Born in Victoria , Australia , Andrew Wrigglesworth was in his
early teens when he decided to pick up the guitar. "I saw how
well other guys were doing with the girls when they were playing
in rock n' roll bands and, trying to act cool, I wanted that attention.
I didn't take it seriously at first but when the girls didn't come
and I discovered the soul of the instrument...I was hooked".
Starting out with an $80 guitar, playing in garage bands and annoying
the neighbors Andrew decided it was time to get some lessons. Andrew
attended tuition with Mr Rod Stone, a high profile Australian performer
and session musician. Rod introduced Andrew to the guitar playing
of the great Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. "The day I heard
Chet play changed my life. I remember thinking I was a pretty ace
guitarist having learnt all the Nirvana, Greenday and Shadows songs.
Chet and Tommy were on another level" .
By the end of year 10, Andrew won a scholarship to the Victorian
College of the arts where he completed year 11 and 12. While attending
the college of the arts, Andrew was exposed to many styles of music
including jazz, blues and classical.
In 1999 Andrew was invited by Tommy Emmanuel to attend and play
over in Nashville , Tennessee at the Chet Atkins Guitar Convention.
It was there that he got to play to 5000 people and play with his
boyhood idle, Tommy Emmanuel. "I remember coming home from
school one day and getting this relaxed call from Tommy. He asked
me if I wanted to go with him to the Chet fest in America .
I was speechless. He organized the whole thing for me. That's the
sort of guy he is".
In 2001 Andrew returned to America this time with the sad news
that Chet Atkins had passed away. He attended the tribute festival
and played at the finale concert with Bruce Mathiske, Tommy Emmanuel
and Brett Wood.
In 2002, after meeting up with producer/songwriter and guitarist
Geoff Cross, Andrew recorded his debut Album "FROM THE LAUNDRY" featuring
a range of Andrew's original compositions. The album was recorded
and produced by Geoff at his studio in Metung , Victoria .
After touring Nashville , New York and London in 2003, Andrew
jumped back in the studio with Geoff and slick musicians Mathew
Duniam, Phil Bartlett and Gerry Ciaverella to record his next album,
IN HIS OWN WORDS, which once again, displays Andrew's mature songwriting
skills.
2005 will see Andrew promoting his album and touring with orignial melbourne rock outfit SPARGO. |