“Andrew has both feet firmly planted in the Memphis drumming tradition while having his ears tuned toward the music of the future. Versatile and grooving, positive and humble. McNeill is an asset to any musical situation.”
-Art Edmaiston (Saxophonist with Gregg Allman Band and Bobby “Blue” Bland)
“McNeill is a total professional, from the studio to the stage, always prepared & always open to ideas. Combining his upbringing in the backbeat capitol of the universe: Memphis, TN, and with his formal education at Berklee…he offers everything you could ask for. The first time we played together was a last minute improvised overnight recording session, and he handled that with the same commitment, diligence, and eagerness that he did the dozens of ensuing concerts we played around the country together. Andrew is a dependable drummer and a dependable man.”
- Reed Turchi (Singer-Songwriter, Producer, Kenny Brown, Middle Ocean, Scrapyard, Greyhounds)
“There’s doing your homework to learn new songs and then there’s getting inside the spirit of the music and the dynamic twists and turns of the song, and McNeill did just that in preparing to play John Nemeth’s music. Looking forward to working more with this wonderful young talent while we can still afford him!”
-Matthew Wilson (Guitarist, Bassist, John Nemeth, John Paul Keith)
"Andrew brings more than just good musicianship to whatever situation he is in, whether in the studio or playing live, he brings positive energy and creates an incredible pocket, making everyone around him better. Andrew is always my first choice whenever anyone asks for a drummer and I stand by that recommendation."
-Graham Rowell (Bassist with The Band CAMINO)
“Andrew is young but with an old soul...He's a quick study and completely responsible...He instinctively knows what to play, but does his homework anyway...He drives the band in a very subtle way…”
-Bruce Sudano (Singer-Songwriter, Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Joe Esposito)
“Andrew is a great drummer, consumate professional and most importantly, an excellent hang! When Ghost Town was looking for a new drummer a few years ago, he was my top recommendation for all those qualities and more. He’s got great gear and a great ear that is sympathetic to the needs of the song, both on stage and in the studio. A team player and someone that adds something positive to every situation, plus you can easily spend 8+ hours with him in the van!”
-Kevin Houston (Grammy-Nominated Producer/Engineer, Robert Plant, North Mississippi Allstars, Buddy Guy, Lucero)
"I knew of Andrew through a mutual friend and called him last minute, because we were gonna be playing at the same festival in Massachusetts in October 2016. I needed someone who could rock the pocket very well. Sent him the songs, dude learned all 15 or so songs for the set and grooved it like the master pocket machine he is. No muss, with absolutely no fuss. Rocks… The... Beats!!!"
-Daryl Hance (Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, JJ Grey & Mofro)
"My experiences working with Andrew have always been both fun and professional. He has a natural feel for what a song calls for rhythmically and is a pleasure to work with in the studio. With an open ear, Andrew is familiar with many spectrums of music and can find the pocket wherever it may lie. Recording his drums is made much easier by his instinctual musicality, allowing me to do less on the front end- thus creating a better feeling recording later on."
-Calvin Lauber (Engineer, Guitarist, Julien Baker, Spaceface, The Band CAMINO, Pillow Talk)
"When it comes to musicianship, work ethic, and enthusiasm, Andrew is the definition of being a pleasure to work with. Always being prepared, thinking clearly on his feet, and bringing a positive energy to his work, he embodies the highest form of professionalism and rightfully takes his place among the few truly gold-tier musicians. These qualities make him an absolute blast to have both in the studio and on stage. Andrew will always remain on our speed dial not only for his drum work, but also for his seasoned, multifaceted expertise and his insightfully musical mind."
- Tristan Barton & Sarah Spain (Walking Eyes)
“Andrew is the absolute best. Not only is his drumming top notch, but his enthusiasm for music is contagious. He enhances every song with Memphis soul, whether it be in the studio or live. He has always been supportive of other young musicians in Memphis, and I am so thankful to have been able to turn to him for advice. Andrew works harder than anyone I know, and it has been an honor to get to know and work with him over the past few years.”
-Evie Grace Fowler (Singer-Songwriter)
“There's a quote by Shinichi Suzuki I like to tell students I teach for becoming an excellent musician: "Character First, Ability Second.” Andrew McNeill embodies the true essence of that saying. From his great attitude accompanied by his great talent and abilities, he shows that he can walk that walk and letting everything in between speak for himself. Every time we share the stage, I have the upmost confidence in him to hold it down for me. Whether it's intricate rhythms or a syncopated beat pattern, he can take any challenge I throw at him with a cool composure. He's a blessing for me and the church band we collab in, and would fit in any genre or situation that needs to use his God-given abilities!”
- Stephan Rashad Burton (Pianist, Organist, Worship/Band Leader, Music/Choral Instructor, Israel Minister of Music)
“Andrew McNeill is a gem…not only here in the Memphis scene, but on the national touring circuit. Playing and touring with “Dr. Pocket” has been a true pleasure. I look forward to many many more!!”
-Tony Holiday (Singer-Songwriter, Blues Harmonica Player)
“Andrew McNeill is a fun guy who is serious about his music. He gets the job done and just makes you want to work with him again. On top of that, he has got to be one of the most focused drummers I’ve ever played with. He hears EVERY SINGLE accent, and he responds accordingly. Playing with a drummer that knows when to play pocket, as well as when to take the song into a whole different dimension is everything. I can see him making any situation a better situation if not right away, then definitely in due time.”
-Suavo Jones (Trombonist, Vocalist, Hip-Hop Artist, Ghost Town Blues Band)
“Andrew is the man! He is an old soul who lives and breathes music. He delivers the timeless beats that only Memphis drummers can, but with a unique feel all his own. It is truly a pleasure to play with him!”
-Jon Hay (Guitarist/Singer, John Nemeth, Vanessa Collier, Mikey Junior)
“Andrew has SO much going for him besides his good looks. Solid tempo! Great tones! He has been a valuable player on every session! I look forward to every gig he plays on.”
-Mike Wilson (Engineer, Producer, Rick Ross, Switchfoot, Third Eye Blind, Cedric Burnside, Smashing Pumpkins)
"One of the hardest working guys I know. Very seasoned in regards to skill level and technique. Always prepared for sessions and rehearsals. Always plays to the song and situation. Experienced enough to know what belongs, while at the same time being creative with parts. "
- Drew Erwin (Singer-Songwriter, Recording Artist)
"Andrew McNeill’s talent and versatility are self-evident. His professionalism, work ethic, and poise are years beyond his age. He’s a keen observer of composition and arrangement and is eager to serve the needs of the song. Andrew has lent his gifts to my songs for two years, and I’m looking forward to more. I’m proud to play alongside Andrew, and I’m lucky to call him a friend. #McNeill2017 "
- Chris Milam (Singer-Songwriter, Recording Artist)
"Andrew truly is one of the best drummers I’ve had the experience of working with. He offers more than just a beat. He hears music in a way that is unique to the artist and crafts a sound that fits each song and artist individually. His focus is not solely on his drumming, but the overall sound of each song, and that, in his humility, is often missed in this industry. He’s very enjoyable, relational, and always provides a good atmosphere to work with."
- McKenna Bray (Singer-Songwriter, Recording Artist, Author)
“Andrew is an excellent drummer, and he plays with just the right amount of flavor! Always perfect for the occasion! Great timing, solid pocket, serious professional attitude, and he always keeps his word which is everything in this business. He has worked with us a number of times, and each time he is always perfect and trouble free. This young man has a very bright future in music, and I'm sure he will soar with all the greats!!!”
- Will Henry (Manager/Guitarist of Blue Silk Band)
“Andrew McNeill embodies the quintessential Memphis Musician. Like the city, Andrew melds together influences and styles from all genres of music. Being born and raised in and around Memphis, Andrew’s greatest influences originate from the incredible Memphis Sound. Andrew successfully has supplemented his wide breadth of musical knowledge with a deep love of musical artists like Prince, a stark contrast with the musicians of his hometown. All of this was made obvious to me on the numerous tours across the country and shows in Memphis we’ve played together - both for the Max Kaplan Band, as well as sidemen for other artists”
-Max Kaplan (Solo-Artist, Guitarist, Bassist, John Paul Keith, Tony Holiday)
"Andrew McNeill is an excellent drummer. He is wonderful to work with and a great team player. I hope to work with him again on a project!"
- Fernando Perdomo (Jakob Dylan’s Echo In The Canyon Band, Cait Brennan, Solo Artist)
“Andrew is a consummate professional. His drumming is steeped in the roots of the classic Memphis sound, and extends to all styles of music and situations, both live and in the studio. In addition to his fantastic drumming, Andrew also has a great attitude, which makes him a joy to work with. He is always reliable, and I know I can count on him to deliver everytime.
- Jad Tariq (Guitarist, Tony Holiday, John Nemeth, Earl The Pearl, John Paul Keith)
"Working with Andrew was a truly wonderful experience. His tasteful choices in drum tones and receptive mindset about the patterns and arrangement allowed us to get exactly what we needed for the Hosea EP. He has great mind for music in general and working with him was something I definitely look forward to again in the future. He’s professional and easy going which made our studio experience just that much better. He comes highly recommended from all of us at ExoThermic Music. "
- Jason Gillespie (Grammy-Nominated Engineer, Producer, and Songwriter, Owner of Exothermic Music)