Con Brio is named for an Italian musical direction meaning “with spirit,” and the super-versatile seven piece delivers energetic soul, psychedelic rock and silky R&B with tons of it.
Guitar player Benjamin Andrews is the X-factor that distinguishes this delectably diverse sonic party from others of similar intent.
He’s got the chops to go from playing a rhythm figure ultra-tight to a full-shred lead flight at any time, and once he’s off the ground, the sky is the limit.
Andrews may take a jazz guitar turn, make a classical move or bust out a barrage of heavy metal licks.
He makes it all appear quite effortless, and he doesn’t have to hide behind a gang of gain or pile of effects.
All he needs is a Telecaster and a tube amp, and a whole stringed universe is under his fingertips.
Andrews says: “I’ve evolved to play the way that I do by not being bound by genre. What you avoid playing can be as important as what you do.
“I try to keep from playing parts that are traditionally played in specific genres, such as a James Brown rhythm figure in a funk tune. If I don’t sound like someone else, then I sound like myself.”
Check out this video of Andrews ripping a solo on “Give it All” with Con Brio at SFJAZZ in 2019...
Andrews continues: “I’ve always tried to be a flexible compositional force in this very flexible group.
"Right now we’re trying to make music that still makes people feel good, but isn’t necessarily just a dance party.
“Our new music is more along the lines of relating our collective life experiences on a deeper level, rather than simply making music for getting laid.”
Like a lot of acts, Con Brio has undergone changes during the pandemic era.
Most notably, singer Ziek McCarter has been capably replaced by Sarah Clarke (Dirty Revival).
She’s a powerhouse soul diva of the highest caliber and it’s going to be a blast watching her trade phrases with Andrews’ guitar and Con Brio’s vibrant horns.
Check out “Seasons,” Con Brio’s latest cut...
An international festival favorite, Con Brio has taken its culturally diverse musical mix around the globe to the Netherlands, France and Japan, and crushed stateside stages at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands and Austin City Limits.
Guitar Player is proud to welcome them home to play in the heart of the City by the Bay at SFJAZZ on this Father’s Day/Juneteenth holiday.
Come join the celebration and get tickets here.
WIN TICKETS!
For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see GP Presents Con Brio featuring Benjamin Andrews, send an email to gp@jimmyleslie.com with “Con Brio” in the subject and simply include a sentence about yourself and why you want to go.
Phone contact greatly appreciated for confirmation.
Winner must provide his or her own transportation to SFJAZZ in San Francisco, California on Sunday, June 19, and have his or her own accommodations in the Bay Area.
COVID info here.
Best of luck!
EVENT DETAILS
GP Presents Con Brio
Sunday, June 19
201 Franklin Street at Fell Street
SF, CA 94102
San Francisco, CA
7:00pm
Free GP magazines, Martin strings
Buy tickets here.
