Andrew Winton

Infobox musical artist

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Name = Andrew Winton
Img_size =
Landscape = yes
Background = solo_singer
Born = Approx 1975
Died =
Origin = Flagicon|Australia Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Instrument = Vocals
Guitar
Wintonbeast
Dobro
Lapsteel
Stomp Box
Genre = Blues
Roots
Bluegrass
Gospel Music
Alternative
Occupation = Musician, Songwriter
Years_active =
Label = Independent
Associated_acts = Four Point Turn
Irisdn
URL = [http://www.andrewwinton.com/ "Official Site"]
Notable_instruments = Wintonbeast

Andrew Winton (born, approx. 1975 in Perth) is an independent, solo, Australian musician, combining acoustic guitar, lap slide, dobro and seven-string lap guitar/bass (the Wintonbeast), with hollers and stomps to provide an engaging and authentic performance.Winton's sound has been likened to a cross between Ben Harper, Sting, Kelly-Joe Phelps and Harry Manx.Fact|date=May 2008 His performances are driven by infectious rhythms, stunning slide, bluesy vocals, quirky lyrics and storytelling.

Winton currently lives in Perth with Karen (his wife, manager and percusionist/vocalist), and their two children.

He is brother to famed Australian author Tim Winton and has a sister, Sharyn O'Neill, who is the current Director General of the West Australian Department of Education and Training [http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=34394] .

Winton also works part time as a high-school chaplain in Perth.

Musical career

Andrew grew up listening to Deep Purple, Kiss, Frank Zappa and Johnny Cash, and started his musical life as a drummer. In his late teens he moved on to electric guitar, playing in bands and completing a degree in jazz at the Conservatorium of Music in Perth Western Australia. Andrew played guitar for a few years with Adam Brand (Australian Golden Guitar repeat winner at the Country Music Awards), and then went on to have local success in 3Ph a quirky funk-rock band which won Western Australia's Next Big Thing competition in 1997. After being invited to play drums with top Perth old-timey blues band, Tin Dog, Andrew was exposed further to the world of blues, roots and folk music. After seeing UK musician Rory McLeod perform in 2002, Andrew was inspired to take the solo songwriting road and began his successful transition to dobro and other lap style guitars, which are now his passion. He recorded his first solo album in 2003 with only 8 months of dobro playing under his belt. Predominantly self-taught, with a few masterclasses from Lucky Oceans thrown in for good measure, Andrew is now recognised as one of Australia's talented slide guitar players. He is also known for his eclectic mix of styles and songs, lyrics that are thought provoking, his humour and storytelling on stage, and his dynamic vocal range that has earned comparisons with Sting, Steely Dan and Harry Manx. Andrew is a musician truly doing it for the love of it, what you see is what you get.

Awards

2006 saw Winton tour Australia for three months, play at numerous festivals, events and radio broadcasts, and take out first place in the Folk/Acoustic category of the Australian Songwriter's Association awards for his song "lucky boy" (as well as the award for best live performance at the awards night).Winton was a feature artist on ABC Radio National's Music Deli program, and placed in the top 10 in the instrumental category of the MusicOz awards.In 2007, Winton was nominated for a West Australian Music Industry award for best blues/roots artist. His third album 'The Decompression Chamber' received critical acclaim.

Live

Partner Karen on vocals and percussion, adding beautiful harmonies and layers, sometimes accompanies Andrew on stage. Since about March 2007, Andrew has been seen accompanied by experienced percussionist Paul Novosel on drums for most live performances to make the "Andrew Winton Two".Winton has performed at many festivals including National Folk Festival, Fairbridge Festival Nannup Music Festival and South by Southwest festival.

Albums

The Decompression Chamber - CD released February 2006

Can't Slow Down - mostly live CD (2005)

Barrel O Monkeys – CD (2004)

Whalebone Surf Classic – DVD soundtrack (2004).

External links

* [http://www.andrewwinton.com/ "Official Site"]
* [http://www.myspace.com/andrewwintonmusic "Official MySpace page"]