Primary Instrument: Guitar
Last Updated: August 9, 2009“Andy and his all star cast serve this entire musical meal up in the most precise yet playful fashion. Jazz is supposed to be for serious musicians, but fear not, every one of these gents have their chops down and give every genre they represent true justice. When Wit of The Staircase is done you feel like you just got the grand tour of jazz and all the sub genres all in one sitting. This is an excellent listen worth many more spins after the first. You would be well advised to check this out several times before you decide that nothing was missed along the way.” - Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com
“Great Sound, super Musicians, solid Songwriting,and Andy plays his guitar with taste in every style he covers on this cd.” - Kevin McCabe - The Westwood Music Group
”Andy's a killer guitar player. That's obvious right from the start. But he's also quite a songwriter, as well as interpreter, and all of his skills shine through on this thoroughly enjoyable CD. A little bit jazz, a little bit rock, a little bit fusion, and a little bit groove. Andy & his fellow musicians cover so many bases, and I found myself playing it again as soon as it was over. Very highly recommended.” - Rich Kamerman - Brunswick Records
”The collection of music on this CD is very diverse in its presentation of the various musical genres from jazz, pop, hard rock, alternative and more. There is something for everyone on this CD, and each and every song has a musical element that should be intriguing to any ear, regardless of the musical style. The musicianship on the CD is phenomenal, in regards to playing, arrangement and composition of the songs themselves. There are instrumentals and songs with vocals, a musical medley which includes some introspective cuts and some very catchy songs indeed. Definitely deserves a listen and place in the daily rotation of people’s music play lists. BUY IT!!!!!” - Mark Erlenwein
When I received the new Andy Rothstein CD “Voodoo Tone” in the mail from my old friend master bassist Tony “Senny” Senatore, I sat down in my studio, ripped the plastic off and tossed it into the system with the same anticipation as a kid who opens that one birthday or Christmas present that he “knows” is exactly what he wanted. It may not have been a Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock, but that's a good thing and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Nope - there is no “pink bunny suit” here.
Each track has it's own personality and groove to it that makes every subsequent listen a new musical journey of discovery. It's an infectious combination of Jazz, Fusion, Rock, Latin, Classical and many other influences (except RAP, thank goodness) that, in effect, becomes more of an “experience” as it is absorbed into the soul as opposed to music that is just “listened” too. With all these inspirations integrated, there is still a definite uniqueness that allows this artistic statement to stand as a testament to true musicality. It can be truly enjoyed and defined as art.
Andy is a well-known craftsman in our business for his excellent instrument creations from guitars to 12 string basses to unique electronic “mods”. This recording just shows that his talents and drive for the best quality goes beyond just being a top-notch luthier. Unlike a lot of things coming out these days where every song on a CD has to sound the same because some sort of preconceived “formula”, this CD has a wonderful “organic” vibe to it that is not only really exciting, it's actually “refreshing”, in the true sense of the word.
In a time where digital “smashing” has wrecked so many excellent recordings, the engineering, mastering and production quality of this record can only be described as “old school” and reflects the wonderful professionalism and talent of all those involved. Frank Fagnano's incredible engineering skill once again shines through, and mastering engineer Andy VanDette adds that final touch, making it a true joy to play. It sounds just as good playing through a car stereo or home system as it does a high-end recording studio system. How many records out there these days can REALLY say that.
I highly recommend this to any music fan, especially those who dig thoughtful and interesting songs that weren't written just to be “background” or “filler” music to drown out the external sounds of life. This IS the sound of life, so listen, enjoy and “live it”.
Jon Pomplin - Producer/Artist - Declassified Records - http://www.declassifiedrecords.com
As a Leader
Album Name: Wit of the Staircase
Record Label: Vermicious Knid Music
Year Released: 2009
Personnel: Andy Rothstein (guitar), Manolo Badrena (percussion), Tom Hammer (keyboards), Steve Jankowski (trumpet), Erik Lawrence (saxophone), Pete Levin (organ/piano), Tony Senatore (bass), Andy Snitzer (saxophone), Lew Soloff (trumpet), Luther Rix (drums), Van Romaine (drums) and Tom Timko (saxophone).
Album Name: Voodoo Tone
Record Label: Vermicious Knid Music
Year Released: 2006
Personnel: Andy Rothstein (guitar), Tony Senatore (bass), Lou Petto (drums), Steve Jankowski (trumpet), Tom Timko (saxophone), Bob Nelson (piano), Vinnie Zummo (special guest guitarist on Retro Fuso), Link (vocals)
As A Side Musician
Album Name: Holyland
Artist Name: Tony Senatore
Record Label: Jive Momentum
Year Released: 2005
Personnel: Andy Rothstein (guitar), Tony Senatore (bass), Van Romaine (drums), Steve Jankowski (trumpet), Tom Timko (saxophone)
Album Name: Link
Artist Name: Link
Record Label: Indie
Year Released: 2007
Personnel: Andy Rothstein (guitar), Link (vocals), Gary Oleyar (Violin, Mandolin, bass), Scott Ingwersen (Drums)
Album Name: Mary's Magnet
Artist Name: Mary's Magnet
Record Label: Indie
Year Released: 1999
Personnel: Andy Rothstein (guitar), Tony Senatore (bass), Lou Petto (drums)
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