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Andrea Balestra
After accomplishing two degrees from Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Andrea relocated to Los Angeles, where he performed in some of the city’s most legendary and world renowned venues: The Baked Potato, La Ve Lee, The Whiskey A Go Go, The House Of Blues, The Roxy, Cozy's, the Lighthouse, the Ivar Theater and Babe's and Ricky's Inn.
Andrea has shared the stage with artists such as Dick Dale and Keb Mo. He recorded and performed with musicians of the caliber of Melvyn "Deacon" Jones, Steve Trovato, Carl Verheyen, Dave Hill and John Pisano. Andrea’s performing experience also includes a duet with guitar legend Scott Henderson, "Bulldozer", which is featured in "The Loner" a tribute album to Jeff Beck and several tours across the country and in Europe. He also worked for over a decade as the musical director and guitarist for blues legend and Grammy-nominated songwriter Bobby "Hurricane" Spencer. His works as a composer and as a session musician include credits in award winning films, tv shows and albums, not to mention the numerous record he cut.
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Bobby Hurricane Spencer: Hurricane Unleashed
by Jim Worsley
What is unleashed here is a giant sized bowl of thick and rich blues, jazz, funk, and an R&B stew. A large ensemble serves it up hot, with Bobby Hurricane Spencer dishing out large portions of smokin' hot tenor saxophone licks, as well as vocals that range from tender to gritty. Whether Spencer is a saxophonist who also sings or a vocalist that can play is a tossup. He is equally at home. The two timer is also responsible for ...
read moreAndrea Balestra: A Rich Sicilian Odyssey
by Jim Worsley
Guitarist Andrea Balestra makes a cerebral investment with every note he plays and with all of his compositions. A lot of guitarists like to jam. Balestra isn't one of them. Substance is preferred over droning speed. His highly intensified music is born of traditional Italian music...being from Sicily perhaps a factor...a deep integration of blues, a passion for traditional jazz, a further passion for the music of Jimi Hendrix, and other components, that create his dichotomy. Balestra deftly exposes the ...
read moreAndrea Balestra: Trinity
by Jim Worsley
Coming in waves of different sizes, strengths, and motions, Shape of the Oceans" pulsates with Andrea Balestra's guitar riffs buoyantly cast out to sea. The Balestra composition is anchored by drummer Phillip Major Willis, who surges through the tide. Changing course with Reckless Abandonment," an upward boogie leads the rhythm section to lay it wide open for Balestra to ignite with full fury. The tune then slides into a graceful passage that brings the juggernaut to a stylish close. This ...
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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson