Andy Christie...

... info, pics and biogs of jazz pianist, Andy Christie.

It could be argued that Andy Christie had a pre-destined music career. His father was a successful jazz pianist, even though he only had three fingers on his right hand! His grandmother was something of a local celebrity (she was a pianist for the silent movies) and his first experience of live music was a trip to the Colston Hall, Bristol at the age of 8 to see the Buddy Rich Big Band. He was accompanied by his big brother, John, who was already playing bass guitar and touring with Frankie Vaughan.

From about the age of 10, it was clear Andy was going to be a pianist. It probably had something to do with the fact he used to sit by his Dad and watch attentively during his regular Sunday night jazz trio gig. He didn't start lessons until he was 12 and the first thing he learned was that middle C was the one with the cigarette burn on it.

Four years later, he was gigging, but as a drummer, rather than a pianist. This helped a great deal in developing his sense of rhythm and timing. By the age of 20, Andy was playing solo piano on a regular basis, having secured a residency at the Grand Hotel in Bristol. Since then he has worked as a session musician for the BBC and was recently featured on Michael Pakinson's Sunday Supplement, on BBC Radio 2, promoting his new collaboration On Reflection with his sister, Jane Christie.

In a career that spans three decades, Andy's work has taken him all over the world, playing for audiences in various countries including, Malaysia, Bermuda and France, which is where he now resides.

Drawing on inspiration from the aggressive technicality of Monty Alexander and the implication and introspect of Bill Evans, Andy's improvisational technique and supportive accompaniment style have earned him a well-deserved reputation as a respected jazz pianist.

After a year exploring the Jazz scene in the south of France, Andy has returned to Gloucestershire, where he is working on an album of his own compositions.

For more info on Andy's gigs click here (opens a new browser window)

Select Biography:

In addition to the thousands of gigs Andy has done over the years in numerous theatres, bars and jazz clubs, he has also:
- been a session musician for the BBC
- supported Chet Atkins in concert at the Bristol Amphitheatre
- appeared on ITV for Talking Telephone Numbers
- played Wembley Arena as part of a national tour
- appeared in various festivals around the UK, including Ashton Court and   Shetland folk

CDs and Recordings:

- On Reflection featuring Jane Christie
- Miles Apart with Viktor Krauss and the Daily Planet
- Coracao Latino Latin jazz with John Griffiths
- Piano Emotions Solo Piano

Sound Clips (Opens a new browser window):

All the things you are - Solo Piano

Honeysuckle Rose - Solo Piano

On Green Dolphin Street - from On Reflection

Guess I got a Thing About You - from On Reflection

...more info about Andy Christie coming soon.

If you would like to book Andy, please use the link below:

Click here to email Andy