Andrea Guess. Submitted photo.

“Make sure you ask her back, she’s awesome!” was a comment I received the last time Andrea Guess played at Java City. Andrea has performed at least three times always to positive reviews. Her energetic, often hard-edged country style always draws a crowd for our noontime concerts.

Andrea, you have performed at Java City many times and are, by now an old-timer with regard to the series. The last time you played Java City, the crowd really responded to you and we are looking forward to having you again someday. Can you tell us a bit about your personal and musical history?

Well I have been involved with music my whole life. Mom always has had music with everything we do at the house whether it be cleaning, just sitting around, dancing to it, or whatever it maybe. 🙂 I’m just a simple country girl who loves singing, songwriting and playing instruments. I took piano lessons for about 7 years, and the rest just came after I wanted to try it.

How did you get started?

My family has always said I have had an interest in music. There are video tapes and cassette tapes of me singing all kinds of music from when I was younger. Then I took piano lessons, and then picked up guitar, banjo, and drums when I was 14. Then bass and mandolin when I was 16.

Who influenced you as a musician?

Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Terri Clark, Reba, Loretta Lynn, and MANY MANY more. The list could go on, but I don’t think there’s enough room for them all lol

What is your favorite sort of gig?

Any kind to play music at, and perform for people and watching the people enjoy themselves

Your music seems to be a bit country and a bit rock, how do you define your sound?

Hmm, tough question. It depends on what song, and how it’s interpreted I guess. Some may look at me more country, others may say no it’s a little more on the rock side, but I say when you look at it as a whole you will see all my influences coming together to form a sound called my own – Andrea – sound.

I know you write a lot of your music, where to you get the ideas for your songs?

Everyday life, random things that make funny stories, or just hearing a story from someone and turning it into a song.

I know you used to play with Don Thomason. Do you play as a part of any bands now?

I’m still playing in the same band – The Bad Grades – as the bassist and I sing in the band as well. I also do some solo things as well.

Where do you want go with your music?

Wherever it takes me. I have big dreams – and I’m never giving up.

Tell us about your CD?

The first one I recorded when I was 16 with the help of Deen Collier, Marc Owens, and friends.

Are you working on another recording?

It’s been long overdue – but there’s a project in the works…. shh lolIt’s going to be interesting, let’s put it that way 🙂

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

My favorite quote in which I highly believe in – “There’s no elevator to success – you MUST take the stairs” ~ Anonymous

www.myspace.com/andreaguess  For booking info – send a message or call 270-597-6204

Jack Montgomery is a librarian, author and associate professor at Western Kentucky University where he handles bookings for musical acts in University Libraries, Java City coffeehouse. Jack has also been a professional musician since 1969 and performs with a celtic quartet called Watersprite.