Andy Smythe vocals/piano/guitar. With Les Elvin (bass), Barry Targett (violin/guitar) and Jon Barley (piano/oboe).
Orchestral arrangements on 'Live for the Future' by Peter Readman.
Influences
When I uncovered two scratched thick old Beatles records of my mums - 'Help' and 'Rubber Soul' I fell in love with the Beatles at the age of 13. Then I got turned onto Dylan, Guthrie, Roy Harper and all things folk and the great mystical landscapes of the Waterboys. Reading English poets like Laurie Lee and the US beats..... Playing Bach and Mozart on the piano .. loving Rufus Wainwright's playing (especially the rags at the end of Want One). Travelling the world and discovering life in all it's beauty and most of all loving my best friends, partner and children.
Sounds Like
Tim Buckley,Rufus Wainwright, Phil Ochs, Neil Young, the Waterboys, Bob Dylan with a very english sensibility!
Hope you're enjoying the songs! These are five of the songs on my new album 'Live for The Future'. Themes that run through the album are protests against war and increasing industrialisation at the expense of the planet. However you'll also find songs about a utopian image of England and a celebration of our wonderful country! The full track listing is:
1. We Love our Children
2. Whiskey Priest
3. When I needed Love
4. So Far From America
5. Sweet England
6. Live for The Future
7. Another Rainy Day in England
8. My Old School
9. Ophelia
10. Our Gang
11. Warden I'm Ready
12. We Love Our Children (acoustic)
13. When I needed Love (instrumental)
Mike Scott of the waterboys has already given the CD a ringing endorsement 'beautiful voice, words - songs straight from the heart'.
If you like Neil Young, Rufus Wainwright, Phil Ochs - I know that you'll love my stuff! It's quite eclectic with orchestral arrangements, band or sparse acoustic guitar/piano.
I'm busy playing folk clubs and festivals and you can catch me at a lot of folk clubs and festivals around the South East of England.
Recently I've started playing with the superb Barry Targett (fiddle/guitar), Les Elvin (bass) and Jon Barley (piano) and we're available in various combinations for clubs and festivals. Duo/trio or quartet!
I'd love to hear from all of you myspacers out there. Remember if you love this you'll also love my previous 3 CDs:
Andy Smythe EP 1999
'Love Unpsoken' 2002
'Last Throes of Summer' 2004
If you'd like to purchase from me directly just send me a message and I'll offer you a deal!
Hey Andy! Great one at West Peckham Green yesterday. How is it you have such well behaved audiences? Green Note, Good Intent, West Peckham.... just seems to get better and better. - Looking forward to more.... Speak soon, Electric Fiddler
OK, Andy, really knock it out on the 27th at your ALBUM LAUNCH! I hope it goes great at the Green Note--so wish I could be there!!! Best of luck to you! Jane from Nashville
Hey Andy! So sorry to miss your album launch--by only one day! We arrive 5/28 from the US. Hope the launch goes GREAT for you! Best wishes! Jane from Nashville
I had to work this weekend so I couldnt make it as i had to work, if i am not busy on 27th I will pop along and show some support, sorry i missed you at the HFC. Will grab a cd then
I have to thank Mike Scott for turning me on to your music Andy! He wrote about you in a recent blog of his and I read them faithfully. Your music is wonderful and I look forward to hearing more from you!
Hey sir, Do you remember playing the video of "our gang" to 7LC nearly six years ago? I just watched it for the first time since, and realised how much has changed over the past six (ish) years, your music has got better and i think probably your fan base to. Well i've got 2 go, but scribble back to me if you get the chance. See you around !
Hi Andy, cheers for getting in touch, been listening to your excellent songs, a really eclectic mix of styles which is always a good thing in my book. Best Emil
Hi Andy, You've a voice as refreshing as the first pint of the day.. or as uplifting as hearing, I don't have to foot the bar bill, All the best. Tom Acton, Dublin
Hi Andy, thanks for dropping by and having a listen to the songs and for the poistive comments, I like the new songs and the way you have weaved the the background noises in to the music on "we love our children". Great stuff
