Andrea Wittgens
"Alibi" (EP)
© 2006 Andrea Wittgens (766433212099)
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A modern singersongwriter with a mesmerizing voice who does things differently...
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****** exquisitely evocative of the finest popmeisters of the past three decades music that is very new and fresh, unlike anything I've ever heard before. -- Bill Fisher, Victory Review*****
Common wisdom in the entertainment business dictates if you can't describe it in two sentences, go back to the boards and refine your pitch. However, those experienced and well traveled in the business know that in truth, it's the ones that you can't describe easily that are the true and lasting artists (think Rufus Wainright, Erykah Badu, Jeff Buckley).
Seattle based singer-songwriter Andrea Wittgens is the freshest original new voice on the scene in years. Combining sultry, engaging vocals (Rickie Lee Jones meets Norah Jones) with original songs that are both hypnotic and exuberant, and always showing immaculately appropriate musicality with clever yet disarmingly honest lyrics, she has been holding audiences in rapture throughout the Northwest.
Originally from small-town Antigonish (pronounced anna-ga-'nish), Nova Scotia, Andrea's earliest stage experiences were tap dancing as a precocious four year old, then twirling in pink tutus at the local ballet school, as well as atop (several) telephone books at piano recitals. Eventually outgrowing the telephone books (and hanging up her size 2 taps), she continued with both classical piano lessons and dance classes, which combined to form a deep physical connection to music which carries forth through today. Continuing with piano through high school, Andrea eventually spent several years teaching music, dance and movement, while refining her chops playing keys and singing in the high school jazz band. She continued with advanced classical music studies, graduating as a dual major (French and Music) at Queen's University, Ontario.
Moving to Seattle in the mid-90's, Andrea began her pop writing career in earnest, playing late nights at raucous beer and joints bars in Pioneer Square, Seattle (with what was to be future members of Sugartown), while next morning slogging in bleary-eyed to her day gig programming interactive music at Microsoft. By 1999, Sugartown was more than an idea, and in 2000, they released Blue Eyed Fool. The EP stirred up a wave of notice in Seattle, despite being an earnest fun-pop outfit pushing against the considerable tide of flannel-shirted insouciance.
After the release of Sugartown's second LP, Aquamarine, the band hit the road, up and down the West Coast-- Seattle, Portland, Ashland, Eugene, San Francisco, and on to LA.
Finally, after 5 years, Sugartown seemed to have run its course, and rather than being the voice and face of a band, it was time for Andrea to shine as a solo artist. Her new EP Alibi represents a convergence of the writing, singing and riveting stage presence that mark Andrea Wittgens' arrival as a singer/songwriter of the highest order.
"Alibi" is Wittgens' first solo release. Produced by multi-platinum Grammy record mixer/producer Bob Power (Me'shell N'Degeocello, Citizen Cope, Erykah Badu), the album showcases Wittgens' penchant for immaculately appropriate musicality with clever yet disarmingly honest lyrics. These, combined with a mesmerizing vocal delivery make Andrea Wittgens the new artist to watch in 2006.
reviews
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Fantastic!
author: Skylar BlackstockAndrea is amazingly talented. When I saw her perform, I was blown away and needed to own this CD. I usually like the sound of male singers better, but Andrea combines a beautifully unique voice with great songwriting and I just can't stop listening.
Great quirky CD
author: Karen LangefeldI love this CD. Wonderful songwriting. Great music. I love the way everything flows together. I look forward to a full lenth CD.
Great CD
author: K. BermeisterI heard Andrea as the opening act for Shawn Colvin recently. I decided to pick up her CD. Since it arrived, I can't stop listening to it. Simply beautiful! This is a terrific CD.
A great find...
author: Mark "McT" McTaggartToo often this genre presents willowy young women with a big acoustic guitars, setting there diaries to three chords. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Andrea Wittgens clearly has much more to offer than personal ramblings. Andrea is a true musicain, composer & singer with great musical ideas (that I'm sure can also be attributed to her band, who happen to be awesome as well as producer/mentor Bob Power). Andrea's voice is very similar to Gwen Stefani but, without the pouty lipped, Betty Boop routine. Her lyrics tell little stories ala Steely Dan. Her entire approach is lyrically & melodicly fresh & familiar at the same time. This disc is a great find but sadly, too short. I'll be enjoying what I've got so far & waiting for more. McT.
A pinch of McLachlan, a dash of Waits - outstanding recording!
author: Alicia HealeyAlibi is the latest recording from songwriter Andrea Wittgens - and it is an outstanding recording. This solo effort (although she has Sugartown pals playing throughout) is a fun new direction for Wittgens' music. The new songs are as powerful and well-crafted as past projects, and although they certainly don't need the larger Bob Power production, they stand up to it nicely. The magic behind the songs, however, is Wittgens' voice which is placed well up front of the fantastic layers of piano and her band. In the production you'll find wonderful hints of McLachlan, Waits and Wainwright, but you'll never lose site of who you're listening to - one of the finest and freshest pop rock songwriters/performers making music today.
Mesmerizing vocals, great grooves and hooks you can't forget
author: BrookeAndrea Wittgens mesmerizes and inspires. While listening to this CD be prepared to go on a journey that is visceral, emotional and visual. Wittgens music will stay with you long after listening: you'll find yourself humming a tune at work, discovering a new meaning in a lyric and having a thought-provoking visual moment with Wittgen's music as the sound track. Wittgens voice is soothing, sexy and unforgettable. I love this album!
Great things in a small package!
author: James GarridebDon't let Alibi's EP designation fool you. This is NOT a hobby songwriter's half-baked vanity project nor the freshman offering from an artist who couldn't scrape together enough material for a full-length release. "Alibi" is a GREAT recording from an artist who can pack a CD with more hooks than a fishing derby. From the infectious groove that kicks off "I Know Better" through the last haunting refrain of "Love", this disc is testament to Andrea Wittgens' prodigious songwriting and vocal talents. The songs are melodic and compelling (imagine a mixture that is equal parts Tom Waits, Fiona Apple and Norah Jones) the musicianship top-notch, and the production--by legedary producer Bob Power--is the perfect swirling and sweeping compliment to Wittgens' angelic voice. This is a fantastic CD. Expect big things from Andrea Wittgens in the years to come!! and expect this disc to take up permanent residence in your CD changer. * * * * *
DAZZLING!
author: S. LalkaFinally the new offering from Andrea Wittgens! Her gorgeous, shimmering voice has never sounded better, and her songs can fling your heart skyward or melt it into an aching puddle, or even make you feel like you've stumbled upon a dark mystery...truly the gift of a brilliant, sensitive artist at a new level of growth. Dreamy, quirky, sunny, sad, sweet, entrancing...her evocative songs feel almost like mysterious sonic puzzle pieces that tell a secret story, or scenes from a movie that haunt you for days. Somehow she makes it all sound like it just pours out of her so effortlessly. MAGICAL!