Andrea Smith

Andrea started out as a simple country girl with rugged roots grown around a place called Chase B.C. But the years of shoeing horses and working outside began to register it's toll on shoulders and hands, and threatened to interfere with her guitar-playing. So she quit her cowgirl way of life and took off away from there- became a wanderer, an adventurer, and a songwriter. Andrea has won contests and awards for her songwriting and performances. The release of her latest cd "Sweet Embrace" has gained her recogition as a sensitive, soulful and seasoned songwriter. Her jazzy bluesy countery rock style has been deemed as having tremendous cross-over appeal. Having spent four years in Nanaimo's Malaspina University's Jazz program, only seved to better hone her craft. She is recieving radio airplay on CBC Radio One, in Nanaimo at CHLY 101.7 and across Canada on college stations. She recently reached 7 on CFBX-FM 92.5 in Kamloops - "on rotation and doing well - she's a local girl!". " Her voice is amazing, the lyrics are easily identifiable, and the blending of folk, jazz, blues, country, pop and funk throughout is absolutely amazing. I knew it was going to be a great album only minutes into the first song." Sheila Jopling, SRI Canada." Andrea has a wonderful instinct for crafting a great song- and the voice and authentic spirit to deliver it in a way that is utterly captivating and delightful. I loved her." Shari UlrichThe Andrea Smith Band is making waves in the Harbour City. They have worked hard, paid their dues and have become a finely polished unit. Impressing club owners and wowing audiences far and wide, they continue to reach an ever growing group of loyal followers with their sincerity, musical prowess and groove energy. Marisha Devion is the Divine Miss Devoin Bass Goddess. She just recieved her Bachelor of Music Degree and is facing a very bright future indeed. She is one of Malaspina's little gems, a monster bass player both upright and electric. She plays with Bard to Broadway, and has accompanied many bands, Big Bands, chiors , stage performances. She also gigs with fellow graduates and her own trio. She is huge asset to ASB and will be dearly missed when she deserts us for the cruise ships!! She rocks!!. Rick Salt is the Rickster trickster on the guitar, a master rock and blues player with wicked leads and lovely melodies you'd think that would be enough for just one man, but no, he's more than that! He's also an award winning seasoned sound engineer/producer and recording, mixing and mastering genius. He slices, he dices, he gets the best out of everyone. He rocks too!!. Last but not least is Paul Nixon. He is not a thief, he's the groove master. He honed his chops with some of Canada's finest musicians including The Downchild Blues Band. Paul has a finely tuned intuitive take on tunes. He punctuates, and lays it down, he caresses the skins then brings brings them to a fevered crescendo while at all times keeping the groove alive and well. With this kind of support Andrea is free to soar, and soar she does. Her voice rises and dips , soft and soothing then wailing with passion she takes the audience on a different journey with every song. Her songwriting is groovey, classy and soulful. She has strong influences from many genres which she has thrown together to cook and simmer and finally become a flavour of her own. She can write!. She can also play the guitar! her leads are begining to take on some tasty melodies and rhythms as she develops and grows into her craft. She's surrounded my master guitar players, she can't help but get a little on her.