Andi Hemmenway
The late and beloved Andi Hemmenway’s “A Life of Colors” is our only glimpse into the immeasurably talented musician but what a glimpse. The record, very affected by her time living in Greece, goes beyond the World Music category. It shows classical skills, jazz influences and tonality that are as new as they are beautiful. Performed mostly on the Lafta and viola, with a varied accompaniment of players, underscore the ethereal beauty of Andi’s voice, both fragile and strong that draws the listener closer to the speakers - intimate, soulful, perfect.
Andi held degrees in viola performance from Rice University and the Julliard School and performed in venues from coffee houses to Carnegie Hall, from a monastery in Italy to the ancient sidewalks of Athens. Summer music festivals at Tanglewood and Aspen-and workshop collaborations with Bang on a Can, Eighth Blackbird, and the Silk Road Ensemble.
Her training with her teachers Al Filosa and James Dunham formed her as a classical musician; her Juilliard mentor Eric Booth broadened her sense of the artist's place in the world. Her workshop experience with Yo-Yo Ma was transformative, introducing her to world music and inspiring her. As a result, after graduating from Julliard she was off to Greece as a Fulbright scholar: there she studied traditional Greek music, learned to play new instruments, and did the work that led to her album.
