Andrew Ripp

In today's music market, it takes a truly unique voice to command the
attention of listeners.

Operating independently of a label, Ripp has attracted rave reviews from
fans and fellow musicians, including Rage Against The Machine guitarist
Tom Morello who describes Ripp's vocal style in his blog as a mix between
Ray LaMontagne and someone else I can't quite put my finger on. He has
shared the stage with B-Real of Cypress Hill, Robert Randolph and the
Family Band, Josh Kelley, and sang the National Anthem at Wrigley Field
for a Cub's baseball game this past September.

The Chicago native invokes both vulnerability and soul in his infectious
debut, Fifty Miles to Chicago. With a talent for establishing a hook, each
of the eleven tracks showcases an album that demands a listen.

"This record really portrays who I am not only as an artist but as a
person," Andrew says of writing the album. Honesty goes a long way
because you can see right through it when somebody is slopping words on a
page. And I feel like we took the time that was necessary to really work
through every word.

Ripp co-wrote and co-produced the album with songwriter Randy Coleman and
brought on Dan Lavery, former bass player of the rock band Tonic, as
producer. Funded by Andrew himself, the majority of the album was recorded
in Lavery‚s back-house studio in Los Angeles. "I wanted to make the record
on my own," Andrew states. 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 playing and soulful voice.

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 full band
backed, organ-driven groove of "Get Your Smile On," to the solo acoustic
guitar and vocals of "It's All Good," and the heart-wrenching rock ballad
of "Dresden Wine," he does just that.

Entertainement Schedule

Date: Sunday March 8, 2009

Installation: RAF Alconbury, the United Kingdom
Location: Stukely Inn
Doors: 6:00 pm
Show: 6:50 pm
Info: Ms. Janet Nolan at DSN 268.3758 

Date: Monday March 9, 2009

Installation: RAF Croughton, the United Kingdom
Location: The Croughton Crown
Doors: 4:30 pm
Show: 5:30 pm
Info: Ms. Shelley Radford at DSN 236.8706 

Date: Wednesday March 11, 2009

Installation: SHAPE, Belgium
Location: SHAPE Event Center
Doors: 5:30 pm
Show: 6:00 pm
Info: DSN 361.5246 or DSN 423.8341

Date: Friday March 13, 2009

Installation: Stavanger NATO Base, Norway
Location: Three Swords Club
Doors: 7:00 pm
Show: 8:00 pm
Info: SSgt EJ Silas at DSN 224.0581

Date: Saturday March 14, 2009

Installation: Ramstein AB, Germany
Location: Hangar 1
Doors: 6:00 pm
Show: 7:00 pm
Info: Contact www.435thservices.com  

Date: Tuesday March 17, 2009

Installation: NAS Sigonella, Sicily, Italy
Location: Jox Sports Bar
Doors: 8:00pm
Show: 9:00 pm
Info: Call Mr. Bob Froelicher at DSN 624-0502 or DSN 624-3968

Date: Wednesday March 18, 2009

Installation:   Aviano Air Base, Italy
Location:  La Bella Vista Club
Doors:  7:00p.m.
Show:  8:30p.m.
Info:  Call Mr. Bill Curry at DSN 632-4303 or DSN 632-8664

Date: Friday March 20th, 2009

Installation: Incirlik Air Base, Turkey
Location: Consolidated Club Complex
Doors: 6:00p.m.
Show: 9:30p.m.
Info:  Call Mr Ibrahim Altintarla at DSN 676-6322 or 676-6873

Date: Saturday March 28th, 2009

Installation: Lajes Air Base, Portugal
Location: Top of the Rock Club
Doors: 6:00p.m.
Show: 9:00p.m.
Info:  Call Mr. Marco Rocha at DSN 535-5216 or DSN 535-4135