Andrew Young (Saxophone) in Concert with Tony Drake (Piano)

ABOUT

ANDREW YOUNG has spent his life traveling the world with his saxophones with tours to Europe, Turkey, Caribbean, Far East, South America & South Africa. He has performed for Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, the President of Austria Mr Heinz Fisher, and Presidents Nelson Mandela & Fidel Castro.

The release of his debut album “Soul People” - a synergy of forces with BMG and producer Dennis East - topped the South African charts twice and was nominated five times for the South African Music Awards, paving the way for a pivotal point in his career. As a result of the success of the album Andrew extended a tour to Tunisia and Greece, with CD sales attaining Gold status.

Andrew started his musical training in Liverpool at the age of eight with Clarinet and Saxophone lessons, but like most other lads his age, he would have rather have been playing football. Time spent in front of the goal posts was as crucial as time spent practicing his music and even after leaving school he was still torn between a career in football or music! After completing his saxophone and clarinet studies in London, Andrew moved to Germany to pursue a desire for a broader and more eclectic involvement in all genres of music. He performed as soloist with various symphony orchestras engaging in session work and concerts, alongside Pop/Jazz/ Funk luminaries such as Matt Bianco and the Precious Wilson Band. An invitation to perform in South Africa produced a wave of success when his own band “Let It Flow” - a 5 piece Jazz/Funk/Fusion band - collaborated with the Kwazulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.

He has performed with Joseph Shabalala, Jonathan Butler, Shakatak, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir James Galway, Keith Washington, Dionne Warwick, the Buena Vista Social Club and Spyro Gyra.

Andrew was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Services to Music by Vienna University, presented to him by Otto Von Habsburg (Archduke of Austria) and the Standard Bank Ovation Awards at the 2019 & 2020 National Arts Festival, Grahamstown.

His albums (1994 - 2020) include Soul People, Magic Life, A Christmas Album, One II One, Touched to Tell, Live In Vienna, In A Quiet Moment, Sax, Blues & Rock ’n Roll, Bright Blue, Reminiscing, Diamonds, Easy Street, The Collection

China Daily Mail "Prince of the Saxophone"

Saxophone Journal USA "A Saxophonist with a ton of technique and funky soulfulness"  

P.E. Express South Africa "Andrew Young is one of the most prolific saxophonists ever to have performed in South Africa"

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