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Swedish guitarist Andy Walo performs

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Contributed by: Doug Deutsch on 2/5/2007

From SWEDEN to Southern California, blues-rock guitarist and vocalist Andy Walo is performing live at The First Cabin 46 E. Huntington Drive, in Arcadia on Saturday, Feb. 10.

The free show starts at 9:15 p.m. For more information, call (626) 446-2575.

Word continues to grow about Swedish-born guitarist-vocalist, who recently received a glowing live show review from trusted industry trade publication, Music Connection.

"Walo's show is catchy blues and rock originals enhanced with classic rock favorites," writes reviewer Laura Phillips. "Walo does double-duty with smooth vocals, complimented by sensational guitar riffs and solos ... Walo put on a charming Halloween performance to a sold-out venue, connecting instantly with the audience and remaining lively and connected for several sets. ...(he's ) a popular musician with outstanding talent and an extremely entertaining stage show."

Walo was also featured in the Daily Breeze "Band In A Box" feature as well as New Artist Showcase (www.newartistshowcase.com).

The now-L.A.-based musician who grew up in Stockholm, Sweden got his first guitar at age 11 and joined his first band at age 14. He subsequently established himself as a full-time musician, living and performing in Denmark and England through the early 90s.

"I saw Albert King on TV one time ... and after that, it was all over!" recalls Walo. "Next it was Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Otis rush and Albert Collins...they all became great influences in my music."

In the Spring of 1993 Walo relocated to Chicago, where he quickly established himself in the legendary Chicago Blues scene. Andy started by sitting in with all the Windy City greats: Buddy Guy, Jimmy Johnson, Big Time Sarah, Shirley Johnson and soul singer, Otis Clay.

During his first U.S. tour, Walo shared stages with Bo Diddley, J.J. Cale, Canned Heat, John Hammond Jr., Koko Taylor, The Ohio Players and classic rock heroes, Blue Oyster Cult. In 1994 Walo recorded his first solo CD in Chicago; the following year, Walo became lead guitarist for late, great Chicago Blues legend, Junior Wells - with whom he spent the next two years touring the world.

Andy played on the last recording Wells made before he passed. That album - "Junior Wells Live At Buddy Guys Legends" - was nominated for a Grammy in 1997.

After five years as a prominent player in the Chicago Blues scene, Walo relocated to Los Angeles, where he co-fronted Mama's Boys (winners of Southern California's "Best Unsigned Blues Band" at the 1999 Doheny Blues Festival. He formed the Andy Walo Group in 2001, showcasing his original songs in the Classic Rock vein of Free and Led Zeppelin, mixed with Classic Chicago Blues. "Live Your Life," Walo's second solo CD, was released in 2002 and was picked up for worldwide Internet distribution in all major online record stores by Philadelphia-based label, Canadian-American Records, in 2004.

Walo has earned a loyal following in Chicago and Southern California, as well as a worldwide reputation as (quote) "the best thing since Peter Green and early Jimmy Page."

Walo performed at the famed yearly Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota in 2004, sharing the stage with notables Kid Rock and ZZ Top, among others. Andy is currently in-studio laying down tracks for an as-yet-unnamed CD, set for release early 2007 and continues to perform regularly at venues throughout Southern California and Nevada. Check out his Web site at www.andywalo.comwww.myspace.com/andywalo.

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