When we say only the best in Blues music at the Linsmore Tavern (1298 Danforth Ave) for Molson Canadian Blues Sunday, we really do mean it! For the 4th Sunday of March, which will be taking place on Sunday March 24th, we are in for a big treat as we are excited to welcome for back Ian Andrews & The Smoking' Scoundrels who absolutely captivated everyone in attendance when they played the last Blues Sunday of 2018! Ian Andrews absolutely blew everyone away that evening and we had so many requests to bring him back and that's exactly what we are doing! Ian Andrews is one of the very best up and coming Blues performers in this country and if you are a Blues fan, you absolutely need to check this talent out! From Hamilton Ontario, Ian has been performing with and alongside the who's, who of the Canadian Blues music scene! People know how good this band is and that is why you must come by the Linsmore Tavern to check this band out! The show starts at 7pm, there's no cover, don't miss it!

Ian Andrews, 2016's Blues Recording of The Year winner at The Hamilton Music Awards and 2018’s Brian Griffith Guitar Bursary, was born in Guelph, Ontario where he picked up the guitar at the early age of ten. Through his teenage years, he played in a few bands while crafting his song writing skills. His real adventure began when he moved to the Steel City- Hamilton, Ontario. Andrews was exposed to an incredible amount of new influences and began to make musician friends who would become mentors to him over the years. He started his well-known act “Ian Andrews & The Smokin’ Scoundrels” in December, 2012 featuring his original music and up to a full 7-8 piece band of incredible players. He plays over 150 shows a year, either with the full line-up or with his trio/quartet act, which plays around the region in many clubs, bars, halls and theaters. Andrews also has the pleasure of playing and stage sharing with friends and peers such as the Juno award winning Jack DeKeyzer Band, Jerry Doucette, Wild T & The Spirit, Bill Dylan (Robbie Robertson), members of Crowbar, Jerome Godboo, Steve Strongman, Brant Parker Blues Band, as well as many others! His live show over the years has always featured an all-star band line up that always consisted of incredible names such as Alan Duffy (Jack DeKeyzer), Greg Brisco (DinnerBelles, Terra Lightfoot, Ginger St. James), Albaby Webster (Colin James), Dave McMorrow (Jack DeKeyzer), Jason Colavecchia (Smoke Wagon Blues Band/Sonny Del Rio) and more. Andrews also thoroughly enjoys being a part of other artist’s studio session. His favourite in particular being on a session in Toronto that included Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss) as the producer, Dale Harrison (The Headstones) on drums, many other out of this world musicians.

Currently, Andrews is full steam ahead with his permanent line up (Jason Colavecchia, Matt Burns, Greg Brisco, and Tom VanDevan) taking music scenes by storm with his thrilling, invigorating performances. His live show has since detoured from his previous sound that featured horn sections, only himself on lead guitar, keys, and the rhythm section with an occasional harmonica player. The Smokin’ Scoundrels are now captivating audiences with dual lead and rhythm guitar, piano/organ and the rhythm section. Behind the seductive and chilling voice of Andrews, are harmonious vocal harmonies split three ways between Burns, Brisco, and Colavecchia on the hit choruses and bridges in the songs Andrews is now writing. These songs are taking his sound to a new level with precise and “edge of your seat” arrangement, blistering guitar and organ solos, and undeniably memorable melodies. It’s stand up and shout Rock n roll stemming from early influences of the Edgar Winter Group albums and Deep Purple mixed with the relentless rebellion sound of The Rolling Stones from their albums such as “Sticky Fingers” and “Exile on Main Street.” Of course all of these influences plus many more began to mix and stir up a sound that Andrews then extracted creatively to give life to his new sound he had been working towards since before his debut album.

Andrews is still working hard to push and distribute his long anticipated album, Foreplay, which was released in October 2015 and features all the sides of Ian Andrews- the reds, the oranges, the greens and of course THE BLUES! There’s rock n’ roll, RnB, swing, and boogie woogie that reference the greats, the legends and the influences of the past – but Andrews, like his live performance, has many sounds that he can blend into a single concept idea which is why his debut album was so anticipated (later to win 2016’s “Blues Recording of the Year”). Andrews is someone who knows how to cater to an audience, and not only keep them entertained…But keep them exhilarated.

He is looking forward to working on his brand new record that will not only follow up “Foreplay” – but also set the bar to an entirely new level with his entirely new sounds. Andrews is really planning to blow his audiences away with his next release - A full length album that will thoroughly paint his song craftsmanship, musical arrangement, writing, and just how in depth his producing talents are… and with CONVICTION.

After performing under the bright lights of the infamous “Clock Tower Stage” at the TD Kitchener Blues Festival, sharing the spotlight with Juno award winner Steve Strongman in the summer of 2017; Andrews has been gaining more and more audience, publicity and fans through ongoing articles in local papers, magazines, radio shows and of course the word of mouth through the industry’s hottest acts and the audiences that follow them.

“I'd keep a close eye on this young man's career.” (Angelo Noto Campanella, Hamiltonian: Music Notes)

"It's a pleasure to work on instruments belonging to a player so dedicated to his craft. Ian's passion for paying homage to his influences shines through his playing, both emotionally and technically." (Ed Sculthorpe, Luthier, Birchway Sound)

“Ian Andrews is a guitar scoundrel… and I’m glad to announce the next generation of blues rocker is knocking on your door!” (Benjamin Washington, Brickpost Productions/ Benjamin Washington Photography)