Andy Dacoulis - Guitarist
by Barbara Lavoie
Smooth as silk. Andy (Chuck) Dacoulis is so at ease on stage that he makes you think playing the guitar might be as easy as falling off a log. When in fact, his story reveals that Andy is probably one of Montréal's most disciplined guitarists.
Andy, 29, recently graduated with High Distinction from McGill's music program earning a B.A. in Jazz Performance. In 1996 he earned a B.A. in Commerce from Concordia University. For both degrees, he studied on a full-time basis. Born and raised in Montréal's West Island, Andy, his birth name is "Anastasios", recalled how music found him at the age of 15. He explained, "I was introduced to the guitar by a high school soccer mate who was originally from Chicago. He showed me how to play the riff from Led Zepplin's No Quarter. I started practising that tune until I got it down. Then, I'd go back to him and he'd show me more."
From that point on, Andy was smitten. He added, "It was something new. Something different from the sports that I was always very involved in." From "practising a lot on my own," he began taking private guitar lessons. He fondly remembered his early mentor and guitar teacher, Kenny Bibace and Mike Rud, his music professor at McGill.
His "big three jazz influences" are Charlie Christian who played with Benny Goodman during the late 30's, the "solo jazz guitar genius" Wes Montgomery who was popular from 1959 to 1968 and the incomparable George Benson who brought jazz into the pop era. Andy admits he listens to music, particularly jazz, virtually "all day long." For Blues guitarists, he noted the legendary B.B. King and Chris Cain with Mike Stern and Robben Ford topping his list of jazz/rock influences. Closer to home, Andy gives full marks to local guitar heros Rob MacDonald and Corey Diabo.
But it is with the versatile singer/performer and Maple Blues Awards nominee, Dawn Tyler Watson, that you find Andy at his finest. In discussing his work with Dawn, he noted, "I started with her over three years ago. It just clicked between us from the beginning," adding, "I enjoy playing with Dawn because she is so extremely versatile. It's amazing to play so many styles of music with her."
Besides the local gigs, Andy's skilful guitar work shows up on Ten Dollar Dress, Dawn's recently released and well-received CD. It was nominated for as Recording of the Year by the 2001 Maple Blues Awards. Andy says the gigs and recording work are great, but he really enjoys the touring. "I get to meet a lot of really nice people." This winter they were at Le Festival Bleue Blanc Blues in Stoneham and in Montréal, Pointe-Claire and Victoriaville with Les Grandes Dames de Blues. This summer gigs are booked in Kalamazoo, Michigan and they will be part of Toronto's Great Canadian Blues & BBQ Festival and Fredericton's Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
True to Andy's belief that you must practice to be good, it isn't surprising to find that he also plays, performs and records with several other bands and artists. He is lead guitarist with the Francophone pop/funk band, known as Alec and The Monkey Groove Band. With the hip/hop band, Phénomene, he played on their CD called Je Veux Du Cash and with local artist, Nathalie Michel, he can be found on her two albums, Necessary Illusions and Stray Dog. Andy's latest breaking news - he has recorded with Samantha Olsen, Montréal's 14-year old singing sensation. The CD will be released this fall.
What I found so very outstanding about Andy's guitar-playing style was his understanding and respect for his audience. He allows enough time and space for us to appreciate the music while whetting our appetite for what he plans on delivering up next.
Andy has his own demo CD available. He also gives guitar lessons. For more information, contact Andy at andydacoulis@hotmail.com.
Copyright © Barbara Lavoie, 2002