Born: July 23, 1952 Primary Instrument: Piano
Andy Kahn is committed to preserving America’s unique musical art form, “JAZZ and the STANDARD SONG.” For more than 40 years, he has researched works of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and other American songwriters who provided the foundation for Swing and Jazz, America’s enduring unique contribution to music and the arts. Andy performs his “Music by Intention” concerts in theaters and nightclubs. He lectures at educational institutions about owning and operating a recording studio and music production.
Andy weaves his musical spell on audiences attending his educational and entertainment events. He has raised impressive sums for aids support, non-profits and charitable foundations. Andy has entertained at major jazz festivals and in intimate settings, interacting closely with his audiences. His affable personality and obvious love for the music he plays and sings has enthralled audiences at annual benefits for a museum in western Maine as well as in Europe and South America onboard cruise ships. Offering programs for all ages, he performs standard songs and jazz composed in America, musical genres surviving nearly a hundred years. Andy adds charisma and charm into his vast repertoire, offering anecdotes about American composers whose intention was to help shape a country’s ideals while instilling qualities and attitudes in the lives of its people.
Lecturing to students interested in music-industry careers, Andy recounts his building a recording studio in 1970 which became a premier facility for many international musical acts and world-renowned personalities to record. Audiences are taken on a fascinating journey from the waning days of analog magnetic-tape recording through the technological shift into the digital realm. With his ability to move away from the podium and sit at the piano to demonstrate different musical styles and themes, Andy delivers a compelling presentation geared to high-school and college students interested in learning about the recording and music industry’s evolution.
Background:
While still in high school, ANDY KAHN played jazz piano in Philadelphia nightspots. He composed, arranged and produced recordings at Queen Village Studios, a facility he co-owned and operated. Andy wrote and produced his first gold record in 1978, “HOT SHOT,” the #1 hit song performed by the late KAREN YOUNG. “STAND UP SIT DOWN” by his AKB ORCHESTRA reached the top ten in Billboard in 1979. That same year, Andy was recruited to produce and arrange the first professional studio recordings by THE GIPSY KINGS. In 1995, Andy recorded “SOLO DUET,” original musical themes performed at the grand piano. In 2007, new interest in 1970’s music led Andy to produce remixes of “HOT SHOT,” utilizing Karen Young’s original vocal track. It reached #7 in Billboard Magazine. “RENDEZVOUS WITH ME,” a song Andy wrote for Karen Young was released in 2008 with Karen’s original 1979 vocal track. Andy’s new production allowed the late artist to “perform” one final encore. In 2010 Andy wrote and produced a new song “THE BANK OF LOVE,” recorded by vocalist Pamala Stanley and released on his independent record label, MaxRoxx Music.
Awards:
1978 Billboard Magazine #1 Disco Song "Hot Shot" by Karen Young - writer/producer/arranger 1979 Billboard Magazine #2 Disco Song "Stand Up Sit Down" by AKB - writer/producer/arrangerJAZZ TIMES MAGAZINE 10/21/10 • By Bruce Klauber - Andy Kahn: Songs of the Spirit Pianist/Singer/Record Producer in stellar, Philadelphia and Atlantic City performances.
