An In Depth Interview with Chris “Kid” Andersen
What do the critically acclaimed records of Wee Willie Walker, John Boyd, Finis Tasby, Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, Little Charlie, Frank Bey, Anthony Paule, Aki Kumar, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin, Jackie Payne, John Németh, Terry Hanck, and Mark Hummel have in common? They were all recorded in Christoffer “Kid” Andersen’s Greaseland Studios. In 2006, Christoffer began to record blues and soul in a cramped setting. Today it’s a tangled mass of equipment, wires, and instruments. But one thing is abundantly clear: the music that emanates from this room has soul. Greaseland today boasts over 50 records recorded in its first decade. Christoffer’s philosophy is simple: “The bottom line for me, and something that separates me from most guys you will meet operating a studio, is that to me the studio is a musical instrument, and I treat it and think of it that way.” It’s no wonder so many top-notch records are coming out of that magical room.
By age 11, Andersen had gained the attention of Norwegian blues guitar teacher, Morten Omlid, who steered him towards traditional blues music. In 2001, at age 21, Andersen moved to the United States, joined blues frontman Terry Hanck’s band, and quickly became a figure on the West Coast blues scene.
Andersen later played in Charlie Musselwhite’s band and got a Blues Music Award (formerly W.C. Handy Award) for best contemporary blues album for Charlie Musselwhite’s Delta Hardware. Then, when Little Charlie Baty retired from touring, Andersen took his place as guitarist in the Nightcats, and the new name of Rick Estrin & the Nightcats was formed. Andersen has also done extensive touring with Elvin Bishop on the Red Dog Speaks Tour. He is married to American Idol finalist Lisa Leuschner. They currently reside in San Jose, California where Andersen is CEO of Greaseland Studios.
In 2013, Andersen was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the ‘Gibson Guitar’ category. In 2014, 2015, and 2016 he was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the ‘Best Instrumentalist – Guitar’ category
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