The breadth of guitar technique and the variety of songs sets this album apart from all the other finger pickers on the planet. Not since Michael Hedges has anyone come on the scene with the originality that Andy exhibits on this album. Wonderful work and well worth the credits to download and listen to over and over.
I was such a huge fan of Michael Hedges (always will be), and I wondered how long it would take to ever find someone playing new music that I would like as well. Some people really dig Erik Mongrain, who's a superb technician, but I'm finding that McKee's songwriting tips the scales way in his favor, as far as I'm personally concerned. Beautiful, emotional stuff.
I know this guy is the first to admit his debt to guitarist Don Ross, who popularized this style of playing. Once you acknowledge that and move on to the music, well, it's just great. Like Ross, he rarely uses his formidable technique to call attention to his hot chops, but lets his inventiveness make a memorable musical statement. I particularly like the laid-back "I'll Be Over You", a cover of a Toto pop hit I had long forgotten, sweet and lovely given this instrumental treatment.
This guy makes the craziest yet most simple sounds from his guitar ever. If you liked art of motion, gates will certainly not disappointed.
