Andy Rothstein

Andy Rothstein

Musicians | Instrument: Guitar | Location: Newark

Updated: November 20, 2023

Blend the energy of rock with the complexity of jazz and the dynamics of blues and you just might end up with a unique style. New Jersey based guitarist Andy Rothstein’s unique musical voice can be attributed partly to his diverse musical influences, and party to the various electronic modifications that he has developed for guitars. 

Andy first began playing guitar at age 14. He graduated from Rutgers University, majoring in music and computer science, and he studied privately with Kevin Eubanks, Ted Dunbar, Steve Khan and Vinnie Zummo.

Andy has released three highly acclaimed recordings as a leader. His most recent release Truth Against the World (2022) spent over a year on the Roots Music Report Jazz charts, finishing #1 in the Top Fusion Album Chart for 2022. 

On Truth Against the World, Andy teamed up with an all-star cast of musicians including bassist Tony Senatore  (Rook, Genya Raven), Trumpeter Steve Jankowski (Nile Rodgers & Chic, Chicago, Blood, Sweat &Tears),  Drummer Tom Cottone (Randy Brecker, One More Once, Glen Burtnik) Saxophonist Kenny Gioffre (Smokey Robinson, Blood Sweat & Tears), Vocalist Audrey Martells (Nile Rodgers & Chic) and Keyboardist D Pappas (Smokey Robinson).

Gear

Guitars

  • Gibson Pat Martino Custom Shop
  • Fender American Original Jazzmaster
  • Gretsch Broadkaster Jr
  • Gretsch Tennessee Rose
  • Epiphone Triumph (1935)
  • Custom Tele
  • Custom Strat
  • Ovation Elite Acoustic
  • Ovation 12 String Acoustic

Amps

  • Fuchs Deluxe ODS
  • Victoria Vicotorilux
  • Suhr Badger 30

Pedals

  • Fulltone Fulldrive FD2
  • Hermida Zendrive
  • J Rockett Jeff Archer Boost/Overdrive
  • Timmy V3 Overdrive
  • Keeley Roto Sonic Rotary Speaker – Custom Shop Edition
  • Keeley Mini Katana Clean Boost
  • Boss ES-5 Switcher
  • Boss DD-500 Digital Delay
  • Strymon Cloudburst
  • Simplifier MKII


Tags

All About Jazz Articles

374
Album Review

John Hughes / Alberto Braida: Mobile

Read "Mobile" reviewed by Henry Smith


Taking the standard piano trio lineup and stripping it of its drums is a potentially devastating move. Without an overt rhythmic presence, the pianist and bassist are both put on double duty, having to simultaneously retain both rhythmic and melodic interest throughout. Too often the resultant music does neither. Yet Hamburg-based bassist John Hughes and Italian pianist Alberto Braida avoid these pitfalls with ease, making Mobile an encouraging display of the potential to be found in such an instrumental pairing.

298
Album Review

Andy Rothstein: Voodoo Tone

Read "Voodoo Tone" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Andy Rothstein has been playing the guitar for twenty-five years, as a sideman in rock bands and as leader of Mary's Magnet. His current perspective, however, captures a wider range as he brings in rock, country and Latin music to his beat.

Rothstein's aim is well served. His dexterity and technique on the guitar blood the tunes. He lets melodies fly out and open and when he gets into the thicker textures, he uses feedback and chunky chords ...

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Articles Across the Web

...or were mentioned in an All About Jazz article.

"For fans of rock fusion and progressive jazz there's plenty of superb guitar work on Voodoo Tone to make it well worth your while." - Robert Silverstein - 20th Century Guitar Magazine

“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

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