Artist description Andy Firth is considered to be one of the finest clarinet & saxophone artists in the world.

Music Style All

Musical Influences Jazz, Classical, Contemporary Instrumental.

Similar Artists Eddie Daniels, Buddy De Franco , Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Paul Desmond

Artist History ANDY FIRTH Andy Firth is not only one of the finest clarinet and saxophone players in the world today, but he is also a gifted composer and a dedicated educator. ANDY FIRTH Wherever he performs, he leaves critics and fellow players gasping in awe of his ability to either dazzle with his blindingly fast, fluent technique or his soulful, beautiful tone. A musician of extraordinary technique and finesse, Andy stole the show at the World Clarinet Summit in Japan during 1993, alongside clarinet virtuosi John Denman of the U.K. and Japan's Eiji Kitamura. 1995 saw Andy Firth's reputation as arguably the most naturally gifted player since Benny Goodman, further enhanced by sensational performances in Germany, England, and the prestigious North Sea Festival in Holland. Andy was also a guest performer along with Diana Krall, Phil Nimmons and Ed Soph at Canada’s MusicFest in 1998 where he received standing ovations for his performances of Benny Goodman’s classic hit “Sing, Sing, Sing”. An exceptional talent, Andy is equally at ease playing Mozart as swinging like a veteran jazz musician. At the drop of a hat Andy is able to switch to almost any musical style or setting. Andy has performed with such jazz and blues legends as B.B. King, Wynton Marsalis, Lee Konitz, Kenny Ball Jazz band, Galapagos Duck, Bud Shank and James Moody, Tommy Emmanuel, Bob Barnard, Don Burrows, The North Texas Big Band, Maestro and Tommy Tycho. Andy has also performed with symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles as both a member and soloist. Andy Firth received standing ovations for his performances at the 1999 ClarinetFest at the University of Oklahoma for his concert appearances. US saxophone master and composer Victor Morosco has also composed a septet for Andy called the "Fourths of Firth" which is currently being prepared for performance and recording in 2001. Andy maintains a philosophy that compels him to contribute as much as possible to the education of future musicians. He holds a Bachelor of Music and a Diploma of Education and has lectured in public/private schools as well as universities both in Australia and overseas. Andy believes that music is a universal language and as such should have no barriers or limits - everyone should have the chance to enjoy the uniting qualities of music. Andy currently teaches at one of Australia's finest colleges, Sydney Grammar School. Andy was a guest artist at the international clarinet festival in July 2000, Oklahoma, USA and received rave reveiws and standing ovations for his concert appearances. US mouthpiece manufacturer Lomax mouthpieces has honoured Andy with his own model of their famous clarinet mouthpiece. “The Andy Firth Jazz Model” was released at the International Clarinet Conference 2000 and has become one of the biggest selling models for the Lomax range. Andy Firth is proud to be the Australian clarinet & saxophone clinician and endorsee for Boosey & Hawkes and tours both in Australia and overseas giving master classes and concerts at schools and universities. Andy received rave reveiws for his performances of Artie Shaw’s “Concerto for Clarinet” with the Queensland regional youth orchestra under the direction of Maestro Tommy Tycho at the Brisbane Energex Festival 2000. Andy also performed as clarinet soloist with the Griffith University Orchestra under the direction of Simone De Haan. Andy was also a guest adjudicator at the Queensland Fanfare Festival in July 2000 where he also conducted clarinet & saxophone master classes for Boosey & Hawkes. Andy was a guest performer in March 2001 with Gregory Smith (associate professor of clarinet, Roosevelt University. USA) for Sydney’s “ClariFest”. Andy performed the Artie Shaw Concerto for clarinet with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in September 2002 and was also a guest performer at the prestigious Australian Music Association Convention at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia. Andy Firth has produced some fine CD releases,Fresh Starts, Let There Be Firth, Colours, Swingin' Upstairs and The Heat's On, (with the Brisbane State High Big Band).Andy is also pleased to announce that his most popular and ambitious project to date-“Me, Myself & I” - A 16 clarinet Big Band CD on which Andy performs all 16 clarinet tracks, (Bb and Bass clarinets) with an rhythm section. Andy also arranged, orchestrated, recorded, mixed and produced this CD.

Group Members Andy Firth

Instruments Bb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto, Tenor, Soprano, Baritone Saxophones, Arranger , Composer & Educator

Albums Fresh Starts(deleted),Swingin' Upstairs, Let There Be Firth, Colours, Live At The York Jazz Festival 1998, The Heat's On & Me, Myself & I-16 Clarinet Big Band.

Press Reviews “A genius of the clarinet” -Maestro Tommy Tycho, A.M., M.B.E. (conductor, arranger, pianist) “ Andy, Congratulations on a superb album! I only hope that the music world will take note of your great talent...” -Buddy De Franco, jazz clarinet master. “Andy Firth is a joy to hear. He is a virtuoso that goes beyond virtuosity. The joy and enthusiasm in his playing and teaching reminds us all of why art exists, and why as musicians, we wanted to play music in the first place.” -Victor Morosco, saxophone master& composer. "Gosh, he's good!" -Eddie Daniels - clarinet virtuoso "At 17 years, I knew this boy was going to be something special." -Don Burrows, renowned Australian Jazz master. “Andy Firth is the best! In the years since I first met him he has turned into a frightening clarinettist and,I might add, an excellent arranger...” -George Golla, Australian guitar master, composer & arranger. -"The most gifted of all clarinet players." - John Denman, English clarinet virtuoso "Andy Firth is perhaps the finest clarinet player that I have heard..." - Kenny Ball, renowned British Jazz trumpeter and bandleader.

Additional Info Sponsored by Boosey & Hawkes. Endorsee for Buffet, Keilwerth & Rico.

Location Sydney, NSW - Australia

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