Andy and his band really present something unique on the Seattle music scene. Although there are certainly bands in an "affinity group" (like Tiny Volcano, Curtains For You and "Awesome") I don't think there is another group doing anything exactly like this. And they really kick it up a notch live."
- Seattle PowerPop Blog
"Finely-crafted pop rockers. . .Werth's wry lyrics and even slyer delivery seal the deal. . ."
- Aiding & Abetting
"Every once in a while something really stands out. Seeing Stars is one such gem. . .This is an outstanding release, and I can't wait to hear more from Andy Werth. He's got my attention."
- Chris Zaplatosch, DJ, The Source 95.1 (Valparaiso, IN)
"Another perfect pop coup for this Seattleite!"
- IndiePages
“. . .truly delectable characteristics. . .a pop treat enjoyable for all. Seeing Stars has the power to enchant, and in under twenty minutes to boot. Andy Werth really has something strong going on here, and I am excited to hear what a full-length album might be like someday. This EP is recommended for fans of pop, storytelling, or smiling.”
- Independent Clauses
"Rich instrumentation, including piano and organ and a wealth of trumpets, add character to Werth's wry lyrics and melodic songwriting. All five songs are winners here with "Tower" being my favorite. Check it out for something a little different."
- Music Emissions
QUOTES & PRESS FOR BACK TO THE SUN (2006):
"Compared to what his musical peers are doing, young Andy Werth is making some pretty ballsy music for these parts. On his debut three-song EP, Back to the Sun, there's no jarring guitar, guttural growling, or mood-affecting atmospheric noise. Instead there are bright horns, bouncing piano, and an undeniable '70s-pop vibe that conjures Rupert Holmes (!) and Elton John. In fact, it's so far from what's considered "trendy," it's the antithesis of what you hear being played at [insert your neighborhood hipster bar here] on a Friday night. Which almost makes it more punk rock (in attitude, not execution) than anything this city's seen in a long time."
-
Megan Seling, The Stranger
"A very impressive display of pop songcraft. Impeccable hooks and arrangements. . . "
- Abe Beeson, KEXP
"Definitely recommended!"
- Indie Pages
"...Seattle music at its very best! Rich indie pop harmonies with art rock hooks veining throughout each tune, Back to the Sun is a pop album that Brian Wilson would be proud to call his own. Pick it up for something damn fine and refreshing."
- Smother (Editor's Pick)
“You're Gonna Be a Star is the best song Brian Wilson never recorded..."
- Firesideometer
“Back to the Sun is a great little pop album. Andy Werth and his band are
very talented…"
- Danie Cairns, Local Music Director, 90.1FM KUPS
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