Drew Amendola is an inspiring and inventive guitarist, singer and songwriter. Hailing from Connecticut, Drew got an early start in music, playing violin from the age of four. Over the next eight years, he would also study piano, trumpet, alto saxophone, and drums. It was at the age of twelve that he picked up his first guitar.
By the age of fourteen Drew had begun winning local talent competitions and sparking the interest of many in the music field. He started playing professionally by age fifteen.
After high school he attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston. After his first year, Drew moved to New York City to study composition at the prestigious Juilliard School.
Over the past few years, Drew has played in some of the most legendary venues in the country and studied with some of the greatest guitarists of our time, honing his technique and style to the extraordinary level it is today.
He has also held endorsements with Baker Guitars, Soldano Amplification, Dean Markley strings, Lexicon effects, and Calzone Cases.
In 2001 Drew released his first solo album, a collection of song-oriented material in the rock vein, to much local acclaim. On the album, he performed as the writer/arranger, producer, singer and guitarist. Although the album is geared more toward the radio-friendly demographic, songs like Regret indicate that he has no problem lighting the fret board up for a pretty intense solo where appropriate, but can also show inspiring taste and restraint as in the solo of Where Were You.
Soon after the albums release, Drew was picked up by Sultana Entertainment Group, which arranged for many high profile performances, radio, and television appearances throughout New England, New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Philadelphia.
"Drew displayed very impressive songwriting ability, eloquent lyrics, and unbelievable guitar playing. It was really a win-win situation no matter where we put him."
-Janis Malone (Sultana Entertainment Group)
"Although opening for a national act, it was definitely Drew Amendola who stole the show. With a razor sharp band, great songs, and out of this world guitar playing, Drew will be one to watch in the future.
-Christopher Arnott (The Hartford Advocate)
Review: Drew Amendola CD Verdict: Thumbs Up
"Drew Amendola's self-produced CD looks like a demo at the first sight, which it maybe indeed might be. That means: don't expect too much from the booklet. But the most important thing, the music, is really good. As for direction, I'd mention Midwest rock. Drew has got a good sense for melodies and is writing catchy songs. Also the playing of Drew (voc, guit.), Ed Tehran (bass) and Gregg Andrew (drums) is faultless and without excessive use of computers. The sound of the CD is, of course, not as mighty as a major production, but it is very good. What seems a little strange at first is that even the heavier songs like "Miles" or "Drowning" are played relatively slow, but after round two in the CD player it sounds perfectly fine like it is. My personal highlight is the melancholic New Mexico Promenade."
-Christoph Poeschl, Rock It! Magazine (Sweden)
"Impression: Despite the understated packaging, this is a solid CD with an amazing, unique sound. Wicked, kick ass guitar opening on Track ..4, "Drowning."
I enjoyed this CD a lot. Drew is great, and has a terrific voice - I would love to learn more about him, his music, and what his story is."
-Amy Arobson, Score Music Magazine
In addition to continuing the pursuit of session work as well as live/touring opportunities as a sideman, Drew is also seeking representation to help expand his popularity to the national and worldwide level. He is interested in pursuing exposure in a broader radio market, expanding CD and merchandise sales to a wider demographic, and exploring the international touring and clinic circuit.
