Lincoln Hall in Chicago is one of the newest venues around and, personally, one of my favorites. With a wide-open space and a living room like atmosphere, every seat is a good seat. But what makes it even better is when they invite great artists like Dave Barnes and Andrew Ripp for a night of music and relaxing.
The show started off with an intimate set from Andrew Ripp with only an acoustic guitar and piano player/slide guitar player. I’ve personally only seen Andrew with a full band, so seeing him in an “unplugged” session was truly an engaging experience. His set included some of the songs from his new album, as well as old favorites such as “The Privileged Life” and a stripped down piano version of “Dresden Wine” from his freshmen release Fifty Miles to Chicago.
When Dave Barnes hit the stage, fans were treated to not only Barnes’ classic stand-up comedy routine, but also songs from his new album What We Want, What We Get. Fans heard the story behind “My Love, My Enemy” and were able to catch a collaborative effort between Barnes and Ripp for “What I Need” (with vocals originally sang by Jonny Lang on the record.) It was like watching two best friends perform side-by-side as Ripp jumped on stage for more than half of the show to help cover the back-up vocals for some of Barnes’ most melodic songs.
Overall, it was a beyond pleasing performance and a great tie in to Andrew Ripp‘s upcoming sophomore album release produced by Dave Barnes. The musical partnership between these two personable musicians is strong and, if you get the chance, make sure you check them out in person sometime soon. They go together better than a peanut butter, banana, chocolate syrup, marshmallow fluff sandwich. And that’s saying a lot.
Listen to What We Want, What We Get by Dave Barnes:
Buy Dave’s album:
Buy Andrew’s album:
KC and I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Andrew Ripp (of whom we featured not too long ago on FreshScouts.com) and I have to say, it was everything we dreamed of and more. Besides the show taking place at one of my favorite Chicago venues, the Double Door, we were able to catch an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at this extremely talented, unique artist that hails from the Chicago area. Sort of like seeing an animal in its natural habitat. That is if the animal can play guitar and record albums and stuff. If that were the case, it would pretty much be exactly like that.
So we jumped back stage before the show to ask Andrew some questions and try to get a peek into things to come and current plans. One nugget of information we learned right off the bat is that he recently moved to Nashville to help nourish his musical abilities among other artists that include a one Mr. Dave Barnes. But we wanted to get an idea of where this artist to watch is headed and find out what his fans (and soon-to-be fans) can expect in the coming months.
Check out Andrew Ripp as he talks about gaining some ground in the college market as well as great things to come with new music and collaborations for upcoming projects.
We’re pretty excited about the upcoming Christmas show ourselves, but any new music from Andrew Ripp is something to wait for. As for the show, it was also everything we dreamed of and more. Andrew puts on a great live show filled with energy and soul, and it’s hard not to be engaged in the music of someone so in-tune with his audience.
Check him out at any of his upcoming shows and make sure to keep your ears open for the new EP! Ripp is definitely someone to watch.
*Update: Andrew Ripp has just released his new Christmas album! Hot off the presses…the music presses. The holiday music presses. Check it out and get into the holiday spirit. Most heart and soul radio stations have been playing Christmas music since the summer, so it’s time you get with it.
After listening to one minute of Andrew Ripp, I immediately bought several copies of his album, “Fifty Miles to Chicago”. I considered that the purchase of these albums in hard economic times was an investment in great music. I only wish I was as wise before my investment in a case of Snuggie’s. How was I to know that my family would not appreciate body-length blankets with sleeves made of synthetic fleece? I hate infomercials for taking advantage of me. Anywho…it was Andrew’s recent opening slot on tour with Dave Barnes that brought him into my music collection. My family has certainly enjoyed this replacement gift.
Andrew’s music is a perfect choice for your upcoming summer road trip. As the miles pass along you will find that tracks like “Get Your Smile On”, “The Privileged Life” and “You Got My Number” will have you grinning at your fingers as they dance on the steering wheel. Be prepared to slow things down a little because this Chicago native also has a vulnerable side as well. Soulful songs like “Dresden Wine”, “On My Way” and “Tim’s Song” will get you reflecting on love and life.
Andrew Ripp is the real deal. One listen and I guarantee you’ll be hooked. Oh, and don’t miss the solo at the end of “The Privileged Life”. Andrew rocks a kazoo. Let’s just say that I finally would be able to join an artist on stage if called upon because I too can rock the hell out of a kazoo. Life is good.
Make sure you experience the softer side of Andrew with his studio video version of the hauntingly beautiful piano-driven ”Dresden Wine”.
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Like Andrew Ripp? Check out Matt Nathanson!
