The SoundLounge

Stringmansassy

"For those lucky enough to join them, the visit is wonderful….even the laws of physics are subject to subtle manipulation in stringmansassy’s world" (Andrew MacLean 10/11/2003).

stringmansassy were refined and sophisticated performers and unique arrangers of every musical genre. They transcended their roots of jazz and folk to create a music that was described as spellbinding, enthralling and passionate. For 12 years as a performance duo, stringmansassy expanded the expected realm for guitar and voice, proving that it was possible to create an astonishing musical atmosphere with a small ensemble.

Since their early career beginnings as ‘cafe background music’ in 1996, stringmansassy became one of the most highly regarded performance duos in Australia. They toured extensively internationally and throughout Australia and performed at some of the country’s most prestigious venues and festivals. Among many other highlights in their 12 year career, they were invited to participate in the cultural delegation for the Australian Pavilion at two World EXPOs (Hanover 2000 and Aichi 2005).

Lovers of music in all its forms, stringmansassy’s performances always retained elements of their influences: Bobby McFerrin, Maria Joao, Ralph Towner, Patti Griffin, Cleo Laine, Ella Fitzgerald, Sting, Tuck and Patti, Pierre Bensusen, Middle-Eastern, African & Celtic traditional music. And yet, they always created a “world of their own, in which ‘passion’ flows like an electric current and each nuance of music is played with conviction and belief” (Andrew MacLean : music-culture.org.au 10/11/2003).

Andrea Soler

Since returning home this year, Andrea has become known as a passionate, spontaneous and engaging performer, and has impressed audiences and gained fans through her live shows at festivals around the country including The National Folk Festival, The 2010 Blue Mountains Music Festival, D’Alliance Festival, Fete De La Musique, and The Mullumbimby Music Festival.

Connection is what Andrea’s about. Sure, her songs are experiential, and mostly personal, but there’s a worldliness and sense of bonding with both audience and this big ball we live on which creates a warmth that’s hard not to be sucked into. Let’s just say her live performances can be captivating – it’s hard to remain unaffected by her flair and joy and inclusive-ness. Perhaps it’s that, or maybe her compelling vocals and insightful lyrics, but Andrea has a distinctive sound and feel. Inspired by the passionate joie de vivre of her French ancestry, she exudes, in part, an upbeat European feel, yet all the while maintaining her own take on the indie folk idiom she inhabits.