Andre Bush

Guitarist and composer André Bush draws inspiration from a wide range of influences in his music. He combines the lyrical and creative approach of modern jazz heroes such as Wayne Shorter, Keith Jarrett and Pat Metheny with the high-energy grooves and complex sonic structures of innovate guitarists such as John McLaughlin, Scott Henderson and Nguyen Lé. In addition to a thorough grounding in the jazz tradition, his extensive experience in the world of rock and pop give him a unique musical outlook. André’s playing seamlessly reconciles these disparate worlds and establishes his conception as a natural and logical extension of the jazz guitar tradition.

André’s new album, Start From Silence, pairs André with master pianist Art Lande and an all-star band performing his complex yet accessible compositions. Challenging rhythms, beautiful harmony, poignant lyricism, and brilliant improvisation combine to create a cohesive and unique album.

Start From Silence follows up Invisible City (Quicksilver/Increase,) an album that featured jazz icons Dave Liebman and Steve Smith. Invisible City emerged as one of the most critically acclaimed releases of 2000, named “CD of the Year” by the Jazz Review, and was added to hundreds of jazz radio stations nationwide, appearing on both CMJ and Gavin jazz charts.

André recently authored Modern Jazz Guitar Styles (Mel Bay Publications.) A unique book and CD package, Modern Jazz Guitar Styles provides the serious student or professional seeking to broaden his palette with a comprehensive overview of the current state of jazz guitar. Throughout, the book places recent innovations within the context of the jazz guitar tradition, and includes study material designed to help you develop a creative and individual approach to both standards and original material.

André has performed or recorded with Dave Liebman, Steve Smith, Paul McCandless, Art Lande, Kenny Werner, James Genus, Charlie Haden, Tootie Heath, George Cables, Buster Williams, Carl Allen, Andy Narell, Darol Anger, Matt Rollings, Liz Story, Will Ackerman, Paul Hanson, Jack Perla and many others. André has maintained a longtime musical partnership with Jenna Mammina, serving as her guitarist musical director for several albums and tours. He has appeared at the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Windham Hill’s Winter Solstice tour and in clubs and theaters around the country. As a session guitarist, André has appeared with various bands at the Lilith Fair, on VH1 and MTV and Alice Radio nationwide, contributed to many recording projects, and toured with a wide variety of international artists.

André is a naturally gifted teacher who clarifies and inspires enthusiasm for complex musical concepts. He is in frequent demand in the US and Europe as a guitar clinician and jazz educator.

Currently, André is touring in support of Start From Silence and Modern Jazz Guitar Styles. He teaches at The Jazzschool in Berkeley, CA and at his home studio, is a frequent faculty member at Stanford Jazz Workshop and Jazzcamp West and is a regular contributor to Guitar Player Magazine. André Bush endorses Thomastik-Infeld guitar strings through Connelly & Co. Show less