In my humble opinion, Andy McKee is the most innovative and exciting fingerstyle guitarist to emerge in years. Still in his 20's, Andy has developed a mastery of the 6-string guitar and the harp guitar that leaves me speec... more »hless. He is the most textural player of the instrument since Michael Hedges, and he creates sonic architecture worthy of the great modern composers for any instrument. - Don Ross« less
In my humble opinion, Andy McKee is the most innovative and exciting fingerstyle guitarist to emerge in years. Still in his 20's, Andy has developed a mastery of the 6-string guitar and the harp guitar that leaves me speechless. He is the most textural player of the instrument since Michael Hedges, and he creates sonic architecture worthy of the great modern composers for any instrument. - Don Ross
"I've been listening to guitar music all my life. I grew up in Seattle, a hot-bead for music...Andy McKee is simply the best musician I have ever seen or heard on the acoustic guitar. I first learned about him on "youtube." There are a dozen or so videos of him playing songs he wrote and/or has covered. I'm glad I saw him play, because I had to see what I was hearing to believe it. I didn't know such sound was possible out of one guitar. It sounds as though he's playing lead, rhythm, bass and percussion all by himself. Amazing skill, topped only by the fact that he has composed each and every piece on this CD.
Not only is his music novel, it's wonderful to listen to on several levels. Songs like "Art of Motion" and "Drifting" are fast-paced and fun...you'll find yourself drumming along on your desk/knee/steering wheel uncontrollably. On the flipside, "Into the Ocean" and "Shanghai" are utterly soothing and will relax you.
I cannot recommend this CD and this musician enough. Ever since I was first exposed to his music, I've been tirelessly browsing the internet looking for new music he has written or songs he has covered ("Africa" is amazing...see "youtube"). If you're a fan of dynamic and excellent guitar music, buy this CD as well as anything else with his name on it.
"
Simply amazing.
D. Bekel | Iowa | 02/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Little Green Footballs posted his YouTube video of 'For My Father'. If the proponents of Digital Rights Management get their way, I never would have heard this amazing guitarist. I just bought this album.
This musician's compositions and playing waters my soul. Andy, thank you for sharing your gifts."
Acoustic Guitar Extraordinaire
Colleen S. Nutting | Northern Mariana Island Islands | 02/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have listened to this almost daily since I first saw Andy McKee on Yahoo and decided to purchase. Some absolutely incredible acoustic Guitar. I highly recommend this to anyone, and especially those who may play a little or are learning guitar. See what the instrument can really do."
Smooth
Kevin M. Sheldon | km19shel | 12/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pick this album up as soon as possible. The sounds from McKee is AMAZING!"
Brilliant acoustic work from a modern master
Mr. Antony R. Blackwell | England | 04/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Andy McKee has arrived on the acoustic guitar scene and he's done it with style. Not only has he shown his influences in his playing with the percussion/harmony/melody style popular of late, but has also brought his own lyrical melody writing into show here, along with fantastic harmonisation and composition.
Along with several other guitarists of the same genre (Antoine Dufour for example), Andy Mckee has set out to push the technical limits of the instrument whilst at the same time making sure to retain the sense of musicality that can sometimes be lost with a little too much concentration on virtuosic skill.
For me, Mckee blends the two aspects of his playing together perfectly and manages to produce music that is technically very difficult whilst still producing a melody you can sing along to. No other song is this shown in more than my favourite of his, 'Drifting'
A brilliant, technically minded album that's guaranteed to be enjoyed over and over again and guaranteed to put McKee firmly on the acoustic map."