Colin Anderson performs at Doyle’s restaurant
by Greg Cryns

11/13/02

Colin Anderson plays his banjo and writes songs. On November 2, 2002, he played his first live gig at Doyle’s Pub & Eatery. The standing room only crowd thoroughly enjoyed his music. Asked to describe his musical style, Anderson said, “It is blues shouting – a straight gutteral yowl. You hear the lyrics and know that they are coming straight from my heart. The music is a really a vessel for the words.”

Originally referred to as “Mountain Music” and later as “Old Time Country” or just “Country, bluegrass music was a blending of homeland, gospel, popular, and folk music. The lyrics were centered around hard times and travels, broken hearted love, but primarily religion. “Particularly in Virginia and Kentucky, people played their bluegrass music in small churches where they had bluegrass shows on Saturday nights, and then they would be doing gospel music on Sunday morning in the same Church,” said Anderson. “But my style is certainly not traditional bluegrassm, perhaps it would be called ‘newgrass’ or ‘acid grass’. I’m very improvisational, never singing a song twice the same way.”

Anderson graduated Richmond High School in 1997. He played the saxophone in the school band when Nielsen was the band director. Nielsen is credited with the rebirth of the music program during his tenure. Under his guidance, the Richmond band members grew significantly. “I really started to refine my music during my senior year,” said Anderson. “Nielsen was definitely a positive influence.”

Just over one year ago, Anderson bought a banjo from his friend, Alex Johnstone. “Alex brought the banjo over and I loved it from the start. I wouldn't let him leave without selling it to me.” He paid Johnstone $400 and a fondness for bluegrass quickly blossomed into much more.

Bob Dylan is Anderson’s major musical influence. “Many people don’t know that Dylan’s influence was folk blues from the 1950’s.” said Anderson. “Bluegrass is now commercially as big as it ever has been. Chicago is friendly scene. We have a large community of acoustic musicians in this area.”

Anderson plans to move up to the Twin Cities next summer. “I want to be able to play live music every night. Jeannie Doyle has given me an incredible break. I'll be able to go up to Minnesota with a good reference from here. This might be a gateway for me to getting a gig. I want to play smaller venues, maybe three shows a week to earn money. I like the intimate setting of Doyle's where I sit on a stool on same level as the audience. I can connect with them.”

Anderson’s next scheduled show at Doyle’s Pub & Eatery will be on November 23rd. He will play two sets beginning at 8:30 pm. During the break, there will be a 45 minute open group jam session for patrons who would like to participate.

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