Antonio Andrade is a passionate entertainer. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and harmonica, he delivers an engaging brand of "rockin’ folk" and routinely captivates audiences with his spirited live performances. A Pennsylvania-based singer-songwriter and guitarist, Andrade believes that "singing and playing, presenting songs and connecting with an audience are more fun than anything else that I can think of or imagine."
He has released five full-length albums. Something Happened, his latest, reflects that passion and joy. Its 11 tracks are a mix of originals, a co-write with Freebo, and choice covers (classics and "not so classics").
Besides Freebo on fretless bass, Andrade is joined on several tracks by Mark Stuart (electric, lead, and slide guitar) and Ed Lesser (drums and percussion). These three musicians also played on his 2014 release, Life Shakes – which was timed to coincide with Andrade’s retirement from a 38-year daytime career in social services.
Andrade’s 2010 release see if you recognize this one features covers of songs by others – including his interpretation of the Talking Heads tune "This Must Be The Place" that also can be heard in the 2011 European film of the same name starring Sean Penn and Frances McDormond.
Music has long been a source of joy for Andrade. Singing Dylan songs at parties and a first band in high school led to dabbling in playing coffeehouses during his years at Penn State and, later, to singing cover songs -- mostly in bars, with an occasional festival and/or spot as an opener -- until 1992. That’s when he began a decade-long stint with a dance-rock cover band Episode. Resuming solo acoustic work in 1996, along with the band dates, led to songwriting and the release of his first recording in 2000 -- Straydog, a CD featuring ten original songs His sophomore release, 2007’s What Do You Want From Me, delivered more original songs marked by the rock, folk and pop influences that initially removed him from the sandlot and stood him on a stage.
Says Andrade: "You know how kids hold thoughts about what they want to be? I wanted to be a baseball player. But when I saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, something happened!"
He has released five full-length albums. Something Happened, his latest, reflects that passion and joy. Its 11 tracks are a mix of originals, a co-write with Freebo, and choice covers (classics and "not so classics").
Besides Freebo on fretless bass, Andrade is joined on several tracks by Mark Stuart (electric, lead, and slide guitar) and Ed Lesser (drums and percussion). These three musicians also played on his 2014 release, Life Shakes – which was timed to coincide with Andrade’s retirement from a 38-year daytime career in social services.
Andrade’s 2010 release see if you recognize this one features covers of songs by others – including his interpretation of the Talking Heads tune "This Must Be The Place" that also can be heard in the 2011 European film of the same name starring Sean Penn and Frances McDormond.
Music has long been a source of joy for Andrade. Singing Dylan songs at parties and a first band in high school led to dabbling in playing coffeehouses during his years at Penn State and, later, to singing cover songs -- mostly in bars, with an occasional festival and/or spot as an opener -- until 1992. That’s when he began a decade-long stint with a dance-rock cover band Episode. Resuming solo acoustic work in 1996, along with the band dates, led to songwriting and the release of his first recording in 2000 -- Straydog, a CD featuring ten original songs His sophomore release, 2007’s What Do You Want From Me, delivered more original songs marked by the rock, folk and pop influences that initially removed him from the sandlot and stood him on a stage.
Says Andrade: "You know how kids hold thoughts about what they want to be? I wanted to be a baseball player. But when I saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, something happened!"
"Nobody brings more passion to the stage than Antonio."
- James Lee Stanley, veteran singer-songwriter and music industry professional
"The sensation of sharing energy with an audience arouses passion in me. Music has a presence and a life of its own. I am trying to share it, and I am attracted to the possibilities. I am seeking to honor my passion."
- Antonio Andrade
- James Lee Stanley, veteran singer-songwriter and music industry professional
"The sensation of sharing energy with an audience arouses passion in me. Music has a presence and a life of its own. I am trying to share it, and I am attracted to the possibilities. I am seeking to honor my passion."
- Antonio Andrade