San Diego Reader

Action Andy: Vocals | Tom Ward: Bass guitar | Xavier Anaya: Guitar (acoustic), Guitar (electric) | Skid Roper: Drums

Genre: Blues & Soul, Country, Rock

Upcoming Local Shows

No shows scheduled | Post a show | View show history

Related Links

• Action Andy & the Hi-Tones website

• Facebook

Synoposis

Inception: National City, 2011

Influences: Hank Williams Sr., Junior Wells, Sir Douglas Quintet, Esteban Jordan, Bobby Fuller, Dave Van Ronk & the Hudson Dusters, Thee Midniters, Kinks, Buddy Holly, 13th Floor Elevators, Joel Scott Hill, Sixto Rodriguez, Esquerita, Jim Sullivan

Background:

Action Andy & the Hi-Tones includes frontman Action Andy Rasmussen (the Bomboras, the Sleepwalkers), bassist Tom Ward (Nashville Ramblers, Gravedigger V), guitarist Xavier Anaya (the Trebels, the Hoods), and drummer Skid Roper (Mojo Nixon, the Evasions). What might have been a studio-only combo took a turn for the serious when Rasmussen was asked to perform at his brother-in-laws wedding, creating a need for this warm up show.

The group performs a semi-acoustic mix of honky tonk country, fifties vintage rock ‘n’ roll, and smokin’ blues, with Roper playing cocktail drums with brushes. “I don’t have a roadmap in my head where the music is going,” he says.

“People have said before that my songs sound like old black and white movies,” according to Rasmussen. “I hope to maintain some of that old time charm.”

Rasmussen notes he’s making music for release on vinyl, with no CDs planned, though he’s open to other formats. “I’m just trying to figure out if there’s still a CD market out there. I hear the cassette is making a comeback. Seriously. So I’m open to everything at this point. 78 RPM anyone?”

The group made its live debut June 18, 2011, at Eleven. A debut album High & Lonesome, recorded at Earthling Studios, is described by Rasmussen as “All original music, with a storyline to thread between the songs.” As of 2012, it remains unreleased.

Discography