Press,
Reviews and Awards
Feature
Articles - Symphonic Pops and Swingerhead concert
reviews and special features from Rolling Stone, JazzIn Orlando, Orlando
Leisure, venice, Orlando Weekly, ATOMIC, Orlando Sentinel, BobbyDarin.net
and more!
Quotable
Quotes - Ssome testimonials from our Friends,
Clients and Celebrity Fans
CD
Reviews - Read what they say about our music
- write a review yourself!
Awards
- "...and the Favorite Jazz AND Swing AND Lounge
Band award goes again to..."
Appearances -
Information about Swingerhead on the tube, in your radio and on the
big screen...
Feature Articles
 JazzIn
Orlando Feature
- Fall 2002 - The all-in-one-place Orlando-based jazz music web
site makes a personal visit to Michael Andrew Studios. They discuss
the production of the 2 new CDs, Andrew's award nods and his round-the-clock
and constantly-creative work schedule. |
 Orlando
Music Award 7-6-5-4
- Fall 2002 -
7 nominations in 6 years with 5 wins with 4 as Best Jazz Band.
Michael Andrew and all the
Swingerheads are thrilled to be the recipients of the 'Favorite
Jazz and Swing Band' award trophy--- four years in a row. They also
hold an additional OMA trophy for CD of the Year. Checkout the insightful
(and funny) Swingerhead writeups and photos and all the nominated
artists. Thank you, everyone, for voting and supporting live music.
|
Long
Beach Symphony Concert Review - Fall 2002 - They say you
have to swing into a new season. So, Michael Andrew and Principal
Pops Conductor Krajewski and crew served up a crowd-pleasing big
band bonanza in Southern California. |
 “Singin'
and Swingin' Symphony” Concert Review - Fall
2002 - read this revealing article on the most talked about Wichita
Symphony Orchestra Pops concerts in recent history... featuring
Michael Andrew, Swingerhead, conductor Michael Krajewski and a very
annoying soundguy. |
 Swingerhead
gets 'Stoned'! - Rolling Stone magazine
checked out the Swing This, Baby CD compilation on which
Swingerhed appears and gave them a great review for Mike's song
Pick Up The Phone! Check out this page. You can still order
this CD. |
 Orlando
Sentinel Theatre Feature / Interview - Spring 2002 - An
in-depth feature interview with Michael Andrew and his decision
to swing back to his theatre roots by appearing in the Orlando stage
production of "As Thousands Cheer" - the classic revue
by Irving Berlin and Moss Hart. |
 22nd
Annual National Telly Award Winners - The official national
scoop and silver statuette photos. The Time Warner Cable broadcast
of 'Singin' and Swingin' with Michael Andrew, Swingerhead and The
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra" WON the top honor for 'Outstanding
Entertainment Cable Television Program 2001! Over 11,000 entries
were submitted. The Telly has become one of the most sought-after
awards in the TV, commercial and video industry. Visit Gigs
to catch the next broadcast of our award winning show.
|
 Orlando
Smooth Jazz & Leisure - Cover Story & Fashion Spread
- Michael crooned his way to the cover of this national smooth
jazz magazine with a multipage feature. This magazine is created
by WLOQ 103.1 Smooth Jazz radio station in Orlando. Michael models
uptown fashions and talks about his music, his plans and why, when
he could live anywhere, he chose to make Orlando his home.
|
 Michael
Andrew Breaks into Hollywood in movie "Heartbreakers"!
- The complete inside scoop of how Michael Andrew and Swingerhead
landed 'the big gig' on the Big Screen in the major motion picture,
'heartBREAkERS". Includes production timeline plus links to
the official websites for MGM Pictures, Jennifer Love Hewitt, video
and DVD ordering plus the RCA Victor soundtrack CD featuring Michael
Andrew & Swingerhead plus CD and Film reviews. Lots of photos!
|
 Holiday
Pops Concert Preview Feature - 2001 - This article highlights
the weeklong run of Holiday concerts with The Jacksonville Symphony
Orchestra and the two Michaels: Andrew and Maestro Krajewski.
|
|
 venice
magazine - the bible for Los Angeles' Arts and Entertainment
notices Michael Andrew taking off in California with a fullpage
'Speedway' feature. Photos taken from the rooftop of Merv Griffin's
Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Just click on Mel's
mug to read the full story.
|
 The
Rat Pack Re-Revival - The Orlando Weekly compiled a comprehensive
story on the Rat Pack (then and now), "Ocean's 11" (then
and now) and Michael Andrew and Swingerhead's return to the new
"Rat Pack's at the Avenue" nights at CityJazz and their
commitment to keeping timeless music alive. Great reading and photos.
|
 ATOMIC
Magazine Feature - Spring 2001 the 'essential guide to retro
culture' magazine and website paid a special tribute to the film
and history of Pearl Harbor. Inside features great articles and
photos on art, music, fashion and more. This 2nd anniversary edition
also features a profile of Michael Andrew in which he talks about
his influences and his outlook toward the future. See a preview
and order your online subscription (you can also request this back
issue). A must-visit website for all guys and dolls. |
 Swing
Time Magazine / Cover Feature Story
- The popular magazine of the of the 1990's swing resurgence
craze, gave the band the cover story in Issue lucky #13. Their
announcement said, "International band of mystery? Secret
musical agents protecting the free world? Find out for yourself
in our top-secret dossier featuring Michael Andrew, head swinger. |
 Nightclub and Bar Magazine / Cover Story
- The national cover story on highlighting the making of "Rat
Pack’s on the Avenue" - the swingin' Orlando nightclub Michael
Andrew helped inspire and launch to success. This article includes
great photos of local dancers and Miss Sarah Hayes on the cover,
too. |
 "Mech"
is named UWEC Outstanding Alumni - University Wisconsin
Eau Claire honors "Mech" (Michael Andrew Mechelke)
with it's special annual alumni award with banquet and parade filled
with friends, family and fellow classmates.
|
 The
Swing Book - Author and jazz historian, Degen Pener, wrote
this book on the history with intro by BBVD Scotty Morris. They
gave stellar cool cat reviews on Swingerhead and
placed our "She
Could Be a Spy" CD at #10 in the Hottest Newswing CDs and
had this to say: "With a name like
Swingerhead and an infectious lounge/swing sound,
Florida's powerhouse retro band is starting to gain national
attention... Think James Bond crossed with Wayne
Newton and wearing a leopard print dinner
jacket". |
 Orlando
Business Journal - A business report on the 'upswing'
of the swing scene, its main players, and when we helped with the
opening of 'Rat Pack's on the Avenue' and the surge of businesses
it inspired. |
 The
Slant - on Music - A smokin' review about the Grand
Opening Weekend of 'Rat Pack's on the Avenue' and the 1200+ people
who attended turning a rock and roll club into a real swingin' joint.
|
 Concert
Review - A sensational
review of our Swingerhead gig at Lenny Lounge’s Club Bena / Leopard
Lounge in New Joi-zee.. |
Bobby Darin.net
- informative and fun site on the great, late Bobby Darin. Naturally,
you'll see Michael Andrew listed on the 'Friends and Celebrity Fans'
page, Michael pays tribute to Bobby Darin and other great song stylists
in every concert he performs.
Milwaukee's
Journal Sentinel '98
Swingin' interview with Michael Andrew, Phil Collins, Brian Setzer,
Scotty Morris, Bonn Scott and more - all warming up for their appearances
at Summerfest.
Orlando
Sentinel Band Guide - The Orlando Sentinel newspaper has expanded
its arts and entertainment coverage both in their print and online versions.
You can read all about the Orlando entertainers and happenings. Here
is a fun write up they did on the us.
San Francisco
Bay Swingside Update - '98 show review after a hot night at
FUEL in Fresno, CA
Orlando
Sentinel - Celebrity columnist,
Leslie Doolittle, announces our Hollywood deal with Merv Griffin making
Andrew a bi-coastal bandleader.
Variety - Senior
Hollywood Columnist, Army Archerd, writes about Merv Griffin's show
in at The LaQuinta Arts Festival featuring Michael Andrew and The Coconut
Club Orchestra.
The Orlando Weekly - '97 M.A. was the first 'person' to splash
the cover of The Orlando Weekly with a 2-page center spread pictorial
/interview appropriately called, 'Retro-Active'..
Quotable
Quotes
A lot of very nice people,
Friends, Clients and Celebrity Fans
with a lot of very nice (and funny) things to say!
Click
this link to read and laugh....
CD
Reviews
The award-winning, fastest
selling Michael Andrew and Swingerhead Albums-CDs are still available,
in limited quantities, at some local stores and on our recommended website
links for easy ordering. Read these listener reviews and send yours
in to us!
Cool
and Strange Music Magazine - The
cool (and, yes, strange) folks at Cool and Strange Music reviewed three
of our discs... She Could Be A Spy, A Swingerhead Christmas,
and Mickey Swingerhead and the Earthgirls.
Rolling Stone Magazine
- It's so good we had to list it twice! Rolling Stone digs "Pick
Up the Phone!".
"She
Could Be A Spy" - "kickin ass" and taking names
on our award winning, debut album.
"A Swingerhead Christmas"
- M.A. and the Swingerhead-elves spice up your nog with this top selling
Holiday CD
"Mickey Swingerhead
and the Earthgirls" - the demo soundtrack to MA's sci-fi
musical comedy - set for a comeback
MTV
News Online - Announces the launch of compilation CD "Swing
This, Baby, Vol 1" with Swingerhead... Cherry Poppin Daddies and
Brian Setzer.
Back to the
Top...
Awards
and Accolades
Orlando
Weekly's "ANNUAL BEST OF... AWARDS"
1998 WINNER
~ Swingerhead
- “Best Unsigned Band” - Check
out the article.
1998 WINNER
~ “Best
New Hot Spot - Rat Pack's on the Avenue” Swingerhead's 'home'
while downtown O-town was the place to swing.. Creative concept
and marketing plans were co-designed by Michael Andrew. Here are some
articles to read why this joint received national attention:
Rat Pack's Article 1, Rat
Pack's Article 2
1997 NOMINEES!
~ “Favorite
Swing and Big Band”. Guest
Artist on OMA compilation CD
1998 WINNERS!
~ “Favorite Swing and Lounge Band”
and
1998 WINNERS!
~ “CD of the Year” for Swingerhead's debut, “She
Could Be A Spy”
1999 WINNERS!
~ “Favorite Lounge, Swing and Rockabilly Band”
2000
WINNERS!
~ “Favorite Jazz and Swing Band”
2001 WINNERS!
~ “Favorite Jazz Band”
This award was presented to the band by drummer, Liberty DeVitto.
CLICK HERE to read our story
and visit ALL the winners .
2002 NOMINEES!
~ “Favorite Jazz Band"
If you placed a vote, we thank you. Orlando is home to some of the best
bands and fans in the country .
Read
all about the Orlando Music Awards
2002 here.
NATIONAL TELLY AWARD
2001
WINNERS!~ 22nd Annual National Telly
Award for Outstanding Entertainment Cable Program! This award
was presented for the Time Warner Cable television show presentation
of 'Singin' and Swingin' with Michael Andrew, Swingerhead and The Orlando
Philharmonic Orchestra". It WON the top honor for 'Outstanding
Entertainment Cable Television Program 2001! Over 11,000 entries were
submitted. The Telly has become one of the most sought-after awards
in the TV, commercial and video industry. Read
the story here and see the statuette.
MICHAEL ANDREW RECEIVES OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
AWARD
Michael
Andrew (last name Mechekle AKA Mech) received this prestigious award
from his alma matter, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
complete with a parade and party. Read
the press release here.
2002 JINO AWARDS - JazzIN ORLANDO
We are proud to announce our 2002 JINO
(JazzIN' Orlando!) Awards nominations in the 2 categories: "Show
or Performer of the Year" = Michael Andrew & Swingerhead plus "Vocalist
of the Year" = Michael Andrew. Visit this great and informative
website www.Jazzinorlando.com
for jazz musicians, photos, stories and info on all the venues.
Swingerhead
Appearances
Michael Andrew,
Swingerhead and The Coconut Club Orchestra have been featured on many
special entertainment , news features and films around the country and
shows including "Good Day Orlando", "Second Noah"
TV Show, "Discover Orlando", "Disney's Rock 'n' Rockets",
"LYNX Jazz Fest '99", "American Faces Holiday Special",
"Swingin' Christmas at Swing 1000", "Michael Andrew,
Swingerhead and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in concert 2000 ~and~
the 2001 Holiday show", MGM Pictures' major motion picture hit
"Heartbreakers" and there are others that we are really not
allowed to tell you about... you'll have to discover them yourselves...
this cast of characters has a list of secret disguises.
This group is also one of the few bands in history to crossover all
formats of radio. In both album airplay and live in-studio performances
and interviews. Supporting Central Florida radio stations include, WTKS
Real Radio 104.1 (Clear Channel-Talk & Alt), WINS (Clear Channel-Talk),
WLOQ Smooth Jazz 103.1, WOMX Mix 105.1-Oldies, WUCF 89.9-Straight Ahead
Jazz, WFIT, WMMB, WPRK, WHOG, WMNF, WMMO-Soft Rock and Roll, WJRR 101.1-Rock,
WHTQ-Country, WHOO, WLBE, WONQ-Spanish, WJCT. National airplay happening
daily somewhere in the country and there are many internet radio sites
help spread our music constantly.
Back to the Top...
|
MA
and Swingerhead's 1st Pops Concert with the Orlando Philharmonic
"Mickey
Swingerhead and the Earthgirls" the Show