Sinatra´s Voice Lives On Through Walt Andrus
Lea Anna Cooper
May 08, 2011
Total amazement struck me as I listened to his singing with my eyes closed, not viewing the man, but rather concentrating on what exactly Walt had to offer in the way of talent. I was left in awe, with the impression and feeling of being in a Sinatra audience, amid every one of Walt´s YouTube Tributes to Frank Sinatra videos I listened to. It was then that I was sold on his absolute talent.
Walt´s singing career virtually ´took off´ when he was asked to substitute for another singer, by Buddy Morrow, Conductor of The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1986. In doing so, Walt´s supposed stand in performances lasted for 14 years, and provided evidence of his unlimited prominence ´on the inside´ of the music industry. However, this is not Walt´s entire story. His beginnings were simple, which added to and fueled his future in waiting. His Biography reads like a dedicated performer´s ´wish list´ come true, for others that do try, but just somehow cannot match that which Walt had become.
Walt has also made a place on Moonlight Studio Productions site, with his own area in Moonlight Studio Prod - Stage 7, where 3 of his videos set atop TV screen bases, and are complimented by photos and graphics, making them a ´must see´ for anyone that is following the career of the next legend of the music industry.
Moonlight Studio Prod Stage 7
I now present his impressive, yet still unending Biography, and I use this term because he is moving up once again, on the road.
Walt Andrus, who has already acquired his Stardom, began to rise with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra conducted by Buddy Morrow as the ´first choice´ vocalist of the ensemble, beginning in 1988 after being a member of The Pied Pipers.
Walt has performed Internationally on land and sea. Walt began his musical training quite young and was playing tenor sax with Big Bands at age 12. He began singing at 17 with local jazz groups and Sonny Costanzo's Jazz Orchestra, and recorded 2 albums with him.
Buddy Morrow asked Walt to 'fill in' with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1986. In January of 1988 'The Road' beckoned and Walt joined The TDO full time. A great combination was born.
Walt's smooth phrasing on ballads and swinging style paired with Buddy's incredible trombone inspired comparisons to Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey at their best!
After his first trip to Sweden, The International Walt Andrus Society was founded in Malmo, Sweden by Stig Nillson.
During Andrus' tenure with the Dorsey Organization, Walt was also entrusted to ´lead´ the Orchestra during Buddy's absences to outstanding reviews. Walt maintained the Dorsey tradition of excellence and adding his own personal flair!
NOTABLE VENUES & PERFORMANCES:
The Hollywood Bowl, The Waldorf Astoria, The Chestnut Room at Tavern On The Green, South St. Seaport, Lincoln Center, Shea Stadium (National Anthem), New York, NY, The G.W. Bush Inaugural Ball in Washington,DC, The Blue Room at The Fairmont Hotel New Orleans, The Moulin Rouge Room at The Fairmont Chicago, Sandstone Pavillion Kansas City, MO, The Melody Tent Cape Cod, MA, New Haven Jazz Festival, CT, Montreal Jazz Festival, Stockholm Jazz Festival, Sweden, Club Bird Yokohama,Japan, Busch Gardens Tampa, FL and Williamsburg,VA, Disneyland,CA, Rich Center, Stamford CT, Van Dyke Cafe Miami Beach, FL, Navy Pier San Diego, CA. The Sands, Resorts International Atlantic City, NJ, The Mirage, The Stardust, Las Vegas. Most Recently-Berg. Jazz Fest Wyndham Ballroom Redding, PA Foxwoods Cassino, CT Anniversary Celebration for the cast of 'The Sopranos', The Palladium Theatre London, UK. Others available on request.
Cruise Lines: The Cunard QE2, SS Norway, Celebrity Zenith, MSC Lyrica, Royal Viking Sun
Radio, TV, Recordings: WQXR South St. Seaport, New York, NY, Public Radio Canada, St. Dennis Theatre, Montreal Jazz Festival, Jazz Festival Utrecht, Holland, Music Of Your Life Network, Stardust Network, PBS Television Special "Tommy Dorsey A Sentimental Journey " (VHS video), MIMO Records: "Sonny Costanzo Big Band III, Sweetheart Records: "Love's A Song", Hindsight Records: "Swing The Sinatra Way", Independent: "Let's Make Music" The Music Of Lyell Clay, The Howard Stern Show (radio)BIGBANDSINGER@charter.net All addresses are checked regularly.
WALT IS EXPLORING NEW AVENUES
Symphony Orchestras, concerts, nightclubs and more recording!
The Road' afforded Walt the opportunity to share the stage with many great stars and his idols. Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Bobby Rydell, Dennis Bono, Frankie Laine, Dinah Shore, Steve Allen, Lynn Roberts, Pat Cooper, Marty Brill, Kay Starr, Patti Paige, Connie Haines, Clint Holmes, Shirley Jones, The Maguire Sisters, The Four Lads, The Four Freshmen, Al Hirt, Gerry Mulligan and many others!
WALT Also does customized lyrics for weddings, parties, and parodies. Be certain to listen to My Way and Britteny & Paris and other parodies.
BIG BAND JAZZ CAFE SOCIETY
Along with having been with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, I am on the Board Of Directors of THE BIG BAND JAZZ CAFE SOCIETY. This café society is a non-profit organization, which promotes the American art form of Jazz, Swing and Big Band Music. High Schools, Colleges, Theatres, Civic Centers etc. an entertaining and educational /clinic/lecture performances are available.
Since 1988 I rode that Bus and my back is killing me; however, The "NIGHT TRAIN" BUS will be rolling into YOUR town SOON! Be There Or Be Square!!! Say Hi to Buddy Morrow from Walt! You never know I may be there too! Just tryin' to keep an AMERICAN Art form alive and SWINGIN
Just to add... Buddy Morrow and I remain friends and are working together again . To all the guys who I've met and gotten on the band over the years... Many laughs, some tears and a few late night poker games! We had a lot of fun and made some great music. And of course the Fans!.Keep an eye out for Myself with or without The TDO! See you SOON! Love, Walt Andrus
Band Members Walt performs with many musicians, bands and orchestras internationally,
including: The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (TDO), The Nelson Riddle Orchestra,
Glenn Miller Orchestra, Gene Krupa Orchestra, Stamford Symphony
Orchestra, US Navy Big Band SW (San Diego), Terry Meyers Orchestra,
Harold Zinno Jazz Orchestra, Paramount Orchestra, Don Wilner
Quartet (SoBe Miami, FL), Empyreal Strings Orchestra (New York, NY)
and many more.
Influences Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Mel Torme', Matt Monroe, Jack Jones, Vic Damone, Dean Martin, Dick Haymes, Bing Crosby
Sounds Like F. Sinatra - so they say, but with his own unique style... judge for yourself.
Walt is NOT an impersonator.
Record Label Hindsight,SwingShift Productions,Sweatheart Rcrds
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