Andrew McKnight

As a singer and songwriter, McKnight is a marvel, capturing the essence - the very heart and soul of the past and present in his insightful observations about places and the people who live there. An environmental engineer and avid historian of rural life, he brings a deep truth to his words and music that resonates with an irresistible charm as he shares his thoughts for us to ponder with him. His voice itself is one that you can literally listen to for hours, savoring its mellow sound like a fine mountain wine. He can smoothly move from one musical genre to another, as adept at blues as he is at bluegrass - an articulate and clever man who enjoys his overt disguise as a "good old boy" - The Times-Standard

As a singer and songwriter, McKnight is a marvel, capturing the essence - the very heart and soul of the past and present in his insightful observations about places and the people who live there. An environmental engineer and avid historian of rural life, he brings a deep truth to his words and music that resonates with an irresistible charm as he shares his thoughts for us to ponder with him. His voice itself is one that you can literally listen to for hours, savoring its mellow sound like a fine mountain wine. He can smoothly move from one musical genre to another, as adept at blues as he is at bluegrass - an articulate and clever man who enjoys his overt disguise as a "good old boy" - The Times-Standard

Living in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, this brilliant guitar player brought those mountains with him to the Coffee Break Cafe. Relating story after story and song after song, often combining his interest in geography, history and a keen eye for the human spirit, Andrew presented a night overflowing with fantastic original material which could only be rated with Blue Ribbons, 5-Stars and a couple of thumbs up. His ability to write songs left me with visions of Staines, Mallett, and Gorka, and I found Andrew McKnight to be one of the most exciting new contemporary talents to come along in years. - Tidewater Friends of Folk Music

Living in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, this brilliant guitar player brought those mountains with him to the Coffee Break Cafe. Relating story after story and song after song, often combining his interest in geography, history and a keen eye for the human spirit, Andrew presented a night overflowing with fantastic original material which could only be rated with Blue Ribbons, 5-Stars and a couple of thumbs up. His ability to write songs left me with visions of Staines, Mallett, and Gorka, and I found Andrew McKnight to be one of the most exciting new contemporary talents to come along in years. - Tidewater Friends of Folk Music

Andrew McKnight is a singer/songwriter par excellence. His music is not merely pleasant to listen to (and it IS, make no mistake) but it leaves you humming the melodies and draws you into its stories. Stories of life and love in his native Virginia and everywhere ordinary Americans work and live. His songs are riveting in their storytelling the way of a good film or novel: you want to know the people he writes about; hear how their stories end. His work is both historical and evocative: "Diary" constitutes the musings of Thomas Jefferson and his mistress Sally Hemings on the impossibility of their love in their time. There are tales of the Civil War and the devastation it wrought ("The Road to Appomattox"), as well as the heartache and desperation of miners in their “Company Town”. Farming folk in Iowa who live or die by the vicissitudes of the weather ("Dancing in the Rain"). Andrew’s music is also a plea for environmental responsibility to preserve our Appalachian heritage.

The music itself can by hauntingly beautiful or jazzy, light or serious. If I feel down, I need only listen to "If I Was a Cat" and I’m buoyed back. If I feel sorry for myself, then I tune in "Riley’s Life" and I count my blessings. The melodies range from the simple to the very complex and incorporate just about every musical style. Andrew’s performance is always flawless, yet you feel as if you’re in a room with your good friends and he’s playing just for you.

Andrew McKnight and Beyond Borders: pure poetry set to music.
- Nicki de Medici, Advisory Panelist, Virginia Commission for the Arts (Former President, Shenandoah Arts Council)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“At the heart of every Andrew McKnight concert are great songs that inspire and lift the human spirit. With 5 CD’s to his credit, Andrew has written songs that explore the history and life issues of the Shenandoah Valley, social issues of the larger community and songs that address our human condition. When you combine Andrew’s skill as songwriter with his outstanding musicianship on vocals and guitar, you come away from one of his concerts feeling inspired and hopeful.

Andrew has also enlisted the talents of several outstanding musicians that add a richness to his latest concert project. Beyond Borders provides a totally professional sound, tight harmonies, and great energy. It has been our pleasure to host Andrew McKnight and Beyond Borders numerous times, and we will continue to schedule his masterful music at our venue in the future."
- Chris King, Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville VA


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Just wanted to let you know how much Lorrie, Gussie and I enjoyed the show! That was the best show I’ve seen you do with the band...maybe the best show I’ve ever seen you do! What a great mix of new and old stuff. I love all your new songs (particularly Something Worth Standing For, Cedars, Safe Home, These Times We’re Living In, and These Shoes...well, let’s just say the whole album!) but I was also glad to hear some of my old favorites (Company Town, Dancing in the Rain, and Road to Appomattox). The only thing that would have made the night perfect would have been to hear The Wind Whispers Your Name, Diary, Atlantis, and Letter to Colonel Mosby, too!"
- Listener Email following concert at Black Rock Center for the Arts, Germantown MD, Feb. 19, 2009 - Presenter Quotes & Testimonials

Bluegrass harmonies, introspective lyrics, & astute observations characterize Andrew McKnight’s fourth CD "Beyond Borders." Overall this is a great CD with a number of standout tracks including the opener "How High The Mountain," the stripped-down "Wishing" (featuring McKnight’s exotic cedar flute work as well as noted percussionist N. Scott Robinson), & the chain-gang style vocals of "Rust On My Halo." But this diverse record’s true strength lies in AM’s vocal work & lyrics, which are best represented in the simplest of settings, despite several competent ensemble performances. The best songs by far don’t stray from AM’s Appalachian, story-telling roots with narratives like "The Poet’s Great Romance" & "Flowers In My Yard." He even manages to toss an old-fashioned bluegrass instrumental in with "June Apple," an old Appalachian fiddle tune. A cross between Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), Nickel Creek’s Sean Watkins, and Ani Difranco this CD is for fans of intelligent & heartfelt songwriting. Though at times didactic this disc has a song for every acoustic music fan out there.
- Sean Lewis, Minor 7th

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
More than one spiritual speaker refers to health benefits gained from good deeds, both for the doer and the receiver. There's evidence now that even onlookers will experience a rise in serotonin. If so, celebrate being considerate of others with McKnight's lively "Good Things Matter", a highlight from his new release Beyond Borders. This feel-good song promotes the golden rule with positive energy and suggestions, while managing to avoid slipping into sappiness.

Many numbers address aging. "When the Maples Turn" foreshadows aging by watching his own grandmother who, as he puts it, "made the last century a better place." Though vocabulary used by the child upon the knee seems advanced, the essence of the mood is of believable warmth and love. "Million Miles Together" glances backward at youth and "Alchemy" celebrates the bonding of aging lovers, with harmony by Terri Allard.

"Poet's Great Romance" is a great, moving melody, very singable with a bouncing chorus as if riding along with the outlaw protagonist. There's a bluesy addition, "My Good Name" which takes responsibility for a misdeed. Other cuts show an obvious concern for land use and the average worker's struggle with economically hard times. These themes reach beyond McKnight's native Appalachia.

Beyond the thoughtful lyrics and very appealing melodies, there are huge bluegrass overtones. McKnight furnishes both lead and harmony vocals for the opener "How High the Mountain" during which his guitarwork, the mandolin of Danny Knicely, and fiddle by Alexander Mitchell seem to be vying for a "hottest licks award". The men are as impressively ostentatious later, on the traditional instrumental "June Apple". This is McKnight's fourth release in the past decade.
- Angela Page, Sing Out! magazine

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Andrew McKnight will never be accused of being too hip for the coffeehouse. The singer-songwriter and guitarist writes earnest, well-crafted songs, possesses a tuneful tenor and keeps good company. His guests on "Beyond Borders" include keyboardist Jon Carroll and mandolinist Danny Knicely, who help enliven, color and ornament McKnight's eclectic repertoire, variously inspired by fiddle tunes ("June Apple"), gospel harmonies ("Rust on My Halo") and small-town travail ("Hard Times in the Heartland" and "Flowers in My Yard.").
- Mike Joyce, The Washington Post

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Andrew McKnight would make a terrible politician (as if that is some great sin!). He is immensely introspective (strike one), highly contemplative (strike two) and far too interested in maintaining his balance on the highwire of life (strike three).

But lucky for us, he makes an excellent musician, and his latest release offering close to 60 minutes of his artistry, demonstrates just that.

McKnight focuses on the pastoral, the temporal and the benevolent here, with an emphasis on attempting to do right and correcting the inevitable lapses brought forth by human frailty. This is primarily a folk and bluegrass amalgamation, sprinkled with touches of spoken word and even some gospel. Call this McKnight's very own 'pilgrim trying to progress,' his search for the proverbial shining light.

He opens with "How High the Mountain," a bluegrass, spiritual-inflected cut, reflecting on life's guiding stars that we typically myopically overlook. "Hard Times in the Heartland" depicts how community can disappear despite the best of efforts. "Beyond Borders" embraces change as a constant in life, with a needed focus on the journey.

A verse from "Wishing' provides a stellar example of what's in the entire release:

"...Gravity, it holds me down
keeps my orbit safe and low enough
to ease the blow when I hit the ground
while angles glance, and prophets laugh
at this flightless rustic poet stumblin - Minor 7th, Sing Out!, Washington Post, Kevin's Folk & Celtic Music Reviews

“Andrew’s performance on November 11th was one of a kind. Full of great positive energy, Andrew took the stage and immediately had the crowd riveted with his a cappella intro to “How High the Mountain”. ...Being a gifted story teller, Andrew did not hesitate to share some of his insights and stories with the crowd.”
- Barn Concerts, Gilroy CA

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“this brilliant guitar player brought those (Blue Ridge) mountains with him...Relating story after story and song after song, often combining his interest in geography, history and a keen eye for the human spirit, Andrew presented a night overflowing with fantastic original material which could only be rated with Blue Ribbons, 5-Stars and a couple of thumbs up.”
- Brenda Barkley, Concert Coordinator, Tidewater Friends of Folk Music


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“With a voice reminiscent of Don McLean, McKnight traverses from old-time Appalachian tunes to contemporary folk and blues, all backed up by his dead-on guitar playing”
- The Boston Globe


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Inventiveness and imagination are always at work in Andrew’s story songs. So is his passion for nature, his knowledge of history and that impish, energetic wit. “
- Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, Dallas TX


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“As a singer and songwriter, McKnight is a marvel, capturing the essence - the very heart and soul of the past and present in his insightful observations about places and the people who live there. An environmental engineer and avid historian of rural life, he brings a deep truth to his words and music that resonates with an irresistible charm as he shares his thoughts for us to ponder with him. His voice itself is one that you can literally listen to for hours, savoring its mellow sound like a fine mountain wine.”
- Beti Trauth, Arcata CA Times-Standard


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“blends wry and romantic stories with keen tuneful observations in a delicious mix of folk, blues and bluegrass . . . a man not to be missed!”
- The National Theatre, Washington DC
- Various

"Andrew's performance on November 11th was one of a kind. Full of great positive energy, Andrew took the stage and immediately had the crowd riveted with his acappella intro to "How High the Mountain". Accompanied by Sean Kelly on upright bass, the blend was superb. Being a gifted story teller, Andrew did not hesitate to share some of his insights and stories with the crowd.

For the second set opener, Andrew sang a gospel a cappella song as he entered the barn. With the crowd clapping along with him, I have to say it was an experience that none of us will forget. The abundance of smiles in the crowd can confirm this.

Needless to say, everyone left inspired and grinning ear to ear. We can't wait until Andrew returns to play in the Barn again!" - Eric Behlmer, Barn Concerts host

"Andrew's performance on November 11th was one of a kind. Full of great positive energy, Andrew took the stage and immediately had the crowd riveted with his acappella intro to "How High the Mountain". Accompanied by Sean Kelly on upright bass, the blend was superb. Being a gifted story teller, Andrew did not hesitate to share some of his insights and stories with the crowd.

For the second set opener, Andrew sang a gospel a cappella song as he entered the barn. With the crowd clapping along with him, I have to say it was an experience that none of us will forget. The abundance of smiles in the crowd can confirm this.

Needless to say, everyone left inspired and grinning ear to ear. We can't wait until Andrew returns to play in the Barn again!" - Eric Behlmer, Barn Concerts host

"Stretching across the landscape of American folk music is a highway paved by Guthrie and Dylan. Artists like Chuck Brodsky and Richard Shindell have done their share of road maintenance, and now Virginia native Andrew McKnight takes his turn smoothing down the blacktop. If you like folk music with a healthy dose of social commentary, then Something Worth Standing For will satisfy with exactly what its title implies.

McKnight—also an environmental activist—covers topics ranging from Hurricane Katrina (“Times We’re Living In”) to immigration (“These Shoes”), racism (“Bridges”) and war (“Wind Whispers Your Name”). He even throws in a lighthearted jab at societal paranoia (“Surveillance”). Despite the heavy subject matter, much of the music is upbeat. Peppy mandolin, fiddle and acoustic guitar give the songs a nice sense of movement, while plenty of banjo and dobro reminds us of McKnight’s Appalachian roots."
- Mare Wakefield, Performing Songwriter magazine
(Selected as one of Top 12 DIY picks, Sept./Oct. 2008 issue)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Andrew McKnight is a great artist who’s been releasing carefully crafted albums at somewhat lengthy intervals over the last couple of decades. He’s a sophisticated musician and intensely committed to social commentary, and the times we’re living in have inspired Something Worth Standing For. McKnight has complete command of a variety of styles, but his overall approach brings to mind the Indigo Girls: impassioned, acoustic, rooted in folk but influenced by rock. He’s got an instant classic in “These Shoes,” a sharp appraisal of how mainstream America treats the immigrant worker. The cheapening of art and the marketing of messages is aired in “Ansel Adams.” McKnight’s melodies and creative mixing of instruments considerably brighten what could be some dour subject matter. His musicianship (and that of his excellent sidemen and women) comes to the fore on his startling arrangements of a few traditional songs that are sprinkled into the album: a rockin’ “Worried Man Blues,” a deftly flatpicked “Wildwood Flower,” and a totally reconceived “Crossroads,” on which McKnight has his own encounter with Ol’ Scratch instead of rehashing Mr. Johnson’s. This is exactly what folk music is supposed to be: evocative of our legacies, but up-to-the-minute relevant.
- Tom Petersen, Victory Review

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Genre: Americana, Folk, Acoustic Sounds Like: John Denver, Appalachian bluegrass/blues
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: These Shoes, Worried Man Blues, Surveillance, Cedars

Andrew McKnight is a purposeful songwriter and surehanded guitar player, and with Something Worth Standing For he has crafted an album that is acoustic-folk in general yet filled with interesting takes on that genre.

The opening “Times We’re Living In” is direct and mournful, a British Isles/Appalachia ballad for this century. This crisp wake-up call is followed by the up-tempo yet bittersweet “These Shoes,” an immigrant’s tale embellished with deft mandolin by Chance McCoy.

“Worried Man Blues” is a searing take on an old country-folk standard. McKnight’s vocal is wailing and passionate, and he fires off blistering electric guitar riffs around the anchor of McCoy’s banjo. The title cut is in the same vein but rocks harder – McCoy smokes on the fiddle and Jesse Shultzaberger lays down a heavy drum groove.

One of McKnight’s gifts is that he can deftly move from urgent blues to pretty folk – On “Hour of Darkness” McKnight’s acoustic slide guitar punctuates a tale of despair, and he follows with the wistful, lyrically vivid “Ansel Adams.”

The gospel-infused “Count Your Blessings” is powerful, and it is followed by the sweet instrumental “Wildwood Flower.” McKnight has assembled deft musicians around him, and his own guitar picking is clean and bright on this one.

McKnight is quite a wordsmith, stringing together offbeat lyrics on numbers such as the cool, jazzy “Surveillance” – “All quiet along the Potomac tonight but while that power city sleeps/suspicious silhouettes among the monuments trade secrets dark and deep.” Another quirky number I like here is his version of an old tune called “The Fox,” which I first heard on a kids’ album given to my daughter. It has a back-porch bluegrass feel, and the lyrics are just gruesome enough to teach a lesson about the food chain.

The a cappella soldiers' tribute “Wind Whispers Your Name” shimmers, and then the set ends with McKnight’s take on Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads.” McKnight’s version is spooky – just slide guitar and voice – and personal, closing with “Guess I’ll just have to trust my soul.”

At times, Andrew McKnight reminds me of one of my favorite mellow troubadours, John Denver – for example on the pretty nostalgia piece “Cedars,” which has nice backing vocals from Pamela Temple. Yet Mc - Performing Songwriter, Victory Review, The Muse's Muse

"Stretching across the landscape of American folk music is a highway paved by Guthrie and Dylan. Artists like Chuck Brodsky and Richard Shindell have done their share of road maintenance, and now Virginia native Andrew McKnight takes his turn smoothing down the blacktop. If you like folk music with a healthy dose of social commentary, then Something Worth Standing For will satisfy with exactly what its title implies.

McKnight—also an environmental activist—covers topics ranging from Hurricane Katrina (“Times We’re Living In”) to immigration (“These Shoes”), racism (“Bridges”) and war (“Wind Whispers Your Name”). He even throws in a lighthearted jab at societal paranoia (“Surveillance”). Despite the heavy subject matter, much of the music is upbeat. Peppy mandolin, fiddle and acoustic guitar give the songs a nice sense of movement, while plenty of banjo and dobro reminds us of McKnight’s Appalachian roots."
- Mare Wakefield, Performing Songwriter magazine
(Selected as one of Top 12 DIY picks, Sept./Oct. 2008 issue)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Andrew McKnight is a great artist who’s been releasing carefully crafted albums at somewhat lengthy intervals over the last couple of decades. He’s a sophisticated musician and intensely committed to social commentary, and the times we’re living in have inspired Something Worth Standing For. McKnight has complete command of a variety of styles, but his overall approach brings to mind the Indigo Girls: impassioned, acoustic, rooted in folk but influenced by rock. He’s got an instant classic in “These Shoes,” a sharp appraisal of how mainstream America treats the immigrant worker. The cheapening of art and the marketing of messages is aired in “Ansel Adams.” McKnight’s melodies and creative mixing of instruments considerably brighten what could be some dour subject matter. His musicianship (and that of his excellent sidemen and women) comes to the fore on his startling arrangements of a few traditional songs that are sprinkled into the album: a rockin’ “Worried Man Blues,” a deftly flatpicked “Wildwood Flower,” and a totally reconceived “Crossroads,” on which McKnight has his own encounter with Ol’ Scratch instead of rehashing Mr. Johnson’s. This is exactly what folk music is supposed to be: evocative of our legacies, but up-to-the-minute relevant.
- Tom Petersen, Victory Review

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Genre: Americana, Folk, Acoustic Sounds Like: John Denver, Appalachian bluegrass/blues
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: These Shoes, Worried Man Blues, Surveillance, Cedars

Andrew McKnight is a purposeful songwriter and surehanded guitar player, and with Something Worth Standing For he has crafted an album that is acoustic-folk in general yet filled with interesting takes on that genre.

The opening “Times We’re Living In” is direct and mournful, a British Isles/Appalachia ballad for this century. This crisp wake-up call is followed by the up-tempo yet bittersweet “These Shoes,” an immigrant’s tale embellished with deft mandolin by Chance McCoy.

“Worried Man Blues” is a searing take on an old country-folk standard. McKnight’s vocal is wailing and passionate, and he fires off blistering electric guitar riffs around the anchor of McCoy’s banjo. The title cut is in the same vein but rocks harder – McCoy smokes on the fiddle and Jesse Shultzaberger lays down a heavy drum groove.

One of McKnight’s gifts is that he can deftly move from urgent blues to pretty folk – On “Hour of Darkness” McKnight’s acoustic slide guitar punctuates a tale of despair, and he follows with the wistful, lyrically vivid “Ansel Adams.”

The gospel-infused “Count Your Blessings” is powerful, and it is followed by the sweet instrumental “Wildwood Flower.” McKnight has assembled deft musicians around him, and his own guitar picking is clean and bright on this one.

McKnight is quite a wordsmith, stringing together offbeat lyrics on numbers such as the cool, jazzy “Surveillance” – “All quiet along the Potomac tonight but while that power city sleeps/suspicious silhouettes among the monuments trade secrets dark and deep.” Another quirky number I like here is his version of an old tune called “The Fox,” which I first heard on a kids’ album given to my daughter. It has a back-porch bluegrass feel, and the lyrics are just gruesome enough to teach a lesson about the food chain.

The a cappella soldiers' tribute “Wind Whispers Your Name” shimmers, and then the set ends with McKnight’s take on Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads.” McKnight’s version is spooky – just slide guitar and voice – and personal, closing with “Guess I’ll just have to trust my soul.”

At times, Andrew McKnight reminds me of one of my favorite mellow troubadours, John Denver – for example on the pretty nostalgia piece “Cedars,” which has nice backing vocals from Pamela Temple. Yet Mc - Performing Songwriter, Victory Review, The Muse's Muse

Singer and songwriter Andrew McKnight is not one to complain. Or at least just complain.

Aware of how easy it is to be tagged as an “angsty white guy,” McKnight not only raises issues that rattle a community, but also likes to aid the things that strengthen a community.

Near his Virginia home, for example, McKnight has lent his talents to the Sierra Club and efforts to preserve Chesapeake Bay. And when his spate of concerts in the Northeast brings McKnight to Worcester on Sunday, he will play for the benefit of community radio station WCUW-FM (91.3).

“I’ve been on the air at WCUW, and the diversity of its programming is something the suits that run mainstream radio simply can’t process. But for a community that has so many voices, a radio station like that gives different people a chance to be heard. And the people listening may discover something they may otherwise have never heard,” McKnight said when reached by phone recently.

McKnight’s actions seem in line with the title of his most recent record, “Something Worth Standing For.”

McKnight is performing at 3 p.m. Sunday at Café Fantastique located inside Rotmans furniture store 725 Southbridge St., Worcester. Admission is $10 with a portion of the proceeds going to WCUW.

“Something Worth Standing For” is a record that sounds like it could have been programmed by the ’CUW staff, as McKnight spread 16 diverse tracks across the album’s hourlong playing time. Haunting blues, feisty anthems, rustic folk, and a bit of swing make it onto McKnight’s soundscape.

“When you put out records every three years, you want to make sure you give people their money’s worth,” he jokingly said about stuffing so many ideas into an album.

But more seriously, McKnight, who began his music career 15 years ago and has put out five CDs and established a national touring regimen, said he would rather look at his albums as collections of songs that belong together — a “tapestry” he called it — than devise something more suitably homogenous for standard marketability.

There were some problems, though, with getting “Something Worth Standing For” off of the ground.

“I was having trouble writing. Everything either sounded angry or trite. I lead a blessed life. Where was this anger coming from?” McKnight explained, telling how he was happy with where his family had settled and how he and his wife had welcomed a baby daughter into their lives.

But in the years since his previous album, events such as Hurricane Katrina and the shootings at Virginia Tech transpired, and the effects of the Iraq war seeped more deeply into the culture.

“I realized you can’t just avoid the outside world,” McKnight said.

But rather than just vent, McKnight leavened his discontent with some hope, especially when focusing on characters that overcame adversity or found some sort of justice in their lives.

McKnight interestingly set his original songs inspired by the struggle of immigrants or the events unleashed by Katrina alongside some traditional pieces such as the Carter Family signature “Worried Man Blues” and an adaptation of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads Blues.”

“As I brought together my material with the band, I found I also loved these songs from other difficult times,” McKnight said. “These were songs I found solidarity with. The specifics may be different from my songs, but emotionally they are similar.”

And like those songs that stood the test of time, McKnight resisted indictment, preferring introspection. For instance, he has one song imagining what George Washington would think of the current state of the country he helped found, and another pondering how photographer Ansel Adams could find the beauty of his surroundings in a way that cut through whatever clutter blew around the country.

“I tried to transcend polarized viewpoints,” McKnight said. “I wanted these songs to recognize the common ground we share.”
- Scott McLennan - Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Singer and songwriter Andrew McKnight is not one to complain. Or at least just complain.

Aware of how easy it is to be tagged as an “angsty white guy,” McKnight not only raises issues that rattle a community, but also likes to aid the things that strengthen a community.

Near his Virginia home, for example, McKnight has lent his talents to the Sierra Club and efforts to preserve Chesapeake Bay. And when his spate of concerts in the Northeast brings McKnight to Worcester on Sunday, he will play for the benefit of community radio station WCUW-FM (91.3).

“I’ve been on the air at WCUW, and the diversity of its programming is something the suits that run mainstream radio simply can’t process. But for a community that has so many voices, a radio station like that gives different people a chance to be heard. And the people listening may discover something they may otherwise have never heard,” McKnight said when reached by phone recently.

McKnight’s actions seem in line with the title of his most recent record, “Something Worth Standing For.”

McKnight is performing at 3 p.m. Sunday at Café Fantastique located inside Rotmans furniture store 725 Southbridge St., Worcester. Admission is $10 with a portion of the proceeds going to WCUW.

“Something Worth Standing For” is a record that sounds like it could have been programmed by the ’CUW staff, as McKnight spread 16 diverse tracks across the album’s hourlong playing time. Haunting blues, feisty anthems, rustic folk, and a bit of swing make it onto McKnight’s soundscape.

“When you put out records every three years, you want to make sure you give people their money’s worth,” he jokingly said about stuffing so many ideas into an album.

But more seriously, McKnight, who began his music career 15 years ago and has put out five CDs and established a national touring regimen, said he would rather look at his albums as collections of songs that belong together — a “tapestry” he called it — than devise something more suitably homogenous for standard marketability.

There were some problems, though, with getting “Something Worth Standing For” off of the ground.

“I was having trouble writing. Everything either sounded angry or trite. I lead a blessed life. Where was this anger coming from?” McKnight explained, telling how he was happy with where his family had settled and how he and his wife had welcomed a baby daughter into their lives.

But in the years since his previous album, events such as Hurricane Katrina and the shootings at Virginia Tech transpired, and the effects of the Iraq war seeped more deeply into the culture.

“I realized you can’t just avoid the outside world,” McKnight said.

But rather than just vent, McKnight leavened his discontent with some hope, especially when focusing on characters that overcame adversity or found some sort of justice in their lives.

McKnight interestingly set his original songs inspired by the struggle of immigrants or the events unleashed by Katrina alongside some traditional pieces such as the Carter Family signature “Worried Man Blues” and an adaptation of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads Blues.”

“As I brought together my material with the band, I found I also loved these songs from other difficult times,” McKnight said. “These were songs I found solidarity with. The specifics may be different from my songs, but emotionally they are similar.”

And like those songs that stood the test of time, McKnight resisted indictment, preferring introspection. For instance, he has one song imagining what George Washington would think of the current state of the country he helped found, and another pondering how photographer Ansel Adams could find the beauty of his surroundings in a way that cut through whatever clutter blew around the country.

“I tried to transcend polarized viewpoints,” McKnight said. “I wanted these songs to recognize the common ground we share.”
- Scott McLennan - Worcester Telegram & Gazette