About

Andrew Merritt/on stage

A path of music and song

In his youth, Andrew performed at traditional music festivals, including the National Folk Festival in Washington, D.C. Folk icon Jean Ritchie wrote that he might be “the first dulcimer virtuoso.” He studied country fiddling with Kentucky musician J.P. Fraley, and Fraley’s sweet tone and playful touch remain an inspiration.

Andrew graduated from Hampshire College and Columbia Law School. He then clerked for a federal judge, practiced law in D.C. and Atlanta, and taught law at the University of Illinois. Law eclipsed music for those years.

Returning to the stage, Andrew helped form the Illinois country band American Grand, and Chicago’s Country Post magazine praised his “highly animated fiddle work” as an “outstanding facet” of that group. Andrew has performed at the International Bluegrass Music Association festival with Australia’s Rank Strangers, toured with Jenni Lyn Rumer, and worked as a stage musician for Ohio country music shows. He particularly enjoys supporting singers with sensitive instrumental fills.

Now retired in Granville, Ohio, Andrew focuses on developing his voice as a singer and songwriter. He releases music on his home label, Diva Cat Records.