Monday May 17, 2010
Hi Everyone! Starting the promotion for "Half Way Sweet" and it's been a fun few days. I just did a little interview with the nice people at Global Radio One in the UK. Gosh I adore Richard Hannah!
Check it out at The Richard J Hannah Show skip ahead to 1:04 to hear the interview and a preview track from the new cd.
Oh and pardon me for being so remiss in reporting that my co-write with the lovely Michael Kaeshammer "Isabelle", did, in fact, win 'best composition' at this year's Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. Great song! Great artist singing it! I couldn't be happier. Looking forward to writing more tunes with Michael in the coming weeks.
And FYI - don't be alarmed when you check back here in a few days and somebody's stolen the birdie. Nothing's gonna look the same and that's because this darn website is getting some pretty slick after market mods by the heavenly Yesim Tousner of Back Yard Design. Can't wait to hear what you think!
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK
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Friday April 23, 2010
Hi Everyone!
Well tonight's the night. The night of the much anticipated Smooth Jazz Awards.
One of the co-writes I did with Michael Kaeshammer (Ron Lopata & Joel Parisien)
which came out on Michael's Juno nominated CD "Lovelight",
is up for "Best Original Composition".
Keeping fingers and toes crossed!
It was a joy to write the song "Isabelle" together.
For those of you who don't know Michael, he's astoundingly talented,
very kind, and bursting with nominations at this show.
Check out his music, go hear him play, but beware...he's infectious.
Good luck to all the nominees!
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK
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Monday April 12, 2010
Hello everyone! 3 exciting things have just happened.
First, I got my new Dasilva ukulele just in time to lay down some tracks with it on the new CD. (It's mind blowing...like a magic portal to a place where there is only goodness.)
Second, I got bumped up to first class on my flight out of Cedar Rapdis Iowa because all the flight attendants had seen the symphony show we'd played the night before. (Let me tell you...these flight attendants really knew how to party.)
Third, my kids had their first piano recital and they ripped it up! Rocked the house! The crowds went wild! Wait...actually just I went wild, but it was the biggest thrill I've had in ages.
And...so many exciting things are just about to happen! The air is electric around me right now. Makes taking a bath kinda tough, but on the up side, I haven't felt this pregnant since I was pregnant.
Thanks for dropping by.
-AK
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Monday Feb 8th, 2010
Hello everyone! I’m just back from some days away singing the music of Brian Wilson with Orchestra London. (A sweet sweet gig if I do say so myself.) No giant epiphanies but I did come to learn that I really like spending time with Kathryn Rose and Leah Salomaa, I prefer hotel rooms that aren’t next to the bar, and “God Only Knows” is, in fact, one of the best songs ever written. Pull it up in iTunes today - it’s astonishing.
I'm also still coming down from playing the Toronto premiere of the documentary "The Mighty Uke". This is a FABULOUS movie that everyone should see - uke fanatic or not. And...James Hill is the most wonderful uke player I've ever heard, but he's also bursting with good energy. It was a treat to spend the evening together.
I’m ALSO working away at the final stages of the uke record “Halfway Sweet”. (2 exquisite years in the making) God, it’s got so much of my blood and guts in it that the actual disc should probably come with a shmata. I should look into that…
“Halfway Sweet” will have a Toronto release in early May, and I will celebrate this new baby with shows in as many places as I can muster throughout the summer. (Coming soon to a festival near you!) I’d like to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you who’ve kept writing to me to ask when the damn thing is gonna be ready.
It’s fantastic to know that I’m making this record for real live ears. I would also like to thank the Canada Council for having the courage to help me with the next brilliant incarnation of my web presence (among other things). Check my site in the coming months for a fantastic redesign made possible by the nice people at Backyard Design. And I couldn’t pen this message without a mention of how thrilled I am to officially be working with the brilliant mind and strong legs of manager Derek Andrews. So many things to be grateful for…
Whew! Stay tuned for the excitement. Gigs! CDs! Blood! And a priceless new ukulele that I am oh so excited to introduce you to…
Thanks for dropping by.
-AK
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Monday January 4th 2010!
Hi Everyone.
I am thrilled to announce that the much anticipated documentary film “THE MIGHT UKE” is seeing it’s Toronto premiere on January 28th, 8pm at the Royal Cinema. The film will be followed by a special live musical performance by myself and the just plain stunning, James Hill. Am I freaking out? Yes. I can’t wait to see this beautiful, timely movie…and I can’t wait to play some of my arsenal of uke tunes for people who love this magical little instrument. More details coming soon!
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK
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Friday October 16, 2009
Hello everyone. I'm really excited.
Why you ask?
Well, because the music fairies have generously dumped a bucket of tickets into my hands (thank you fairies!) and I now have a torrent of beautiful concerts to see in the coming weeks. For a girl who doesn't get out much unless she's playing the gig, this is kinda like a renaissance. Or maybe it's more like having a private jet that takes you to Reykjavik when ever you feel like it. Here's the rundown, maybe I'll see you at one or two of these highly recommended performances...
First, it's the TMC performing Handel's Israel in Egypt at the brand spanking new Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory. I haven't been in Koerner yet, but by all accounts it's unparalleled in this this city.
Next, it's Stravinsky's The Nightingale & Other Short Fables performed by the Canadian Opera Company, and directed by Robert Lepage
(Me and Robert go way back...I think we played strip poker once...)
Oh and how could I forget Week 4 of FIVE WEEKS FOR MILES - From Bitches Brew to Tutu at the Trane Studio
featuring Miles Brownman and the effervescent Kevin Breit among others.
But wait there's more! Act now and you could still get a hold of a ticket to the Art of Time Ensemble's
BRASIL concert at the Enwave Theatre. Oh how I have longed to see Guinga in the flesh, having admired him from afar for so many years! This is like a dream come true. And listening to Emilie-Claire Barlow sing, makes me happy.
Music makes me strong! Rrrooaaar!! (loudly yelled with both hands raised in the universal hand gesture for 'monster')
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK
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Friday August 21, 2009
Hi everyone. Well, now that I've got one ukulele gig under my belt, it's
time to blow this baby wide open. (In a very very quiet way.) So I'm
writing to let you know that I'm playing another small show Sunday night at
9pm at Magpie on Dundas Street. If you're around and you need your heart
ripped open I'd be happy to oblige. If your funk organ needs wiggling, Ian
is the best man in town for the job. And if you feel like you've seen it
all before, prepare to be amazed by Justin's 8 new fingers...
Or perhaps you just feel like supporting me, in which case I say
thanks...I'll give you all I got.
AK, Ian de Souza & Justin Abedin
play songs from the sizable quiver made by Andrea's uke obsession
9:00pm - 2 sets
at Magpie - 831 Dundas Street West
Drop by my myspace for free songs, pics and the occasional blog if you are so inclined. www.myspace.com/andreakoziol
-AK
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Monday July 13, 2009
Hello everyone. I’ve got a few Toronto shows to tell you about. (Starting small and ramping it up with every date!) The first gig is a bare bones Tranzac matinee, which I’ll be playing avec my beautiful and talented pal Justin Abedin on guitarlikethings. It will premiere but a small portion of the ridiculous number of ukulele songs I’ve written over the last year, and should be a fun live launch of the repertoire. If you’re up for adventure and a casual afternoon pint come by and join us. The second August show is at Magpie It’s a hip, cozy joint, full of good beer and nice people. Justin and I will be joined by the effervescent Ian de Souza on bass for this show. Ah ha! The groove deepens! Stay tuned for the September and October dates, which will each, add new and wonderful members to the band.
Drop by my myspace for free songs, pics and the occasional blog if you are so inclined. www.myspace.com/andreakoziol
-AK
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Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Hello all!
I’m happy to report that I’ll be playing club dates in Toronto through August and September. Debuting a quiver of new ukulele built songs as well as best loved favorites, with a crazy cool band, in thermal center of one of the hippest cities in the world. Come out and join us if you dare. (For folks outside of the GTA, rest assured I’m looking forward to a busy festival season in 2010, so hopefully I’ll be passing through youville before too long.)
I’m also in the process of a website redesign. (I know it’s high time.) Believe me, you are gonna love it! To my knowledge it will be the only website ever programmed with real dancing girls and millions of prizes! (Actually there won’t be any dancing girls or prizes, but it’s going to be super pretty.) Stay tuned for the launch of the new site in the coming months.
As always, you can find my music at iTunes, and CD Baby, but drop by my myspace for free songs, pics and the occasional blog if you are so inclined.
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK
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Monday, June 01, 2009
Hi all.
Thought I'd mention a couple of sweet little ditties I just wrote with producer to the stars - Ron Lopata, and jazz prodigy - Michael Kaeshammer. Both tunes, 'Isabelle' and 'Goodbye', made it onto Michael's new CD 'Lovelight', and I gotta say I'm quite pleased! The record sounds just fantastic, the playing is amazing, and Michael's in fine, fine form. Check it out on itunes if you’re curious…
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK
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Friday, February 20, 2009
OK…so I have this alter ego.
There! I said it!
Her name is Andi and she seems sweet on the outside, but I happen to know she’s a bit of a bad ass. (Don’t tell anyone.) She’s the type who breaks the rules and never gets caught; an innocent façade hot glue gunned to any excuse for a party. She stays up very very late at night writing songs that make people dance. And…sometimes (if you happen to be peering though her window in those late night moments) you can see her unabashedly shakin’ it. And quite frankly, you just might need to unabashedly shake something of your own if you hear what she’s been working on lately.
And that’s precisely why I’m spilling the beans. So far Andi has one radio single out - "Good Morning Sun" - and people seem to be listening to it with big sloppy smiles on their faces, and a bit more hip flexibility. (Which can really come in handy!) My question is, should she release any more songs? Is the world ready for more sweet butt moving music from a closet bad ass?
Please let me know. I’m counting on you.
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK (aka Andi)
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Hello all. I sat down to write this blog because I am proud as proud can be of my involvement in a documentary film that’s premiering today at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. It’s called “The 'R' Word” and it tells some incredibly gripping stories of people with intellectual disabilities, and their struggles for basic human rights here in Canada. It’s intense subject matter, but I strongly advise that you see it if you have the chance. It’s high time these stories were told, and they deserve your ears. The film was directed by Pierre Tétrault, produced by Doris Rajan and it features 2 of my songs, as well as some co-composed music that I had the great fortune of working on with Toronto uber composer Donald (there’s no instrument I can’t play) Quan.
See it see it see it…and feel free to let me know what you think.
My window tells me that it’s snowing now. I think I’ll take a walk…
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK
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June/July 2008
Hi all. Well…after months and months of writing it and thinking about it and playing it and imagining it and jamming it and talking about it…I am finally beginning the process of recording the ukulele record of my dreams. My new baritone Kala arrived about a month ago, and she and I are getting along rather famously now. Thomas, Ian, Jorn, Justin, Andrew and I spent 3 days in the studio last week laying down demos for 14 new songs to add to my quiver. It was a wonderfully alive 3 days. Unfortunately the ukulele disease is fully upon me, and I can't seem to stop writing on the damn thing. I need some sleep.
In other news…last Friday I went to the Tranzac to see my all time favorite band of all time 'st. dirt elementary school'. They just keep pumping out the hits people! The kind of hits that make you feel like space and time just collided about 6 inches from your 3rd eye. Insanely beautiful and warped like looking at the world through a 100 year old pane of glass. If you live in the Toronto are and haven't seen them yet, you still have a couple of chances this summer. Check out the Tranzac calendar for more details.
Thanks for stopping by.
-AK
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March 28/08
Hello everyone. It’s almost April and the giant mountain of snow on my front yard is dwindling to reveal memories of perennials below. Makes me breathe a hopeful breath. It also makes me want to sing and dance while walking down the sidewalk, which I do with great aplomb these days. I’ll never understand why people dis musicals…it seems like the most natural thing in the world to burst into song.
And speaking of bursting into song, I have a few gig’s coming up that are very special to me in my home town of London ONT. If you’re around those parts, please come out and say hello. On May 4th I’ll be performing at the annual Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s Spring Sprint in London braintumour.ca/sprint It’s a cause that’s been close to my heart since my 8 year old nephew was diagnosed and treated for his brain tumour a number of years ago. He’s absolutely giant now…just about to begin an undergrad at Queens apparently…but none of us will forget him as a wee fella soldiering along a very difficult road. The straight goods is that the Brain Tumour Foundation does important work and I am happy to be supporting them with music this year. (I’m such a lousy runner.) Come to the sprint, or make a donation online if you are so inclined.
The second event I’m delighted to be taking part in is a fundraiser for the London Home Country Folk Festival. I’ve played a lot of festivals in my short time on this planet, but let me tell you, this one’s special. (I think it actually has a soul.) homecounty.ca The concert is on Friday May 9th at the Aeolian Performing Arts Centre in London, and will feature 3 chick singer songwriters: myself, the marvelous Kat Goldman and the award winning yet totally down to earth Catherine McInnes. We’ll be celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell and it’s going to rock hard in a rapid notes sung falsetto kind of way. (Only a tiny bit intimidating.)
I’ll be pulling a few uke tunes out of my quiver at both of these shows, so you’ll have a chance to hear where this insane new record of mine is headed. Will it be a bullseye? Wait and see.
-AK
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Feb 20/08
Hi everyone!
It’s a cold cold day here in TO but I’m feeling awful good. Thought that I’d share my latest myspace blog with you all for this update. And for the record, you can check out regular blogs, concert listings and music on my myspace any old time, just go to… myspace.com/andreakoziol
Today is a really good day.
Why? Well I'll tell you…
- I'm off to Calgary tomorrow with my Jeans and Classics friends to sing some Brian Wilson songs with the Calgary Philharmonic.
- My wonderful long time musical cohort (and drinking buddy) Bill Brennan, came to town and we had a short but sweet conversation filled with dreams, schemes and visions…of music yet to be written and dinners made by many hands.
- My beautiful kids put on their snowsuits all by themselves this morning!
- I have fallen in love with Petite Syrah.
- I got a new pink gig bag for my uke that makes me feel like a rock star.
- I started my day with a perfect joe from Manic Coffee…the best coffee in the world. (The only place in Toronto that drew hearts on the top of the lattes for Valentines day.)
- I've been fully regaled with stories of the exquisite Oliver Schroer benefits at Hugh's Room this week. Oliver makes beautiful music filled with compassion and humanity. He is the great giver of inspiration…and I am filled with hope when I see what communities can do.
- I have 3 new songs to add to my upcoming CD of tunes for the ukulele and horn section.
- I have asked the universe for a tour in Japan.
- My iPod shuffle is stacked with Sufjan Stevens.
Glorious!
I hope you are seeing the beauty in whatever kind of day you're having.
ak
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Oct 19/07
Hello everyone! Thanks to all the people who have gently been nudging me to break clear of my reverie and get a current update on the site.
What’s been happening with me? Well…I played a bunch of summer shows that kicked butt with my friends Kevin Breit and Ian de Souza. I also had the great pleasure of reacquainting myself with the frighteningly delicious Jorn Andersen on drums. Let’s just say that we had an awful lot of fun, and I’m currently cooking up new evil plans that involve an imminent live off the floor recording with these fine fellas. Any Toronto area fans interested in participating in a studio audience kinda way should just shoot me an email. It is guaranteed to be an exciting listen. I’m picturing all the music as playdough and if that makes sense to you then I think you should be there.
Stay tuned for more details on upcoming shows (of which there are a number in the works) including a fall/winter collaborative residency at my favorite Toronto listening joint the TRANZAC.
In the mean time…thanks for dropping by, and don’t forget to feel lucky.
ak
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May 04/07
Hello all! Thank goodness for May I say. All that’s been dormant and cold finally feels the warmth of the sun, and makes a commitment to living again. What could be better really? All that intention, all that possibility…
I’m feeling rather pregnant with intention and possibility myself right now. Looking forward to playing a bunch of summer shows with my good friends Ian de Souza and Kevin Breit. One of the many things I love about making music with these two is that I never know what it’s going to sound like…I never know how it’s going to end. I only know that it’s going to be really really fun. For the month of June you can catch us playing an early (7:30pm) casual set every Monday at the Tranzac Club in Toronto, but stay tuned to the gigs page for more concert announcements. Why aren’t we playing on the 11th you ask? Well that’s because my other great musical love (possibly my first) Mr. Bill Brennan and I are going to take the tiny stage that early evening and reunite for a very special journey through some Chesterfield Inlet repetoire. Special guests? Hell ya! Terrible Bill jokes? Uh huh! Easter Bonnets? Perhaps…
All these shows threaten to premiere snippets of my yet untitled musical in progress, and my very darling ukelele. (Both things that scare the living daylights out of me!)
Oh and one other tidbit of news. There’s been an astonishing number of requests for lyrics to songs from “Songs” lately – must be a bunch of you buying em on iTunes. Well that makes me really happy…thanks! The lyrics are now available on iTunes by right clicking the song title and choosing ‘get info’. You can also go to the CDs page of this website where the complete liner notes to “Songs” are now at your fingertips. Sing along. Sing loud. Sing often.
To all the eyes and brains and hearts reading this right now, thanks for checking in.
To be continued…
ak
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February 10/07
Hello everyone. The deep freeze days of winter are here in Toronto. But I
must admit that I'm focused on warmer days ahead. I'm working on my touring
schedule for summer 07 and it looks as though I'll be spending a wee bit of
time crossing the country heading to Beautiful British Columbia. Can't tell
you how happy I am about that! Keep you eye on the gigs page of the
site...I'll update it as bookings are confirmed. I'd like to also say
thanks to the folk djs and CBC producers/hosts that have been playing songs
from the new record. SONGS has had a warm welcome and I am grateful for
that.
For those of you who have been asking what I'm working on right now, well
here's an update. I'm midway through writing my first musical. I'm calling
it an opera actually, and it's my dream that one day I'll be able to
convince Ronnie Burkett to stage the damn thing and Bill Brennan to lead the
band, but that's another story! I'm also working on an array of exceedingly
sad little songs written very late at night on baritone ukulele. Will the
ukulele make an appearance in the opera? Will the sad songs say so much?
Time will tell.
Till then, stay joyful. And for the love of the planet, stay out of your
cars!
ak
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December 15/06
Hi everyone! A new year is upon us and I couldn't be any happier actually.
First off 2006 kinda sucked and according to Rob Brezny '07 looks high and
mighty for Virgos. I'm also looking forward to a couple of rocking Toronto
shows in January. (Check the gigs page if you've got time.) The new little
CD is thriving...some very interesting things happening with it that I can't
discuss here! If you haven't got your copy yet, get yer butt to CDbaby and
ask them to send you one.
So as I sign off I should mention that I am grateful to be a music maker. I
am grateful for your ears and your feedback. I am blessed with so much joy
and I only hope that I'm sending enough of it back out into the world.
Peace, love and strength.
andrea
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October 13/06
Hi everyone. Well the launch for "Songs" has happened and what a night it
was. The band kicked some serious ass and the audience was full of folks
who felt like yellin! Thanks to everyone who came out to hear this bunch of
new music. More thanks to Kevin (for his gorgeous solo opening set),
Justin, Ian, Gary, Ron, Lis and Sue for their beautiful musical
contributions. Even more thanks to Holmes and all the staff at Hugh's for
their hospitality and impeccable attention to detail. Even even more thanks
to all of the folks at CBC radio, and the wonderful Folk Music DJs across
Canada, the US and Australia who have been spinning the disc! I am the
lucky one.
But...most importantly, I need to say thank you to a few people who I
neglected to call attention to that evening at Hugh's. I was completely
remiss in thanking a couple of people who have improved my quality of life
greatly in the weeks leading up to the show.
Kai Koschmider - helped me with everything from web design to stuffing
envelopes and his bizarre sense of humor and massive brain sure came in
handy in stressful moments. Actually so did his beautiful wife Michelle
Richea N.D., who had not only herbal pick-me-ups but she's unbelievable at
assembling press kits! Thanks you guys...and sorry for not doing it sooner.
Colin Puffer - did sound for the show at Hugh's. I, the seasoned singer
songwriter, broke the cardinal rule of the club show...I didn't thank the
sound person. How dare I? I'm not sure how it happened really. I stared
at the guy all night, you'd think I'd remember to shoot him a wee thank you.
Oh well. What's done is done. But I am planning on going to Colin's show
at the Transac on October 24th in case anyone wants to come along!
And finally Dugg Simpson - thank you for wearing that hat. I'm in touch
with my own inner Cossack now, but I think that Thomas has been changed forever...
Stay tuned for more shows and exciting news to come.
And stay joyful.
ak
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September 12/06
Hi everyone! Well I can’t believe it…I’m finally opening the cage door to set this wonderful new record free. It’s been a long time coming and I hope it spends some time on your player of choice. I’m beyond happy about the way it’s turned out and once again I’m grateful to every hand that helped bring it into being (and there were many many joyful hands.)
The release concert is going to be a fantastic show, and will feature most of the talented folk who actually played on the disc…Kevin Breit & Justin Abedin (guitars), Ian de Souza (bass), Ron Lopata (keys), Gary Craig (drums), Rique Franks/Sue Patrick Breit/Lis Soderberg (vocals) and maybe even a special guest or two! There’s also going to be a mini solo opening set by none other than Kevin Breit playing and singing tunes from his CD Burnt Bulb on Broadway.
If you’re in Toronto, get your butt down to Hugh’s!
ak
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June 22/06
I walked home along the greyest pavement
Placed my feet between the cracks.
I smiled at a bald guy in a lid-less Chevy
And he smiled back.
The simplest things give us wings.
You make war and you make profit
And you make deep shit.
Well I make dinner and I make music
And I make love and I believe in it.
The simplest things give us wings.
ak
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June 1/06
Hi everyone!
I need to say thank you to everyone who has been sending me email
asking about the arrival of the new CD. Please know that your
letters are fantastic to receive, even if I don’t always manage
to reply to them promptly. Truth be told this new CD has taken a
bit longer than expected...but I know it's been worth the wait!
Well to begin with, the record isn’t called Waving (as was
originally planned) because after it was born, it asked to be named
“Songs”. How could I say no? It’s
probably the brownest record you’ve ever seen, and I hope it will
spend some time on your player of choice. Once again I worked
with the sweetest and most talented musicians in Toronto… Ian de
Souza, Justin Abedin, Kevin Breit, Gary Craig, Gary Breit, the wondrous
singers of LUSHUS, Ron Lopata and that’s just to name a
few. The disc was produced by my beautiful husband/producer
Thomas Neuspiel and let me tell ya, we packed a serious amount of JOY
into this one friends. I’m elated with the way it’s
turned out and I can’t wait to share it.
There's a gonna be a hell of a release party this summer and everyone’s invited.
Stay tuned. Stay joyful.
ak