Andy Connell

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Andrew "Andy" Connell (born 26 July 1961, in Manchester, England) is one half of the pop music duo, Swing Out Sister. He plays keyboards, piano and other instruments, and is the main composer and arranger of the band's music.

Connell began playing the piano at an early age. He struggled through the 8 grades of classical piano playing, before finally "abandoning Bach for Bacharach".

Andy played in Manchester post-punk band The Immediates before joining legendary new wave funk pioneers A Certain Ratio. A few years later he teamed up with former Magazine drummer Martin Jackson, and they released an inventive electronic album called UK Electro in 1984.

Swing Out Sister began in earnest in 1985, when Connell and Jackson teamed up with Corinne Drewery.

Apart from his work with Swing Out Sister, Connell has produced and arranged music for other artists, and recently he wrote the musical score for a short film called "The Knickerman", directed by Sonia Phillips. He also contributed to Quando Quango's album Pigs & Battleships.

Andy Connell did not tour with Swing Out Sister in 2005, due to Travel Lag. Andy's official statement (aka kinkladze) can be found here: [1] Instead, Dan Swana filled in for Connell. He was chosen by Connell specifically for the 2005 tour.

Connell and Drewery are now working on their new album in the studio.