The Jazz Guitar of

Andy Brown

Biography

Andy Brown is a musician based in Chicago who specializes in what he calls “old-school jazz guitar.” Born in New York in 1975, he has played professionally for thirty years. He has had a varied performing career that has included stints in Cincinnati and New York City. He has been called a “superior mainstream guitarist” in Downbeat magazine.

Since coming to Chicago in 2003, Andy has been fortunate to work at many of the area's finest jazz venues with his own bands, as well as playing his unique brand of solo jazz guitar. He has... read more →

Press

"Inspiring music-making isn't necessarily loud, aggressive, self-aggrandizing or heavily promoted. Consider what happens early every Wednesday night at Andy's Jazz Club, where the superb but serenely understated Chicago guitarist Andy Brown leads a quartet. Like him, his band mates speak softly but poetically. Brown's pastel tones, softly stated melody lines and delicately rolled chords conveyed remarkable intimacy and the guitarist's solo on "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" made a strong, soulful case for melodic simplicity... read more →

News [updated June 2025]

I’ve got some special gigs coming up!

Tuesday, June 24 – Petra’s Recession Seven at the Jazz Showcase. Come check out this swinging septet featuring a front line of three Chicago's finest horn players (Art Davis, Eric Schneider, Russ Phillips)

Thursday, July 3 – Duet concert with marvelous vocalist Petra van Nuis at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 10AM–11AM. A beautiful outdoor setting for our intimate voice/guitar duo—perfect for a peaceful morning among the flowers.

Wednesday, July 9 – Andy Brown Trio at Winter’s Jazz Club playing “Music From the Movies.” We’ll be exploring memorable film themes and jazz favorites from the silver screen, with Jake Vinsel on bass and George Fludas on drums.

Friday & Saturday, July 18–19 – Warren Vaché/Russ Phillips Quintet at the Green Mill. Cornetist Warren Vaché and trombonist Russ Phillips bring their signature blend of class, swing and fire to this quintet—don't miss these two brass masters!

I'm also fortunate to play these four Steady Gigs every week! Thanks to so many of you who come by and make them special!!

Thursday Solo Jazz Guitar - At Chicago's famed Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. I play behind the bar for the cocktail hour show from 5PM - 7:15PM. No cover, tasty drinks, and I take requests. So many great friends come every week!

Sunday Brunch Jazz - I've started a new solo guitar brunch gig at a restaurant in Park Ridge called Fire + Wine. They have a great patio!  The music fits the brunch vibe. I'm there every Sunday from 11:30am-2pm.

Sundays Evening with Quartet at Andy's Jazz Club - Andy Brown Quartet at Andy's Jazz Club. Sets at 6PM and 8:15PM. With drummer Phil Gratteau, bassist Joe Policastro and pianist Jeremy Kahn. Celebrating 12 years together every week, come see how much fun the Swingin' Sundays are at this venerable club!

Wednesday Duo with Voice and Guitar - Petra van Nuis/Andy Brown voice/guitar duo at Hemmingway's Bistro in Oak Park from 6PM-9PM. Hemmingway's is a fantastic French restaurant and Petra and I are happy to perform for their Wednesday jazz nights. (I'll be absent 7/9 & 7/30)

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