Sometimes a year off actually isn't a year off. David Andrews moved to Sun Valley in 1989 to take a year off after high school and before college. That year of play in the Wood River Valley sparked the beginning of his professional music career.
During his time in the area, Andrews landed a gig playing at Slavey's in Ketchum, recorded a demo and played even more music in his free time. A memorable highlight came when he worked on his first demo at Steve Miller's recording studio, with the help of Miller's associates.
After leaving the area, Andrews went to college and launched his career with the indie-band Calobo. The band sold around 85,000 records over 11 years and returned periodically to play in the valley.
"We had a foundation of fans in Ketchum and Hailey, because of the time we spent there. It was a lot of fun coming through," he said.
Now, Andrews, of Portland, Ore., returns to Hailey with the David Andrews Band at 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 at The Mint in Hailey. The show supports Andrew's newest solo-release "Everything to Lose."
Andrews embeds his heartfelt manner on an Americana Folk rock sound with help from his three-piece band. Critics compare his musical compilations to the music of British singer David Gray and the early sounds of Fleetwood Mac and Jackson Browne.
"We are an intimate act, for a sit and listen type audience," he said.
The venture into solo recording is a new creative direction for Andrews, one centered on mature songwriting and piano playing. He describes his compositions as concise and to the point.
"What's really matured is the lyrical content," Andrews explained.
Much of his musical growth he attributes to his time living in Nashville, Tenn., where he met a multitude of musicians. "Spending time in Nashville raised the bar of my craft," he said.
Andrews brings his newly polished style along with his laid back, articulate manner. He hopes the show will appeal to old and new fans.
He said his tour intends to "nurture the audience we have and create a new one as well."
For more information and ticket prices, contact The Mint at 788-MINT.
David Andrews, formerly of the band Calobo, brings the David Andrews Band to Hailey.
