NYC Stories is as full of juxtapositions as the Big Apple itself. This third release by guitarist Andy Bianco is sure to be an exciting journey for any listener. The first track entitled For Those Who Battle Demons fills one with the surge of energy that is experienced upon coming to New York City for the first time, and draws the listener in immediately.
A reflection of his experiences during his time in New York, the compositions tell of a story full of trials and tribulations that have forged a resounding determination against all odds. The aforementioned opening track is dedicated to those who are fighting demons of any sort, and one can sense the struggle in this angular and very pointillistic melody leaving the listener on edge. From here the album migrates through very serene melodies of tranquility and hope such as MagLev Ride, Two Ducks Crossing, and Ballad for Mallards, mixed in with darker melodic themes such as Bottom Dollar, and those that have a sense of hustle and urgency to them like Politricks, Get to the Chopper, with the final track Drone Batt Slow being a mixture of all these and takes this album out in a hurry, much like the day to day grind of living in New York.
Bianco has surrounded himself with an outstanding cast of players with Glenn White on tenor saxophone for all but two of tracks where the renowned Wayne Escoffery steps in and adds his voice to the mix. George Burton, whom Bianco has recorded and played with on many occasions, joins on piano and one can tell the two have a very familiar rapport as they complement one another like a hand in a glove. The fellow Pittsburgh bassist Nathan Peck holds down this voraciously explorative rhythm section with a sound and pulse that makes the music always feel centered, whether he’s playing bass or percussion. Paul Wells plays drums on the album for all except three of the tracks, where Allan Mednard plays on the opening track, and Wayne Smith Jr. plays on track 8 and the final track of the album, all drummers playing tastefully and complementing the sound and feel of each particular tune.
This album was dedicated to Bianco’s late father, who would no doubt be proud of this amazing recording. With the ups and downs that life can bring, especially in a city like New York, audiences everywhere can relate to this musical story that captives the listener from start to finish. While the journey may have been hard at times, Bianco has persevered and made New York his home. The city is blessed to have a musician of such high caliber and artistry paying tribute to it, and I’m sure the city that never sleeps will continue to enjoy more great works of art from this amazing musician and human being.
For further information please visit https://artistecard.com/andybianco
Photo by Greg Jones
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