How long have you been playing?
Hi Everybody
I wrote a book about all that, here's a review of it by Boston Rock Critic Brett Milano
Sharing his life secrets is nothing new for Andy Pratt: He’s been doing that for the past thirty years, in a string of creative and idiosyncratic albums. So as you’d expect, his biography “Shiver in the Night” is honest and unflinching as was his album of the same name. His story is a classic rock’n’roll journey: He got into music out of love, wrote a timeless song almost by accident, then hit the heights without being fully prepared. Rolling Stone declared him the future of rock, the Who’s lead singer covered his song, lovers of thoughtful songwriting took him to heart. And the sudden fame took its toll on Prattt’s relationships and his internal life. Yet for all its painful moments the story isn’t a tragic one, as the hard times led to a spiritual awakening and further musical explorations. Pratt’s book draws you right in, opening with a triumphant Boston show that was both the height of his career and a major turning point. He’s forthcoming about a privileged yet troubled childhood, and about the behind-the-scenes fallout that nearly derailed his career before it started. But you also feel his excitement at playing Beatles songs in a Harvard garage band; and the 70’s music industry where a gifted outsider could still get a major-label deal. He provides a memorable picture of Boston in the 70s, when the city was more adventurous than it is now. Pratt doesn’t let himself off the hook as he reveals failed love affairs that led to a successful one. But you also feel the confidence that hides behind his vulnerability: This is an artist who once found U2’s Bono asking if he could sing on his record, only to turn Bono down because he knew that the record didn’t need any improving. If you know Pratt’s music you’ll be fascinated by the stories behind it; and fans will be glad to know that he’s lately been performing with renewed fervor. Yet the story here is pretty much universal: Like Pratt the singer, Andy Pratt the writer hits some high and resonant notes.
I wrote a book about all that, here's a review of it by Boston Rock Critic Brett Milano
Sharing his life secrets is nothing new for Andy Pratt: He’s been doing that for the past thirty years, in a string of creative and idiosyncratic albums. So as you’d expect, his biography “Shiver in the Night” is honest and unflinching as was his album of the same name. His story is a classic rock’n’roll journey: He got into music out of love, wrote a timeless song almost by accident, then hit the heights without being fully prepared. Rolling Stone declared him the future of rock, the Who’s lead singer covered his song, lovers of thoughtful songwriting took him to heart. And the sudden fame took its toll on Prattt’s relationships and his internal life. Yet for all its painful moments the story isn’t a tragic one, as the hard times led to a spiritual awakening and further musical explorations. Pratt’s book draws you right in, opening with a triumphant Boston show that was both the height of his career and a major turning point. He’s forthcoming about a privileged yet troubled childhood, and about the behind-the-scenes fallout that nearly derailed his career before it started. But you also feel his excitement at playing Beatles songs in a Harvard garage band; and the 70’s music industry where a gifted outsider could still get a major-label deal. He provides a memorable picture of Boston in the 70s, when the city was more adventurous than it is now. Pratt doesn’t let himself off the hook as he reveals failed love affairs that led to a successful one. But you also feel the confidence that hides behind his vulnerability: This is an artist who once found U2’s Bono asking if he could sing on his record, only to turn Bono down because he knew that the record didn’t need any improving. If you know Pratt’s music you’ll be fascinated by the stories behind it; and fans will be glad to know that he’s lately been performing with renewed fervor. Yet the story here is pretty much universal: Like Pratt the singer, Andy Pratt the writer hits some high and resonant notes.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
here's the web site for the book if you're interested
https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=36742
https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=36742
What gear do you use?
Steinway B Baby Grand, Taylor Acoustic with pickup, Epiphone Firebird Bass, Yamaha Alto Sax, Stratocaster, Roland Stage Piano, I've listened to countless pieces of music, if you mean pieces of equipment I guess the Steinway
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Beach Boys, Rachmaninoff, Motown, Beatles, Bowie, All and Everything
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
I've had various Andy Pratt Bands, before that I was Odetta's piano player, did a brief stint in Edgar Winter's White Trash, toured a lot in '76 and '77
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Jesus
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
Probably the Greenbelt Festival in England, 20,000 people maybe. I've played to no one a lot too. one show in Florida in 76 stands out, or when we opened for The Band in Vermont.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Jimmy Cliff Wonderful World - but one summer it was Little Jimmy Scott. I'm a sucker for singers...
Andy Pratt hasn't uploaded any pics yet.
Loading more...


Straw Hat, with Robert Gay on saxophone
Andy Pratt
- Bass/guitar/vocals
Audio
Boston, Massachusetts
This Is Love...
Andy Pratt
- Bass/vocals/piano
Audio
Boston, Massachusetts
Fall to the Ground. a happy death song
Andy Pratt
- Vocals/piano/bass
Audio
Boston, Massachusetts
Emanon Records, 5th st studio Tulsa, Mike Busch, Mike Prado, Cody Bailey, Matt McHan
Andy Pratt
- Song writer/piano/bass
Audio
Boston, Massachusetts
Little Bitty Soul song
Andy Pratt
- Bass/piano
Audio
Boston, Massachusetts
Andy Pratt - Home of the Brave
Andy Pratt
- Bass/guitar
Video
Boston, Massachusetts
Andy Pratt - Avenging Annie
Andy Pratt
- Piano/bass
Video
Boston, Massachusetts
Loading more...


