 Born August 4, 1961 in Pennsylvania (U.S.A.), Andy was exposed to music
at a very young age while listening to his older brother and sister
take classical piano lessons. At age five, his mother taught him some
simple tunes on the piano, when his passion for music was quickly
ignited. He started private piano lessons at age seven and began
trumpet lessons two years later at his elementary school. By age
twelve, Andy was already playing professionally in bars and clubs in
Pennsylvania. It was at this time when he pursued private trumpet
lessons with Bobby Price, a local trumpet hero. Mr. Price taught him
the disciplines of trumpet playing as well as music - jazz music in
particular. After being exposed to Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis
(thanks to Mr. Price), Andy's musical path was clear.
After graduating from St. Clair High School (Pennsylvania), he received
a scholarship to Berklee College Of Music in Boston, where he quickly
absorbed music from wonderful teachers such as Louis Mucci, Jeff Stout,
Mike Metheny, Herb Pomeroy, John LaPorta and other fellow students
alike. Before graduating, he won the school's Art Farmer and Lennie
Johnson Jazz Award as well as Downbeat Magazines "outstanding jazz
soloist (college level) for 1983". Andy graduated "Summa Cum Laude" in
1983.
Almost immediately following his graduation from Berklee, he was
contacted to join the big band of the great drummer Buddy Rich, where
he played the jazz trumpet chair. During that time, Andy was featured
on Buddy's album, "The Magic of Buddy Rich". This band also went on
tours playing for Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn.
Andy maintained a residence in Boston and soon following his tenure
with Buddy's band, he toured with Artie Shaw's orchestra, playing and
recording with also some well established jazz groups such as the Jay
Brandford Septet and Orange Then Blue.
In 1989, Andy re-located to New York City and started freelancing. He
began performing with various jazz groups such as Bill Kirchner's
Nonette, The Rob Scheps
Coretet, Paquito D'Rivera's Big Band, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and a
four year stint with Toshiko Akiyoshi's New York Jazz Orchestra
featuring Lew Tabackin. He is present on many recordings in various
formats from big band to small group jazz, as well as commercial
recordings and jingles.
|
Rick Holland |
| About the author: |
| A versatile musician and veteran performer in organizations such as the Louie Bellson Big Band (Chicago Based Band), Jimmy Dorsey, Mike Pendowski, Rob Parton , Buddy De Franco, Buselli-Wallrab and Terry Gibbs Bands, Rick Holland brings a wealth of experience and musicality to each performance. |
| Read More >> | |
