Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"An impeccable self-produced album...shimmering and refreshing."
- Bill Foster
"I am listening to your CD as I write this. I do like what I am hearing. God has
blessed you. Kinda have a Najee thing going on. Good tones on the horns too. I
especially like the fact that your soprano tone isn’t shrill. It is pleasant to hear.
You shouldn’t have a problem getting interest."
- Everette Harp
AMG EXPERT REVIEW: This solid, easy-to-listen-to, and high-spirited
instrumental saxophone CD was released by the artist himself; the fact that it's
nearly as good as any sax album put out in 2001 by a major label is proof that
smooth jazz sax is a crowded field. But deserves a chance, if this impressive
debut is any indication of what he can achieve. The bluesy, brassy, alto-driven
kick-off tune "Shadow Dancing" is dreamy, funky, and retro all at the same time,
and features the type of horn doubling that's been popular with and . "A Little
Minor Groove" is a bit bluesy and retro too, a strong soprano tune that has subtle
horn section inflections; no reason this couldn't be a genre radio hit as well. The
doubling effect works even better on the gospel-flavored title track, and "Midnight
Buffet" is the most clever name for a festive tropical tune in quite some time; after
all, some of the best action on a cruise takes place at that time, and the balmy
breezes are still blowing. even has the requisite soulful vocal track (by ) and the
modern R&B standard "I Live for Your Love." No fan of Memphis soul will be able
to resist "Warts," a strangely titled but irresistible horn band song.
- Jonathan Widran
Discography
Inspire (2000)
Singles: I Live For Your Love, Inspire
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
An active part of the Philadelphia music scene, ANDREW NEU
is in constant demand as a reed player, arranger, composer and
recording artist. He has worked with dozens of local bands as
well as The Four Tops, The Temptations, Mel Torme, Rosemary
Clooney, Englebert Humperdink, Debbie Boone, Steve Lawrence
and Edyie Gorme, Shari Lewis and Lambchop, Ann Hampton Calloway, Randy Brecker,
Nestor Torres, Bob Mintzer, Bill Watrous and John Pizzarelli. He has opened for Tito Puente,
Nick Brignola, Dan Brubeck, Kim Waters and the Heads Up Super Band and performed in the
Valley Forge Music Fair Orchestra until its close in 1997.
Performance highlights include The JVC Newport Jazz Festival, The St. Croix Jazz Festival,
The Lake George Jazz Festival, The Bethlehem Musikfest The Berks County Jazz Festival and
The Mellon PSFS Jazz Festivals in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He appeared at the 1997
Presidential Inaguration in Washington D.C. the 2000 Republican National Convention and was
featured on the BET Jazz Showcase as well as numerous concerts for WJJZ, WRTI and WPEN
radio. In 1999 Andrew performed twice at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and twice in
2001, sharing the stage with Laura Bush.
Andrew also fronts his own group. Since its formation in 1996 this personable ensemble has
rapidly built a reputation for musicality and professionalism. Comprised of some of the finest
and most versatile musicians, The Andrew Neu Group performs a repertoire of popular
contemporary jazz selections, as well as exciting original music at corporate and concert
venues. The Brian Pastor Big Band features Andrew as the tenor saxophone soloist. His
arrangements are mainstays of the band's repertoire. He also plays a tribute to Dave Brubeck
with the Eric Mintel Quartet. As a classical saxophonist he has performed with the Philly Pops,
The Princeton Chamber Symphony, The Haddonfield Symphony, Concerto Soloists and The
Curtis Symphony Orchestra.
Andrew has recorded two CDs with The Al Raymond Big Band, one featuring jazz legend
Buddy DeFranco. He has been the featured soloist on several Latin jazz and Gospel CDs,
commercial jingles and the original cast recording of The New Moon. Andrew has recently
recorded with Sister Sledge and pianist Mike Kwas. His latest project is The Bright and Tight
Horns, a top notch horn section that records and performs.
Andrew is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in saxophone performance and music
education. He released his first solo contemporary jazz CD INSPIRE in Febuary 2000 and is a
voting member of NARAS and the Grammy Awards.
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