Andy Bernstein

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Andy B. AKA Andy Bernstein has been the primary singer-songwriter for roots rockers The VooDUDES since 1990. As that band passed its silver anniversary, Andy found his composition book full of tunes – many that didn’t fit The VooDUDES’ M.O. Inspired by the rise of Americana and soul music, Andy began a solo recording project choosing John “JP” Pittas to co-produce (his credits include productions for Blues Leaf Records, among others). The resulting collection is entitled My Roots are Showing released under the moniker Andy B.AND (as in “Andy B and whoever he’s playing with”). The songs range around Americana influences from the funky mountain spiritual "Great Time Coming," to the DAP Records-style soul of "Break Someone Else’s Heart;" from the Bert Berns-inspired AM radio rocker In "My Dreams," to the rockabilly gospel of "One More River." Even The VooDUDES “ghost” perform on the driving-and-crying tune, "My Baby’s Gone." These songs showcase Andy B’s love of eclectic roots genres and emotional, storytelling lyrics sung in a voice one reviewer labeled “the sound of a bourbon bottle lined with gravel.” Over the years of touring and recording, Andy B’s voice and style have received such reviews as: The Tampa Times referring to his “Howlin’ Wolf vocals”; Blues Revue said “Andy B has a deep, clear voice a la Buster Poindexter with way more Southern edge.” The Santa Monica Sun called his vocals “blues-drenched.” And his personal favorite, from the Rochester City Paper: “Gravelly voiced Andy B sings like he genuinely loves every minute in front of the microphone.” Tunes from My Roots are Showing have appeared on two compilations: WNTI’s 55th Anniversary collection ("Break Someone Else’s Heart") and Bongo Boy Records’ In Asia #3 ("In My Dreams"). In addition, the track "Incandescent Lightbulb Blues" was presented as part of the program unveiling the Thomas Edison commemorative mural at the re-opening of the inventor's lightbulb monument. Continuing that Jersey theme, the CD includes the tune "Mary Ellis." This is Andy’s historically accurate alt-folk song about the grave in the New Brunswick, NJ, movie theater parking lot that allegedly inspired the Looking Glass. [Members of that band went to nearby Rutgers University.] Various tunes from My Roots are Showing are in rotation from Western Europe across the US and Canada to Tokyo, China, Australia and New Zealand. Further radio activity includes a podcast interview on IMG/Mojo Radio and live features on Fishcreek Radio Presents; Music FridaysLive! In Los Angeles, and the Debbie Scott Radio Network. Andy B is now bringing his own project to life at select events. As Andy B.AND SoulFolk, they’ve performed at Bourbon Street Blues Festival; the 2016-17 Light of Day Festivals; Reckless Cabaret, Delaware CanalFest, and Hub City Music Festival as well as live radio performances on Danny Coleman's ROCK ON RADIO and WNTI. SoulFolk members Gary Ambrosy (Gtr), Paul Daloia (Bass), and Greg Stier (Gtr) appeared on the CD; Bill Homeyer plays drums with the live band. Wikipedia’s entry on the New Brunswick, NJ, music scene finds Andy mentioned alongside his friend the late Pat Dinizio of The Smithereens as one of the: “local luminaries…who has been fronting bands since the late ‘70s.” In addition to his own band, Andy B continues to gig with The VooDUDES.

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is the air I breathe. At almost any given moment I am listening, gigging, composing, rehearsing or taking care of the business of music. Getting the right combo of music and lyrics is like winning a sweepstakes. And when I'm gigging and me and the band are in the zone, I forget all of life's neuroses, psychoses, heartbreak and frustration. It is literally a state of grace.

What is your music dream?

I've experienced being full-time musician several times, most lucratively with The VooDUDES. I'd like to get back to that with this solo project Andy B.AND adding licensing to the mix.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

No one changes the whole world. My aim is to leave it a little better than the way I found it. I think my pursuit of music (and the arts in general) have done that on a small scale. Perhaps doing that on a larger scale would influence others to do same and there'd be a "domino effect" for good.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

There was a song my father used to sing to me in his mother's language. He sang it as a ballad, and knowing that she died when he was young would me cry when I was little. I realize now that the composition's structure is like many klezmer, Roma and Ukrainian tunes meant to pick up speed in each round of the song. While the song (whose name I don't know) hasn't influenced my own writing, it's always there in my psyche.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Since I'm in the middle of the 10 songs/10 days challenge on social media, I'll start there Mink DeVille, Los Lobos, Ike & Tina Turner, The Meters, Levon Helm (both as a solo artist and with The Band), John Prine, Little Feat, Elvis Costello, John Fogarty (solo and with Creedence Clearwater Rivival), Juke Joint Jonny. I think all of these artists took one or more forms of American Roots Music and moved it ahead in some original way. Artists like these ensure that our shared heritage here in the States, which is becoming increasingly homogenized, stays relevant and unique.

What inspires you to make music?

It's in my DNA. And I mean that quite literally. Before World War I, my great-grandfather Chaskel Frand was a violinist, bandleader and composer in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He and his family orchestra traveled to gigs by wagon. In addition to playing live, he sold his sheet music and aristocratic sponsorship for a ducal family named Krasnicki. He played violin for me when I young. I don't think there's a way to discourage me FROM making music.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

1. Tell a good story 2. Evoke an emotional response in the listener 3. Share a positive personal belief And to paraphrase the ancient teens on old AMERICAN BANDSTAND Youtubes, "Make sure it has a good beat so we can dance to it." Because a groove never hurts.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

My all-time personal favorite critique from the Rochester [NY] City Paper: “Gravelly voiced Andy B sings like he genuinely loves every minute in front of the microphone.”

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

At the risk of sounding mercenary, the entire digital system sucks as far as remuneration to musicians. The music scene is like one big showcase performance these days. The exposure is great, but where's the money?

What do you think of Drooble?

I played a gig last Saturday with The VooDUDES. A guy whose been following us for a long time and who gave up his own musical dreams, told me his music has found new life on Drooble. He thought I should try it out, which is what I'm doing. Ask me that question again in six months.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

To make a living, players need to be VERY mercenary. It's extra hard to keep bandmembers lined up and commited when they're running all over creation looking for the best payday. And I am guilty of this myself.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Yes. I try to make as many local performances as I can and I do look forward to checking out new acts. I follow several local music pages on FB. And I have a paid membership with the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation. I both play gigs through them and volunteer to work their events.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Persistence. I did not hire a radio promoter for My Roots are Showing. I got all of my considerable airplay (and continue to do so) with personal research and pitching to media.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Rob Paparozzi does tour in the Elwood Blues harp slot of the current Blues Brothers band, but here in the metro area he plays clubs in a number of small combos doing jazz, lounge and R&B. Super session drummer Bernard Purdy will often sit in if he's off the road. Sharon Lasher & The Flashers. Sharon is a Jersey Shore gal (and by that I mean she lives down there - no hanging out with those MTV posers from New York). She is a frequent opener for shows in Asbury Park where the Flashers play full on electric; she's toured Ireland a couple of times doing pubs acoustically. And she was kind enough to sing back-up on my record and at one of my early performances with SoulFolk. The Cyns. Lead by poet-singer Cyndi Dawson, this is a balls-to-the-wall rock band full of sass, sweat and sex. She and her ace guitarist Henry Seiz curate an arts night in Hoboken every month offering slots to musicians and poets. Cyndi was a friend of my late sister and she has often provided great tips for radio stations who will consider my music. Colossal Street Jam. An Asbury Park band that reminds me of Joe Cocker and the Grease Band. Big bad blue-eyed soul. Jon Herrington Band. Herrington, a Rutgers U music graduate, spent years touring with Steely Dan. But his own trio is one of the most original Rock 'n' Roll outfits you'll ever hear. Truly unique takes on classic tunes.