User:Andycowan1111

Andy Cowan (1952 -)

Andy Cowan is one of Australia's foremost performing songwriters. He possesses a voice that invites comparison

with the likes of Tom Waites or Leonard Cohen, with the soul of Ray Charles. But these are superficial comparisons, Andy's virtuoso Piano and Keyboard playing contain both energy and melodic beauty. His songwriting and performing skills give him a strength and quality that define him as the complete artistic entity - the "King of the Keys" "…Cowan shows himself to be a great songwriter and musician" (Ed Nimmervoll - Music Australia Guide Magazine) Andy's musical career began in Melbourne, Australia, growing up in a household surrounded by music. Following classical piano studies he began exploring piano improvisation, and absorbing musical ideas from rock, soul, blues, jazz and folk artists, and developing his very distinctive signature style that has matured with time. His influences include Ray Charles, Chopin, Dr John, Pete Johnson, John Coltrane, Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Bob Dylan, and many more. Andy received Blues Album of the Year 2000, Blues Performer of the Year 2001, Male Performer of the Year 2003 and was an ARIA nominee for his "10.30 Thursdays" CD. He was also awarded second place at the International Blues Convention in Memphis, Tennessee, USA in 2002. He has arranged and performed on movies soundtracks including the Australian cult classic "Stone" and has toured internationally and throughout Australia for more than four decades. In the 70's and 80's he was a hired gun for legendary Australian bands, Madder Lake, Ayers Rock, Kevin Borich, Renee Geyer and Ian Moss to name but a few. Since 1998 Cowan has recorded seven CD's and filmed a live DVD at The Basement in Sydney and The Corner Hotel, Richmond, Victoria. ".....nothing but pure class" Mark Doherty-Rhythms Magazine andycowan.com.au