With numerous accolades and high-profile appearances to his credit, Toronto-based percussionist, Jay Andrews has established himself as one of Canada’s finest musicians.

Hailing originally from Canada’s East Coast, Andrews has taken his craft cross-country and back, performing both as a solo artist and accompanying other top musicians. Andrews’ unique style has led him to perform and produce remixes for acclaimed fiddle legend Ashley MacIsaac. Most recently, he co-produced MacIsaac’s latest release: FDLER.

With his current project, Shreem - Celtic Remixing, Andrews’ musical journey has come full circle and brought him back to his traditional East Coast roots. For Shreem, Andrews has developed a new sound, blending Celtic, electronic, and hip-hop music with hard-hitting drums and powerful, warm melodies. Shreem - Celtic Remixing breathes new life into traditional Celtic music, infusing it with a fresh, modern feel. In Shreem we hear the influence of Celtic artists such as Slainte, Mhath and Flook, paired with electronic and hip-hop artists like Diplo, Grandtheft, and Keys N Krates.

Andrews’ style can best be described as a sonic “tour de force”, incorporating looping, vocal sampling, electronic percussion, beat boxing, and live musicianship. Shreem - Celtic Remixing showcases each of these elements, while allowing the earthiness of traditional Celtic music to shine through.

“Good Good Bad”, features award-winning Celtic vocalist Shannon Quinn. Her vocal fluidity lends perfectly to Andrews’ rapid tempo changes, creating a cohesive package. Andrews shows his versatility in “Wide Awake”, a contrasting piece that incorporates raspy vocals of St. Lucian artist Kayo, ambient sounds, and allows the banjo to truly shine. Finally, Andrews brings together a top-drawer team of musicians for the final track, “Hurricane”. Esteemed musicians such as Cassie & Maggie MacDonald, EMC, and Norm Adams bring their individual styles to collectively end the album with a bang!

This debut album is the perfect gateway into Jay Andrews’ repertoire. With this fiery & fresh new sound, Andrews is in the vein of acts such as The East Pointers and A Tribe Called Red. While remaining faithful to his musical upbringing and East Coast roots, his heart and charisma brings a new flair into this timeless genre, so bring the energy, spirit, and panache of Shreem along with you. Source : Shreem