They may promote themselves as a Nashville country duo, but the wonderful music produced by Andi Zack and Ken Johnson is certainly full of soul.
Zack, who grew up in Oliver, and Johnson, her musical partner for more than nine years, and husband for two, spent a few weeks visiting family and friends in the South Okanagan this summer.
The highlight was the opportunity to entertain fans during the Music in the Park concert series August 7.
While on stage, it was quite apparent the two are madly in love, and it showed in the music they played for those seated in front of the Oliver Community Stage.
“When we play together, it’s because we want to and it’s fun. I’m excited for Andi because she left here all those years ago from Oliver to Nashville, and to move to another country for a young girl is a gutsy move. To be able to come back all these years later and still have such a tie with her hometown, but be a household name in our industry in Nashville, is special,” Johnson said. “When I was watching Andi on stage, I was really proud of her because it must be a good feeling for her and her town. I think Oliver can be very proud of her.”
And Andi insists she is living a dream taking into account her love of music, her love for her hometown, and her love for her husband and musical partner.
“It’s so great to be able to travel with your partner, and sing together, and be able to do shows. For us, because we support each other so much and are each other’s biggest fans, we are in no competition with each other.”
The day after Andi and Ken performed on stage in Oliver Community Park, they came in to the Chronicle office to chat about their music, their relationship, and how it all began.
“My grandfather is 93 now, and is the one who introduced my mom to the guitar. He used to sing to her a lot when she was young. When my mom turned 21 my dad bought her an electric guitar. She used to play that, and so my brother and I would sing along,” recalls Andi. “I started writing a lot of poetry. Mr. John Surovy was my sixth grade teacher, he was the first one who said to me, “You are a good writer,” because I rhymed a lot. He was the first one who recognized that.”
When Andi turned 14, she bought a guitar, and started putting music with lyrics. She set sails for Nashville, and has produced much of her music to this point. More on that in a minute.
First, back to the live performance.
Andi and Ken, who is from Birmingham, Alabama, have performed numerous times in Oliver and throughout the South Okanagan.
And they thoroughly enjoyed their time on Oliver’s community stage.
“It was fabulous. I felt so welcome and it was like we were all just hanging out doing it together. We were interacting with the crowd,” said Ken. “It was just a beautiful evening in the park. I didn’t want it to be over.”
And Andi attempted in her own musical way to repay that support when she introduced the song “Two Against The World,” a song she dedicated to her mother.
“It’s always been her favourite. It’s about ultimate support. You’re there for me. And I can be there for you. And we can be two against the world,” replied Andi when asked about the song.
Her husband Ken expanded on the thought, and gave his take on the song, which proved popular during the August 7 performance.
“I think your mom’s a big champion to you going out and finding your way in the world,” said Ken. “She loves to cheer you on.”
Andi’s mother Marie Wadman offered these thoughts on he daughter’s musical talent, and return to perform in Oliver.
“Testimony to all Parents, that no matter what your child’s gift or talent, if they have the ‘will and perseverance’ – even when they may come from a little town
like Oliver – their dreams can come true,” said Marie. “We’ve seen Andi perform in Nashville, Las Vegas and many U.S. cities. But it is a special joy for us to share with our community the music our daughter has created. We’d like to thank those in our
community for providing a wonderful, inviting stage for entertainers to perform on.
We love our town.”
And so does Andi, who often refers to her Oliver youth in the songs contained on her new CD, set to be released in early 2015. Andi and Ken are currently getting their art work together for the CD, and are planning to release a music video to promote the new CD.
“It’s a new record I’m really excited about. All the other records I’ve done that were sold here in Oliver I did myself,” said Andi. “But this is the first time I’ve had producers. Buck Johnson, who is in the band Aerosmith, did six songs, and Grammy Award winning producer Skid Mills did five songs.”
The two were in the studio for around a year and a half putting the album together.
“What is unique about this album, is that all 11 tracks were written originally written on the ukulele, which is an instrument that suits her voice,” offered Ken. “Then all the other instruments were built around it. We put full traditional production all around the ukulele and we really came up with a really unique sound for her voice.”
Two Against The World
I can be a world of trouble
But you understand me like no one else
When I get reckless and a little crazy
You come and save me from myself
You keep me safe from harm
You hold me in your arms
(Chorus)
Right here is the only place I feel at home
You’re the realest thing I’ve ever know
When I can’t face another day on my own
I come to you and that makes two against the world
So please don’t give up on me
Just a little more time, I’m about to break free
Then I can be the rock you lean on
And when you melt down I’ll be your strength
I’ll keep you safe from harm
I’ll hold you in my arms
(Chorus)
Right here is the only place I feel at home
You’re the realest thing I’ve ever know
When I can’t face another day on my own
I come to you and that makes two against the world
Bridge:
Let’s find a way to make this moment last forever
Cause I don’t want to face another day alone
(Chorus)
Right here is the only place I feel at home
You’re the realest thing I’ve ever know
When I can’t face another day on my own
I come to you and that makes two against the world
You can follow Andi’s career by checking out: www.facebook.com/AndiZack.
You can also follow Andi Zack’s career through the Chronicle pages. We will let you know when her new CD is available to the public.
Dale Cory
Oliver Chronicle
