Andy McKee is an internationally acclaimed musician well known for his dynamic and inventive approach to the acoustic bass. His reputation stretches from his home base of New York, across the United States and Europe to the far jazz corners of the world. Andy's talents as a composer and accomplished instrumentalist have earned him critical acclaim and a prominent place on the world jazz stage.

 Having performed extensively with many jazz greats, Andy McKee is as comfortable on the concert stage in front of television cameras as he is in the recording studio or intimate jazz club setting. He has been a longtime member of groups led by Philly Joe Jones, Chet Baker, Michel Petrucciani, and Elvin Jones, as well as the Mingus Dynasty and currently, the Mingus Big Band. Arriving on the New York scene in 1980, Andy worked the jazz clubs with the likes of Jaki Byard, Clifford Jordan, Sal Nistico, Charlie Rouse, Billy Harper and Brazilian drummer extraordinaire, Edison Machado. While living in Paris, France in the mid-80's, he performed and toured exclusively with Mal Waldron, Clark Terry, Steve Lacy, Don Cherry, Horace Parlan, Steve Grossman, and Barry Altschul as well as European greats Daniel Humair, Marcial Solal, Franco D'Andrea and others.

Any McKee's unique style and hard-swinging approach evolved naturally from his formative years spent on the Philadelphia jazz scene. Working with musicians like Hank Mobley, Johnny Hartman, "Cee" Sharp, Walt Dickerson, and Philly Joe Jones provided a nurturing environment for him and other young players cutting their musical teeth. "Philly was like my musical father. I was really just starting out when he said, 'come'on, you're with me'." McKee adds, "we didn't talk much about what we were playing, we just hung with the music." It was this period that provided a solid foundation for continued musical growth and achievement leading to the mature artistry of Andy McKee today.

He has further gained a prominent place on the contemporary music scene recording and performing with groups of his own. Andy McKee & NEXT received critical acclaim both for live performances in the U.S. and Europe as well as for their Mapleshade recording, Sound Roots. Currently Andy McKee/One World is making waves performing a masterful blend of jazz and world music themes as they prepare for another recording due to be released later this year. In this environment bassist Andy McKee has found the opportunity to apply the full depth of his experience and breadth of his rich musical understanding to his place as a composer and as a leader in his own right.

Andy McKee is also known for his work in music education. He is a faculty member at The New School's Jazz and Contemporary Music Dept. in New York City, he teaches privately, and he is a presenter of master-classes at conservatories around the world.

Biography from:
Andy McKee

official web-site:  http://www.andymckee.info/