(PR) Andrew Ripp and his infectious debut "Fifty Miles to Chicago" now available online iTunes. The Chicago-native invokes both depth and soul on the record but it's his talent for undeniable hooks that separates him from the pack."All the recordings I had done in the past hadn't really represented me in the way that I wanted to be represented." Musicians Pete Maloney (Dishwalla, Tonic), keyboard player Will Hollis (Eagles), and steel guitar player Eric Heywood (Ray LaMontagne) were brought in to help create an honest record based around Andrew's rhythmic guitar and expressive, soulful vocals.
With "Fifty Miles to Chicago", Ripp aimed to create an organic album reminiscent of those made in the 70's and by artists like Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams. From the electricity of the organ-driven groove of "Get Your Smile On", to the indie-rock drunken bar sing-along of "The Privileged Life", and the heart-wrenching rock ballad of "Dresden Wine", he does just that.
Funded by Andrew himself, the majority of the album was recorded in producer Dan Lavery's (former bass player of the rock band Tonic) studio in Los Angeles. "I wanted to make the record on my own," Andrew states.
