Andrew Jackson, widely recognized as The Guitar Chameleon, is a Santa Barbara California native, with Castilian and Scottish decent which can be heard in his compositions. Andrew is a self-taught virtuosi acoustic fingerstyle guitarist who provides a journey of solo acoustic guitar arrangements, derived from the many roots of Latin, Americana, Celtic, Jazz, Hawaiian Slack-Key, Jazz, Folk and Rock N Roll genre’s, using many alternative tunings, percussive harmonic fingerstyle techniques, melodies, bass, counter melodies, harmony, rhythm & cross rhythms.
“I approach each song, like the sculptor chips away at a piece of marble...hoping to leave behind, an immortal piece for the world to Cherish.”
Andrew has shared the stage with some of the worlds top acoustic guitarists including Alex de Grassi, Thomas Leeb, Muriel Anderson, Vickie Genfan, Dorian Michael, Goh Kurosawa, Adam Miller, as well as his native local Santa Barbara favorites, Bruce Goldish, Pat Milliken and George Quirin.
Andrew has also shared the stage with some of today’s top singer song-writers, John Batdorf (Batdorf & Rodney), Lily Wilson, Jeri Brown, Kenny Edwards, Clare Muldare, and many more.
A second place winner of the 2006 Arts Fund Instrumental Guitar Contest (1st prize went to international guitarist Chris Judge, of the Transylvanian Mountain Boys, Giles Apap, Luis Munoz, & Teka); Director/producer/performer for the Santa Barbara Acoustic Concert Series (since 2002); Director/producer/performer for the Firestone XC Mountain Bike Races (since 2001); Director/producer/performer for the Circle of Friends benefits for the Santa Barbara Environmental Defense Center (since 2004).
Andrews music is described as inspirational, motivational, “on-edge”, and very passionate.
"Local guitarist Andrew Jackson demonstrated his nimble and versatile stylings on the guitar and rippling, ringing sonorities on variously tuned instruments."
--January 2009-Joesph Woodard, Santa Barbara News Press
Laurel/New Mexico-"I often find myself migrating to your website and listening, over and over to some of the beautiful music there. Your musical artistry is something I find very appealing, because it contains so much depth and feeling...and to me, that's what music is all about. Sometimes I wonder if I (or any listener) experience’s the same feelings (you the composer/performer) that you feel...or are they often entirely different feelings. I guess its not really important, just as long as the music evokes something genuine, whether it be passion, reflection, adventure, contentedness, or any of a myriad feelings. Regardless, your music is excellent. It works...at least in this woman's soul."
"...without a doubt a fine and masterful guitarist. One song after the other simply blew me away. I can’t think of an adjective to describe his total musicianship, but the word SPECTACULAR is the only one that comes to mind."
---July 9, 2005; Carmine D' Amico (holder of 16 Grammy Awards), http://www.carminedamico.com--
"....so delightful. It sounded like several different takes skillfully woven end to end. The interaction was subtle and mellifluous. It didn't sound much like "Searching" to me."
---April 3, 2005; John Sumerlin/Conductor of the Rhode Island Chamber Orchestra (Noble Prize Nominee)--
"The Duende Project (Andrews top of the line band-Barbara Coventry/violin, Bear Erickson/Jazz guitar, and Brian Jacobs and John Ornales on percussion) exudes cohesiveness, creativity, passion and fabulous musicianship. There were times on Saturday when I heard the music as wide and big, as if it were the sound track for a magnificent motion picture. You and your players are supported by many here locally....and I'm sure more will join in as they hear the beauty and magic of your compositions and performances. I think a live recording is in order."
--August 6, 2007; Robert Brown/Santa Barbara Musician--
"...Very interesting sound. Reminiscent of Will Ackerman, whom I like a lot."---April 1, 2005;
--Brian D. Holland, Modern Guitars Magazine http://www.modernguitars.com/holland--
"As a music producer and performing artist, it is always a great thing to find talented and unique musicality. The music of Andrew Jackson rides the wave of original and energy driven momentum that I have found in very few places. I expect Andrew will eventually find his place among the top fingerstyle artists of our time."
---December 23, 2004; T. Rivers, Redstar Music Productions--
"What lovely, peaceful, intelligent, and comfortable music! Plus, I love clean technique. I just can't enjoy artwork that doesn't demonstrate a mastery of the skills involved."
"Your guitar music is very intimate, honest and you play various styles. Indeed one hears some Windam Hill Music influences like Hedges, Will Ackerman, Alex de Grassi, but you have created your own unique style which I honestly find very good, so, with a unique signature."
---March 26, 2005; Henk te Veldhuis, Bridge Guitar Reviews, http://www.xs4all.nl/~guitars/--
"Your music was so rich and soothing, and the beautiful light in the open space enabled everyone to focus on you and receive your gift of music. Everyone continues to sing praises for your mini concert. Best to you as you continue to hone your gifts!"
---September 2008, Susan D. Savage MFA, Associate Professor of Art, Westmont College, Director of Arts Fund--
"You were amazing and exactly the touch I was looking for- I so appreciate you and your music - and have raved about you to all who have asked. There were many who expressed how wonderful it was to have you there performing."
--January 2008 by Max/Santa Barbara Wedding--
"Andrew led off, and was the only non-singing act, but Andrew fills a lot of space with his acoustic, fingerstyle songs. Andrew calls himself a guitar chameleon, because he plays and writes in a number of acoustic styles (not to mention playing a zillion different guitars) His compositions are warm and melodic, without losing sight of the drive and rythm it takes to make music interesting. He has amazing finger technique, and puts a lot of energy into his shows."
--April 5, 2008 Review of Kulaks Concert by Bill Goodell/Musician--
