Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd
calls Andy Linderman �one of the most dynamic electric harmonica players of
our generation.�
Jazz performer and producer Ben Sidran calls Mel Ford �one of the finest blues players in the Midwest if not the country.�
Put �one of the most dynamic electric harmonica players� on the same stage as �one of the finest blues players in the Midwest if not the country� and you have one of the most exciting blues groups in the country: The Westside Andy & Mel Ford Band.
Andy Linderman and Mel Ford have played together for years. But because of their �other commitments,� this is the first time they�ve made it official.
Andy�s �other commitments� include collaborations with James Cotton, Corky Siegel, Jim Schwall, Luther Allison, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Charlie Musselwhite, The Doobie Brothers, Richie Havens, Muddy Waters, Ben E. King, Tab Benoit, and The University of Wisconsin 250-piece band (Andy stopped the show).
Mel began in opening acts for Albert Collins, Freddie King, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He played with Bo Diddley, Sunnyland Slim, Zora Young, Junior Pettis, Ben Sidran and Paul Black and the Flip Kings (with Andy). Mel also played the part of bandleader in Mel Ford and the Fairlanes.
So what is the
Westside Andy / Mel Ford band? It�s part celebration of a great American
music. It�s part the result of all the musicians Mel and Andy have played
with. And it�s all about love. They love this music and they love to play it
for you.
-Dan Smith