There are very few CDs that I can listen to over and over again.  “Chances, Stances & Romances” has found a way to join this extremely exclusive, members-only club.  Andrew Hoover’s fusion of acoustic soul, R&B, Latino flair and blues creates a musical taste-treat that is sure to entertain all ears for hours on end.  This 21-year-old musician began in the entertainment industry as a caterer and apprentice for top chefs in Connecticut but soon realized that his knack for music was one that far outweighed even the most delicious creme brulee.

After spending all of his free time in the music practice rooms during college (after his homework was done, of course), Hoover decided to dream big and pursue music as a career.  He recorded his first EP in his garage in 2007 and planned out a tour for himself.  Thank God he did.  Without his dedication, we all may have been deprived of  “Chances, Stances & Romances.”  That just wouldn’t be right.

Hoover’s upbeat music makes me want to go outside and enjoy the summer.  It makes me want to run around and dance anywhere and everywhere.  The rhythmic pulse from Hoover’s slap-guitar technique plays perfectly off of his playful lyrics and makes for a witty 14-track album.  A perfect example of the game between the lyrics and the rhythm is Back at One.  Driven by a Latino sounding guitar part and the never late slap of the instrument, Back at One is an extremly flirty song that still holds on to a mature level of musicality.  This is something most mainstream artists seem to have trouble with.  Perhaps Hoover should start giving lessons to the musicians that plaster their overly flirty, hardly musical pieces all over the radio…

20 minutes later: I’ve been clicking around listening to the songs on “Chances, Stances & Romances” and cannot pick out a normal amount of standout songs.  I have no favorites!  I have nothing to tear apart!  How are they all so good?  What is the world coming to?  Andrew Hoover, you have made me nervous.  I fear that you will have a very difficult time trumping this album when you start working on your second, third, fourth, twelfth….  This is not to say that I don’t have faith in your ability.  I have tons of faith.  I’m just not sure how you’ll be able to come up with another album that flows so well and fuses such an ecclectic collection of genres together.

“Chances, Stances & Romances” is making me excited for the 8-hour road trip I have ahead of me.  Choosing out CDs for a roadtrip is always quite the process for me, but this time, I have no question as to which one I will grab first.

Fans of the playful music of Jason Mraz or Marc Broussard, add money to your iTunes account now, and set an alarm on your phones for September 22nd.  Ya’ll have an amazing CD to add to your collection.

…Seriously, though.  Set an alarm.  And head to his website to learn more and to hear more of his music!

Back at One:

Save Me:

Lie to Me: