ANDREW BLICKENDERFER
Bassist, composer, educator, and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Blickenderfer ("Mr. B") has made noise with a variety of ensembles for CDs, radio, TV, webcasts, film, clubs, and concert halls across North America and in Europe.
Dubbed a “string wizard” (Cleveland Plain Dealer), he spent many years playing the nearest available instrument with the eclectic Andromeda4, the operatic Luna Nova, the cinematic Fine Foreign Film and Sabana Blanca, the enigmatic HourGlass, and any other project that came along: laying down “a bass solo that owes a lot to Jimi Hendrix” (Fanfare Magazine), bass/bandoneon improv duos in Paris, violin/cello/bass background tracks, strolling violin and mandolin, Klezmer banjo, Bach continuo, improv events with film and choreography...(In a parallel universe, he once sung the part of Sarastro in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” wearing a costume that would likely offend both the Freemasons and his veterinarian.)
As a bassist and band leader:
Mr. B’s main groove is TALL TALE TRIO (with pianist Michael McLaughlin and drummer Gary Fieldman), whose recent CD, “LONGING” is now available here, direct from the artist, as well as online merchants Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, and more. Click on the TALL TALE TRIO tab above for a sample, and find us on Facebook for announcements and future streaming CD release concert.
As a composer:
Mr. B has created over sixty tunes for his Trio, and commissions by musicians in a variety of styles and instrumentations. Recent works include: four song cycles for bass and piano, a string quintet homage to Astor Piazzola, flute duets, solo works for cello, for piano, for soprano, as well as a six-movement suite for blended orchestra. Another set of songs for his pandemic-thwarted electric trio are planned for release later this year.
As an educator and arranger:
Educated at Juilliard, New England Conservatory, Brandeis University, and through decades of collaboration with many fine musicians and human beings, Mr. B also teaches strings in the public schools, where he shares a wealth of diverse music with original compositions, arrangements, and interpretations customized for each ensemble and individual.
