Acclaimed acoustic guitarist Andy McKee, renowned for his captivating original compositions, will perform at Jammin Java on March 16. With a career spanning over 40 countries, McKee continues to share his emotionally charged and unique music, showing how the language of music transcends words.
“It’s been a couple of years since I’ve played at Jammin Java, and I’m really looking forward to it,” McKee shared. “I have a new album coming out this summer, and it’s also the 20th anniversary of my album Art of Motion. I’ll be releasing a re-recorded version of that in the fall. So, I’ll be playing some of my older tunes, as well as new ones.”
McKee’s upcoming album, which has been years in the making, reflects a more mature sound.
“I’ve had a few songs on the back burner for quite some time. Over the years, my songwriting style has evolved,” McKee explained. “I’m more discerning now about what I create. My focus is shifting more toward melody, atmosphere, and the emotions the music evokes. When you’re a solo guitar player, there’s often the misconception that everything you play has to be complicated and flashy, but I’ve chosen to step back from that and delve into instrumental music that conveys why it moves me.”
McKee’s passion for the guitar began when he was 12 and first heard Eric Johnson on the radio. He instantly fell in love with the sound, dedicating his time to practicing and playing.
“I felt like there was a story in the music, and the guitar allowed me to express myself,” McKee reflected. “I was a shy kid, and music became my way of communicating emotions. The guitar allowed me to paint pictures with the sound.”
Hailing from Kansas, McKee initially questioned how he would make a living from music, but his breakthrough came when he competed in the International Fingerpicking Guitar Championships at age 20, where he placed third. That moment marked the beginning of his rise to fame.
McKee became a viral sensation in 2006 with his original piece “Drifting,” which took YouTube by storm. The video garnered millions of views and helped establish McKee as a significant figure in fingerstyle guitar. He followed up with other beloved pieces such as “Rylynn,” “For My Father,” and “Into the Ocean,” which have collectively amassed hundreds of millions of views and inspired a new wave of guitar enthusiasts.
His distinctive style has not only earned him a loyal fanbase but has also influenced notable artists like Calum Graham, Alexandr Misko, and Sungha Jung. Renowned musicians such as John Petrucci, Prince, and Josh Groban have collaborated with McKee on various projects since his breakthrough.
More recently, McKee teamed up with guitarists Trevor Gordon Hall and Calum Graham to form an acoustic guitar supergroup. Their album Triplicity received widespread praise for its collaborative efforts, and the trio is set to tour Japan later this year.
In addition to performing, McKee founded Andy McKee’s Musicarium, a premier fingerstyle guitar camp that attracts top instructors from around the world. The camp, held at various locations across the U.S., serves as a platform for aspiring guitarists to hone their skills.
“This marks our 10th year, and I’m really excited for this one. It looks like it’ll be our biggest year yet,” McKee said. “The camp caters to all levels, whether you’re just starting with fingerstyle or looking to improve. We have special guests, and I get to meet people from all over the world. It’s been an incredible journey.”
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