Andréa Petrity
Her investigation is of beauty and, without falling into cliché, her music sounds joyful – R. Doull, B.C. Musician Magazine
Andréa was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and began taking piano lessons at age 8. She began with classical piano lessons and exams through the Royal Conservatory of Music. She later went on to study music at Mount Royal College in Calgary where she received a Diploma in Jazz & Contemporary Music Performance.
Andréa has taken advantage of a variety of performing opportunities including opening for headline acts in Alberta, pianist in show bands on cruise ships for five and a half years, work with theatres, big bands, choirs, jazz festivals, studio recordings and composing/arranging projects.
Every performance opportunity provides a learning experience, something positive. I like to embrace every opportunity that comes my way. – A. Petrity
Musician
Andréa’s appreciation and love of many styles of music allows her to be versatile with her performances; from working as a solo pianist, piano/vocal duos, to larger varied ensembles and including a repertoire of jazz standards, popular, the Great American Songbook, Canadian Songbook as well as original compositions and arrangements.
Her solid reputation as a reliable and imaginative musician and accompanist for vocalists keeps Andréa very busy performing for public and private events in various venues throughout the Calgary area.
To mention just a few musical projects that Andréa has been actively involved with – past and current – include:
- Leader of her classic piano trio, the “Andréa Petrity Trio” which comprises of mostly her original compositions and arrangements;
- Co-leader of MAPL Quintet of which the band perform Canadian singer-songwriter material with fresh, contemporary arrangements as well as original music from the band members;
- “A Jazzy Time of Year” annual Christmas shows that Andréa presented with different guest artists/musicians and original arrangements;
- “Cigány & Gitana” gypsy/jazz/flamenco shows with special guest artists from the various musical genres; and
- Performer & arranger for 1930’s themed 50 Shades of Blues piano/vocal Duo shows.
Throughout the years one of her joys musically was teaching piano. Having taught piano privately and through Keys To Your Door Music Studio and De Waal Music Studio to beginner students as young as 4 years old to adults in their 80’s.
Andréa’s debut CD, “It’s About Time”, was recorded in August 2014 in Calgary with the support of regular trio members Stefano Valdo (bass) and Robin Tufts (drums) as well as saxophonist Pat Belliveau. The CD was released at the National Music Centre in Calgary in November 2014. The album highlights Andréa as a composer, arranger and leader featuring her original compositions and fresh arrangements of familiar standards.
She is unique as a pianist; she always goes for the music first and then the piano after R. Tufts says. Andréa’s tunes move me and almost play themselves. The recording session was pure joy says S. Valdo. On Andréa’s writing, P. Belliveau goes on to say It just flowed. At times challenging in its intricacies, it always made sense melodically”
Andréa’s CD has been very well received and has achieved airplay on Canadian College and Campus stations, CBC and CKUA radios including airplay throughout the U.S., Hawaii, South Africa, Australia and European stations. It has steadily appeared on the top 10 charts including #1 slots. Andréa has also appeared as guest for performances and interviews on CJSW radio since the CD release.
This is an all-around musical adventure that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. – Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation Magazine.
During the same year, Andréa recorded an EP, “Canadian Songbook” with MAPL Quintet of which she was co-leader. The recording has made the top charts on Canadian College Campus radio stations, U.S. radio, has remained #1 on CJSW charts consistently and has been played on CBC Radio Canada. The group puts their own spin on Canadian classic material as well as original compositions by band members.
Andréa’s second CD “What If I” earned the YYCMUSIC award for Jazz Recording of the Year in 2020. This jazz piano trio album speaks of various styles, tempos and feels as the musical tales unfold and are expressed through Andréa and her trio members drummer Robin Tufts and bassist Stefano Valdo. Eight of the nine tracks on “What If I” are written by Andréa.
Emotional melodies are certainly Petrity’s strong suit…never flashy, her playing is still full and intricate, letting the notes and arrangements do the talking. – B. Mesereau, The Top 100 Canadian Albums
I wanted to write melodies that sing, songs that tell stories. – A. Petrity
Her most recent music educational highlights has been taking part in summer workshops in Qualicum, BC during the years 2012-2023 which is led and taught by Canada’s own Member of the Order of Canada / Juno Award winning jazz pianist / saxophonist / composer / educator / lawyer Phil Dwyer.
Andréa continues to pursue growth and enrichment in her music and can be heard performing in the Calgary area.
Pianist
Andréa is a versatile musician whose musical interests and tastes takes her on many wonderful musical opportunities and journeys.
Specializing in jazz piano, Andréa has a solid reputation as a fine, classy and professional performer bringing passion and joy into her performances. Her sensitivity to the audience and musicians performing with her always gives a moving and enjoyable musical experience.
Andréa is available for bookings for events, functions, celebrations and can provide the perfect mood and the right ensemble/musical configuration for each occasion.
Some examples of Andréa’s performances:
Blue Skies
You Needed Me
Composer
The approach to composing music varies from one artist to another and each time one commences writing they may select from various starting points, such as initiating with a brief melodic phrase, a sequence of pleasant sounding chords, a bass line that defines the groove, a specific drum or percussion rhythm that sets the tone, or lyrics that narrate the story.
There is no right or wrong method; it is about writing down the ideas in a manner that effectively communicates the story to the listener.
Some examples of Andréa’s compositions:
P.M.S.
It’s About Time
Mariana
Monkeying Around
Arranger
A music arrangement transforms a composition by reorganizing or reshaping its elements such as melodies, harmonies, rhythms, to create a unique version of the original composition.
It is essentially a reimagination of an existing piece of music, giving it a fresh, new and unique sound and feel.
Some examples of Andréa’s arrangements:
Close To You
What Is This Thing Called Love
Bird on A Wire
Harlem Nocturne
