My Denton Music spotlight: Andrew Tinker

by Josh Hogan of My Denton Music

It Takes The World, the debut album from Andrew Tinker, is a dazzling introduction to the man who will soon be known as the next big thing to come from Denton. The self-released album is a sunny glimpse into the life and times of the musician. It starts off with charming love tale in "You Are My Angel," before going into the title track of the CD, and my favorite song, "It Takes The World," a soulful dedication to perseverance and happiness.

The album as a whole is an elegant portrait of Tinker's musical background, a craftily painted picture of how he has grown as a musician and as an individual. The inner alchemist in Tinker is very evident throughout the eleven tracks, as he mixes a multitude of different styles and genres of music with his own flair and outstanding vocals. It Takes The World ranges everywhere from the folk pop sounds of Jason Mraz and James Morrison to the immortal sound of Willie Nelson on the album's finale, "Beer Drinkin' Man." But perhaps the most noticeable and surprising element of the album is the unquestionably brilliant lyrical side. It is going to be very exciting to watch Tinker grow and evolve for years to come. But as for now, step one is complete, Tinker has introduced himself as one of the heavy hitters in the Denton music scene. It Takes The World is an inspired and moving album that will no doubt take over your iPod after the first listening.

Andrew Tinker officially released the new album, which is currently available for purchase at CD Baby, during the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival. I know I expect to be hearing a lot from Tinker this year. Currently he and his band are booking dates for shows around the Denton/Dallas area before doing a performance in Oklahoma in May. His live performances are something to behold, and this is the time for Tinker and his band to really establish themselves as future stars. Not a very difficult task, relatively speaking of course. His band is comprised of some of the most talented musicians in DFW including Kelyn Crapp of Fatty Lumpkin on guitar and Tinker himself already carries some musical clout as well. As one of the founding members of the Polyphonic Spree and a graduate of the College of Music at the University of North Texas, Tinker is already regarded and respected as an incredibly talented musician. A trait which is perfectly put on display in It Takes The World. You should be on the lookout for this artist during the summer months, once the album has had a fair chance to take off. Get ready to hear the name Andrew Tinker a bunch this year.