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Andy Firth

Andy Firth is one of a very small number of Australian artists to have ever performed a concert under their own name at Carnegie Hall.

On the evening of the 21st March 2008, Andy Firth played a concert billed as “Goodman & Beyond” to a standing ovation. Andy Firth’s guest artist for this special event was living jazz legend and Andy’s jazz clarinet mentor, Buddy DeFranco. An excellent US rhythm section consisting of award winning artists, Gary Motley (piano), Paul Keller (bass) and Pete Siers (drums) supported Andy & Buddy for this “history-making” event.

The concert featured musical tributes to Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Buddy DeFranco, Eddie Daniels and Australian jazz icon, Don Burrows. An afterglow reception party was hosted after the concert for VIPS and invited guests at Jumeirah Essex House overlooking Central Park.

“Andy Firth is the first clarinettist in 30 years or so, since Eddie Daniels, that I have really paid attention to…what he can do on the clarinet, I consider to be impossible-yes, true! The thing is, Andy doesn’t know this…and I’m not gonna tell him”.

Buddy DeFranco (US Living jazz clarinet legend). 21st March, Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall as Andy’s guest artist for Andy’s “Goodman & Beyond” debut concert at Carnegie Hall. New York.

Andy Firth was also honoured to accept and perform a concert on March 19th at the Australian Consulate General in New York. Talented Australian jazz pianist Monique diMattina (now living in New York) accompanied Andy Firth on this occasion. The concert was described by officials as one of the best and well attended concerts ever given at the Australian Consulate building in New York. Australian Consulate General, The Honourable John Olsen gave a heartfelt and informative talk about Andy Firth and his musical achievements and praised Andy Firth for his standards of excellence whilst promoting Australian music in the United States. The Honourable John Olsen and his wife Julie Olsen also attended Andy Firth’s debut recital at Carnegie Hall on the 21st March.

Andy Firth then flew to Florida and gave a master class and performance at the University of Florida before heading to Los Angeles to play at the Il Moro club with the wonderful jazz guitarist, Jim Fox.

“You’re amongst the very greats Andy! A wonderful success story”.

Alan Jones on 2GB 14th March 2008.

“'Once in a blue moon along comes an artist whose talent, musicianship and expertise is awesome. Such a man is Andy Firth, whose reputation as a brilliant performer is Australia wide and acknowledged Internationally as well. He is a sought-after wonderful teacher, a lecturer of “good music” and a fine composer. I am privileged to be associated with him and also call him a friend.'”

Maestro Tommy Tycho. AM. MBE

“'I have never heard anything like this guy; he is a one in a million! His musicality and playing is totally unique! Andy Firth is, in my opinion, one of our greatest artists and musicians like him pass this way but once. I am thrilled to have met and heard him perform!'”

Vincent J. Abato (Revered U.S reeds virtuoso & teacher. 14th August 2006, USA.)

Andy Firth has performed with some of the world’s finest musicians:
Buddy DeFranco, Ingrid Jensen, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis-(associate guest artist) B.B. king-(associate guest artist), Lee Konitz, Gary Motley, Jay Hungerford, Ken Kehner, Joe Berger, Bud Shank, James Moody, Don Lusher, Steve Harlos, Steve Haughton, The Dutch Swing College Band, Kenny Ball and his jazz men and Acker Bilk.

Australian artists include:
Maestro Tommy Tycho, Anthony Warlow, Marina Prior, Julie Anthony, Don Burrows, Tommy Emmanuel, George Golla, James Muller, Ray Alderidge, Julian Lee, Kevin Hunt, Galapagos Duck, Rolf Harris, Daryl Somers.OAM, Tony Gould Trio, Jackie Love, Little Pattie, Bob Barnard, Ian Date, Graeme Bell, Tom Baker, Ed Wilson, Vince Jones, Jonathan Wade, Ian Cooper, Peter Hooper, James Clark, Nic Cecire, Terence Koo, Andrew Wallace, Nick Sinclair, Jamie Jones, Anita Wardel, The Society Syncopators, Myles Collins, Larry Stellar, Rob Guest, Mike Nelson, John Foreman, Jonathan Wade, James & John Morrison and many more. Andy also worked with the late great Ricky May, and Bobby Limb.

Andy Firth has also worked with many of Australia’s major symphony orchestras as a jazz and classical soloist where the great Australian Maestro, Tommy Tycho, often features him as soloist in his musical arrangements. In April 2006 Andy Firth was honoured with an Australian MO AWARD for "Best Jazz Instrumentalist".

See biography page for more information.

“How do you describe an all-star woodwind pop, rock, jazz and classical musician who plays by his own rules? Perhaps the best choice is to admit that there’s no easy way to depict the overwhelming talent and potential of Australian, Andy Firth. Possessing an eloquent and explosive fluency on both saxophone and clarinet, his style ranges from blindingly quick, volatile technique, to a soulful, lyrical tone guaranteed to melt the average listener. His music includes a mind-bogglingly supersonic clarinet version of “flight of the bumblebee”, aptly named “the funky bee”, and a virtuoso pairing of two jazz classics, “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Misty”, in which he takes that famed glissando to new heights-in fact, an entire octave higher!” “Firth’s astounding ability, combined with a refreshingly simple philosophy of music, has led him to a unique blend of clarinet, saxophone, jazz, classical, rock and pop, one which transcends traditional boundaries.”

Rico People & Products Magazine (USA). Fall 1997.

You're listening to Andy Firth. "Lady be good" from the Live in "Swingfield" CD. Clar: Andy Firth, Bass: Jay Hungerford, Piano: Ken Kehner, Drums: Joe Berger. USA 2006. <bgsound src="andyplay.mp3" controls="smallconsole">

Andy Firth & jazz legend, Buddy DeFranco in Aug.2007

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