Andrew Hanna
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Andrew Hanna

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"Hanna Has Nothing To Hide"

Nov 30, 2005
By Mike Ruta (Staff Writer)

DURHAM -- Andrew Hanna wants his Saturday night concert to give people the chills.

"I want to give people goosebumps; I want to captivate people," says the aspiring singer-songwriter.

Born and raised in Pickering, the 24 year old didn't plan on being a musician. He started writing songs as a hobby in the last year of high school and in his first year at Queen's University in Kingston. He recalls his first as "very abstract," "emotionally-driven," with no logical structure. By the end of third year, he realized he wanted to be a professional musician.

Fast forward to the present and Hanna had to choose between 200 or 300 tunes, narrowing them down to nine for his debut disc. 'Without Blinds.' The title suggests a house that is open for all to see.

"I've finally got to that point where the music is me and I want to share it with the world," he says.

Hanna showcases the album Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. at a CD release party at the Rockwell Bar and Grill (formerly Bob Caygeon's) at 1790 Liverpool Rd. (just south of Kingston Road). Performing with him are Mike Rocha on bass, Ben Weymouth on drums and Matt Sherping on lead guitar.

When pressed, Hanna describes his music as "acoustic pop/rock." But, he adds there are "a wide range of different styles" in his canon, from ballads to up-tempo numbers. Similarly, Hanna doesn't cite one or two key influences. He likes Ben Harper and Coldplay, in addition to many other types of music.

"For me, it's never been one person or one kind of music," he says. "It depends on the song; if it's able to move me."

One memorable night this past summer, Hanna played with Rik Emmett and Ron Sexsmith's band at The Rivoli in Toronto. The former, a Canadian guitar legend, left a memorable impression.

"Rik Emmett was probably one of the most influential people I've met in my short career," he says. "He's a nice guy, with a great grasp of song structure, lyrics and obviously a great guitarist. He was really able to help me."

Other than performing in Toronto and Kingston, Hanna has never played in his hometown before, which makes the Saturday night gig a special one, given that family and friends will be in the audience.

"It's very exciting," he says.

There's no cover charge, however donations will be accepted for the Ajax-Pickering News Advertiser Santa Claus Fund, which aims to deliver 1,000 gift boxes to children in the two communities this Christmas.
- Ajax-Pickering News Advertiser


Discography

Andrew Hanna - "Without Blinds" (2005)

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Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Andrew Hanna’s live shows engage the audience through the musical variety of his songs, his commanding stage presence and the emotional highs and lows that characterize his music. His diversity and exuberance as a singer and songwriter leave his audience feeling energized yet relaxed and upbeat.

Andrew has performed at venues across southern Ontario; most notably with Rik Emmett and members of Ron Sexsmith’s band at the Rivoli in Toronto.

His debut album entitled “Without Blinds” is a dynamic blend of uplifting, soul-soothing music. Released on Saturday December 3, 2005 to an animated crowd of 120+ fans at Rockwell’s in Pickering, Ontario, Andrew and his accompanying band mesmerized the appreciative audience with soaring melodies, heartfelt vocals, driving instrumentals and intoxicating rhythms.

Andrew’s passionate and compelling style of acoustic pop/rock contains elements of David Gray, Coldplay, Ben Harper, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Damien Rice and Jeff Buckley. His music expresses fundamental emotions of love, hope and compassion in a melodic style that is uniquely his own. His lyrically rich music is full of stories of embracing love, relationships, desire and reflections. His songs exhibit a simple, but raw beauty and uncommon sincerity.

Andrew Hanna’s captivating stage presence and distinctive singing highlight the exceptional quality of his music. His engaging style and creative songwriting complement his performance skills, leaving his audience feeling like they have shared a close personal moment.

For further information or to order a copy of Andrew Hanna's debut album "Without Blinds" visit: www.andrewhannamusic.com or www.cdbaby.com/andrewhanna