BIO:

Hailing from the "Birthplace of Jazz", Vandell Andrew's path to greatness
and his purpose in music would not be too hard to find. While studying
music at the age of 13 at a local jazz summer camp in the Treme' area of
New Orleans, it was there that he learned to play the trumpet. After an
entire summer of playing the trumpet at the camp, he was approached by one
of his teachers that challenged him by stating his embouchure would work
better with the saxophone. Being that this influential teacher was the
coolest saxophonist in the world in the eyes of this young, budding jazz
musician, Vandell took this challenge as a compliment that his teacher
would even consider training him on his new instrument.

Soon after cultivating his craft on the alto saxophone, he joined the
world renowned St. Augustine "Marching 100" Marching Band. This experience
afforded Vandell the opportunities of performing in events and parades all
over the world as a member of the prestigious marching band, which would
ultimately convince him that performing and playing music was what he
wanted to do for a living after graduating from high school.

Shortly after graduation, he enrolled in classes at Southern University at
New Orleans, and studied with the legendary Edward "Kidd" Jordan. After a
month of studying with Kidd, the catastrophic devastation of hurricane
Katrina took the city of New Orleans by storm. At the age of 18, and after
enduring the life-altering changes brought on by Katrina, Vandell realized
that he wanted to seriously pursue a career in music and began to write
original compositions. In just a few short years, this decision has led to
him sharing the stage with a vast array of artists, from multiple genres
of music, and at venues across Texas, Oklahoma, New Orleans, New York
City, and London. He has also opened and shared the stage with several
internationally acclaimed artists and musicians, including Grammy award
winning jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum and the legendary smooth jazz
saxophonist Tom Braxton.

In June of 2011, Vandell released his debut album entitled "Years Later”.
This album is a collection of original musical compositions that has been
written since he relocated to Texas following the aftermath of hurricane
Katrina in his hometown of New Orleans. The "Years Later" album, to date,
has been getting rave reviews from smooth jazz fans, music lovers and
critics across the world.

 

Career Highlights-

*** Has opened and shared the stage with Legendary Jazz artist such as
Kirk Whalum, Tom Braxton and many more.

*** Composed and recorded with Grammy Nominated Producers, Darren Rahn and
Nate Harasim
(Dave Koz, Boney James, Wayman Tisdale), and Emmy Award Winning Josh Goode.


*** Toured nationally and internationally. (London,UK)

*** Reached #11 on the Amazon.com Top Best Sellers Charts hit single
"Anniversary".


PRESS:

"Immediately, Andrew’s fearlessness is evident. There’s a certain amount
of youthful swagger, blended with his regimented marching-band chops and
years of study that pervades his approach."-Bryan Rodgers

"Andrew's self-titled debut EP is the fulfillment of the potential he has
hinted at since he was a young teen. Although only consisting of three
tracks, the EP has the emotional depth of a full-length, not to mention
the sonic clarity of a major-label effort. "-Jazzcorner.com

"There is soul in this man's playing, far from the antiseptic performances
that often tarnish smooth jazz recordings." Allaboutjazz.com