The Andreas Kapsalis Trio: Difference between revisions

The Andreas Kapsalis Trio is an American band led by acoustic guitarist Andreas Kapsalis who is joined by drummer James Gallagher and multi-instrumentalist Darren Garvey. Embracing the best elements of acoustic aesthetics and old world harmony, they still point their feet, hands, heads and hearts forward. They are an instrumental acoustic ensemble that takes a drastic step away from that boozy romantic on the frat-room couch and a step towards the much more intelligent interplay of inventive guitars and polyrhymic percussion.^[1] They are currently on tour promoting their second album, Original Scores.

Kappyms.jpgAndreas Kapsalis‎
In a class with top players before him—like Steve Tibbetts and Michael Hedges—guitarist Andreas Kapsalis works magic with his acoustic guitar. He covers a spectrum of musical moods that makes the most of his Greek heritage and his affinity for jazz, flamenco, Americana, Latin, and Mediterranean music. Suffering a left hand tendon injury when he apprenticed as a luthier early in his life, Kapsalis went on to experiment with a rare technique, eight-finger tapping, which does not require the use of a plectrum. One of the highlights of his live show includes a version of Blue Rondo a la Turk, which has also garnered praise from the song’s composer, Dave Brubeck.^[2] The following is the letter Dave Brubeck sent in response to hearing Andreas' solo interpetaion.

"Thank you for sending me the Andreas Kapsalis version of Blue Rondo a la Turk. I am very impressed that Andreas could cover on guitar what I had written for piano. I have only heard one other guitarist do this.
It is quite amazing to hear my own music performed by great instrumentalists. There have been many different version [sic] of "Blue Rondo" originally written for piano. I have heard it in pan flute, harpsichord, symphonic band, oboe, Swingle Sisters, Al Jarreau (for which he won a Grammy), Bette Midler, the list goes on and on, each one bringing something distinctive to it.
Again, thanks for sending me this guitar version. I was delighted to hear Peter Erskine (whom I've known since he was a young boy) and on percussion along with the great guitar, all doing a noble job. Yours sincerely, Dave Brubeck".^[3]

Jamiems.jpg‎ James Gallagher
Darrenms.jpg‎Darren Garvey

The Andreas Kapsalis Trio
Andreas Kapsalis Trio 2004

Original Scores
Original Scores 2008

Original Scores is the Andreas Kapsalis Trio’s follow up to 2004’s self-titled debut. Produced again by Tim Sandusky at Studio Ballistico^[4] and taking inspiration from their recent film score work, the film connection has had an obvious influence on the writing of Original Scores. The music segues over the course of a single composition to resembling your favorite movie soundtrack one moment, next bringing out the baltic and gypsy fire, next to what one might hear accompaning a freakshow during show time, and then finally settling down for a tender, fragile, subtle ballad that approaches a stillness which leaves us listeners no choice but to hold still ourselves. For the us, one is unable to turn away from this group. Elements of Americana, Flamenco, Greek, African, and Arabic music are part of the mix, each receiving equal time. The musicianship and instrumentation make this a must-see live performance. Now in its eighth year, the Andreas Kapsalis Trio has become a force in Chicago’s underground music scene.^[5]

In between albums, the group found themselves touring the country and composing music for film. Andreas was awarded a Fellowship Grant to attend the Sundance Film Composers Lab in 2005 and chosen to compose the film score for the documentary Black Gold which premiered at The Sundance Film Festivalin 2006.^[6]
Other films Andreas has scored include Mulberry Street, Mexican Sunrise, and Retaliation and most recently, Pig Business.^[5]

Influenced by the group's ecclectic love of musical culture, they are the rare instance where "world music" absolutely applies. It is a marrige of the best music the world has to offer, and is written and arranged in a wholly groundbreaking way. This group's persona can be sophisticated and complex while still as tough and gritty as a gypsy cowboy. The Andreas Kapsalis Trio is a group to watch for truely great things to come. ^[5]

With fantastic cover art to match, the self-titled CD debut of The Andreas Kapsalis Triofrom a surreal excursion into a place where words are ineffectual and musical emotion and imagery rules. With Gallagher and Garvey keeping pace, and Tim Sandusky manning the recording equipment and becoming producer of the sessions at Studio Ballistio^[4]. Andreas weaves his web of musical wizardry, combining deft guitar precision with an expansive gamut of jaw-dropping musical tactics. Overall, Andreas is good bet for acoustic guitar fans who like their sounds challenging and way left of center.^[2]

Original Scores is the Andreas Kapsalis Trio’s follow up to 2004’s self-titled debut. Produced again by Tim Sandusky at Studio Ballistico^[4] and taking inspiration from their recent film score work, the film connection has had an obvious influence on the writing of Original Scores. The music segues over the course of a single composition to resembling your favorite movie soundtrack one moment, next bringing out the baltic and gypsy fire, next to what one might hear accompaning a freakshow during show time, and then finally settling down for a tender, fragile, subtle ballad that approaches a stillness which leaves us listeners no choice but to hold still ourselves. For the us, one is unable to turn away from this group. Elements of Americana, Flamenco, Greek, African, and Arabic music are part of the mix, each receiving equal time. The musicianship and instrumentation make this a must-see live performance. Now in its eighth year, the Andreas Kapsalis Trio has become a force in Chicago’s underground music scene.^[5]

• Buy The Andreas Kapsalis Trio Albums!
• Buy Digital Copies of The Andreas Kapsalis Trio Albums!
• AKT Myspace Site
• Press Kit
• Darren Garvey's Site
• Gallagher School of Guitar & Drums
• Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic Guitar Duo
• Megitza
• Oucho Sparks
• Cameron McGill & What Army
• Buddy Nuisance
• Ernie Hendrickson
• Paper Arrows
• Studio Ballistico