Artist description Andrew's latest CD, "Burning Bush", is actually a complete solo effort with Robb writing, producing, and perfoming every song. When Andrew takes the stage with "the TRee", they put on a high energy, eclectic mix of music that alternates between tightly arranged songs to extended trippy jams with lots of improvisation. Andrew's current line-up consists of guitar, keyboards, upright bass, and drums. The players come from diverse musical origins and are all disciplined minimalists, allowing lots of free space for explosive freak-out jamming interludes. Lots of fun for hearty listeners!

Music Style Alternative Rock

Musical Influences The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Clash, Bob Marley, Brian Wilson, Woodie Guthrie, John Lennon, Pink Floyd

Similar Artists Andrew Robb's music evokes a variety of influences, with individual listeners hearing different things. The Stones, Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, and Dylan are the most frequently referenced artists.

Artist History Andrew Robb has been an active and influential part of the Chicago Underground Alternative scene since the late 80's. Back then he fronted the critically acclaimed adventurous band "tribe", who were at the heart of the now legendary Wicker Park music scene. After tribe, Andrew began a solo journey with the release of "as-if" in 1990. This minimalist, emotionally raw, low-fi sound diary was recorded in an attic, receiving critical praise for its integral and real vibe. Though only released on cassette, "as-if" was cited as a 1990 "top-ten" release by the Illinois Entertainer. From '92 to '96 Robb performed with "the TRee", a (mostly) roots-rockin' trio. Andrew & the TRee put out three cool recordings: "Vita Activa" (1993), "Saints Preserve Us" (1995), and "State of the Union" (1997) Each of these records received airplay on WXRT and merited critical praise. Andrew's current line-up was formed in 1998 for a special perfomance at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, in conjunction with the MCA's "The Art of Film in the 20th Century" exhibit. The band performed songs to a 25 minute film, produced by Robb. The band just played a CD release show at Chicago's legendary Hideout Inn, and will be doing more shows in the near future.

Group Members Andrew Robb: Guitars, Vocals, Harmonica, XaphoonJeff Kowalkowski: Keyboards, Vocals, Accordion (Jeff K. is also part of "Jack the Dog", and experimental music duo, and has recently been referred to as a "key figure in the Chicago experimental music scene")Mark Fornek: Drums/Percussion (Mark is a fantastic R&B drummer, who has played with with the likes of Chess legend Jimmy Rodgers, B.B. King, Jimmy Johnson, and other notables)"Steady" Sam Bradshaw: Upright Bass

Instruments Electric Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar, Harmonica, Recorder,

Albums 2000: "Burning Bush"; 1997: "State of the Union"; 1995, "Saints Preserve Us"; 1993, "Vita Activa"; 1990, "as-if", 1988 (w/tribe), "Primordial Bop"

Press Reviews Some noteworthy comments:"The original and challenging music Andrew & the TRee offer makes for a more interesting and satisfying listen than most of what you'll hear out there today" (Illinois Entertainer)"One of the very few acts in town (Chicago) that capture the imagination, each of their songs is a charge into the unknown, a look into the implications of a few oddly voiced chords, and exhortation to take off one's blinders and see the world with stunning clarity" (Chicago Reader)"There is a rich gypsy soul to Andrew & the TRee, who address rhythm patterns with challenge, scope and integrity." (Chicago Sun-Times)"The band gets under your skin and stays there.." (Chicago Tribune)On "as-if": "Robb has created a musical landscape (world actually) that is so personal, so emotive, that it is hard to talk about it in the standard language of a review." "At times alost tactile, the sense of immediacy is startling." (Chicago Sun-Times)On "State of the Union": "Exquisite melodic sense, glistening sounds, surprisingly rich arrangements, exciting slippery contours, and just plain likeable blunted geniality.... a superb song cycle." (Illinois Entertainer)

Location Chicago, Illinois - USA

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