I was not familiar with Andy McKee until a friend of mine mentioned that he’s her favorite musician. When I saw that he would be playing at Regattabar, one of my favorite venues, I knew I had to be in the audience.

Andy McKee

Wow, everything she said completely understated Andy’s talent.

Andy’s style is hard to put into words. He is called a fingerstyle guitarist, and I am not sure that I have seen anyone play the guitar in quite the same way as Andy. His music is folky, but I wonder if I say that because he’s a man with an acoustic guitar and there’s a presumption of folk music when I see that. There was a trance-like, progressive quality to some of his songs. Regardless of what it’s called, it’s phenomenal.

Andy

When he took the stage and started playing, I thought he must have had a computer playing a few loops along with the live music because it sounded as if there were three guitars and a drum kit in the room. It did not take me long to realize that it was all happening before my eyes.

Andy

My astonishment continued to grow as Andy played. He got a powerful percussive sound from the body of his guitars when he wanted it.

Andy on the harpguitar

For about a third of his 135-minute set, Andy played the harpguitar. I have seen a harpguitar but never from such a close vantage point; watching his hands moved across the two necks and twelve strings was fascinating! Again, it sounded like there were many more instruments on stage.

Andy on the harpguitar

His set included mostly original music, but he did a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” which I might have enjoyed more than the original version! Andy told us about one of his influences, the late Michael Hedges, and played a couple of songs written by Michael. I was also unfamiliar with him but plan to get to know his music well.

Andy

This is instrumental music at its finest; there were instances where he took my breath away.

Andy on the baritone guitar

I’m thankful to Jen and Derek for introducing me to Andy’s music. We decided that we will see him together whenever he is in the Boston area. I know I will never tire of seeing Andy perform. I daresay that when I know his music better, his shows will become even more exciting.

Andy

Andy

Andy on the baritone guitar

Andy

Andy

Andy on the harpguitar

Andy

Ticket courtesy of Regattabar; all opinion are my own.