Andy Smythe: News
amersham arms gig this Friday - May 23, 2010
The Andy Smythe Band will be rocking the joint at great local venue The Amersham Arms this coming Friday May 28th
Absent Kelly presents at the Amersham Arms
Rock Band night - doors 7pm
New Cros
London SE14 6TY
UK
Price: £5
We're rocking out here with Mel Wright joining us on drums. A great venue with a 400 capacity that the likes of Blur and Athelete have graced previously.
Absent Kelly presents at the Amersham Arms
Rock Band night - doors 7pm
New Cros
London SE14 6TY
UK
Price: £5
We're rocking out here with Mel Wright joining us on drums. A great venue with a 400 capacity that the likes of Blur and Athelete have graced previously.
Live footage from Bull and Gate Gig - April 27, 2010
Here's a new song Angelina being performed by the full band at the Bull and Gate last week. We supported Peter Brown and his band. Peter wrote many of the lyrics for the Cream Hits in the 1960's including 'Sunshine'. We had a great evening! Keep your eyes peeled - I'll be uploading more footage over the next few days..
on tour this week! - April 18, 2010
Catch the band live this week at:
Mon 19th April The Barnaby Rudge, Broadstairs
Tues 20th April The punch and Judy, Tonbridge
Thurs April 22nd The Bull and Gate, Camden (supporting Peter Brown of Cream fame)
Sat April 24th Francombe Music Festival
Mon April 26th Croydon Folk Club
Buy the stunning new album 'Nation of the Free' at:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/nation-of-the-free/id346303564
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=popular&field;-keywords=andy+smythe+band
Mon 19th April The Barnaby Rudge, Broadstairs
Tues 20th April The punch and Judy, Tonbridge
Thurs April 22nd The Bull and Gate, Camden (supporting Peter Brown of Cream fame)
Sat April 24th Francombe Music Festival
Mon April 26th Croydon Folk Club
Buy the stunning new album 'Nation of the Free' at:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/nation-of-the-free/id346303564
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=popular&field;-keywords=andy+smythe+band
more great CD reviews.. - April 10, 2010
The reviews for 'Nation of the Free' continue to pour in, and I'm so chuffed that the musicianship of the band and the inventiveness of the songwriting are being written about in such a positive light ...
THE ANDY SMYTHE BAND
Nation Of The Free
Dreaming Element Records
All the energy Andy Smythe saved thinking of some clever name for his band was not wasted. For the uninitiated, the no-nonsense moniker and sleeve design somehow suggest 16 wheel trucking, swigging cold beer from bottles and plenty of full blooded fret board finger-wiggling. True, Barry Targett’s accomplished strings never disappoint, but that is where the metaphors must end. No – Smythe’s concentrated efforts into the money shot deserve success. This isn’t blues, but do not discard it. “Folk” is too thin a categorisation for this multi layered, intriguing debut - a thoughtful collection of strongly written, socially aware, revved-up warbling with plenty of light and shade with the title track raising the curtain powerfully. Smythe unashamedly wears political colours and hopes for a new world in ‘Obama’s Song’ (...two black girls playing on the White House lawn....) . Subtle production marries with some beautifully understated accompaniment by Targett and Les Elvin on bass, and the Morrissey/ Neil Young / Paul Heaton quality to Smythe’s voice winsomely enhance the delivery of his message. Diction and vocal precision are oft-neglected elements to be appreciated when presented like this. ‘Changing Seasons’ stays with you long after it ends and an interesting challenge is to listen to ‘Louise’ without thinking ‘Puff The Magic Dragon’. Too busy a sound for some folk purists one suspects, and maybe not rufty tufty enough for Blues fans, but find room for it– the second listen confirms it as an underground, quirky corker that deserves turntable time.
Richard Thomas
Issue 54 www.bluesmatters.com
Andy Smythe kicks off with his delicate paen to the joys of gardening, 'Sap and Earth' - a masterful piece of almost semi-classical tone, it amply displays Smythe's dexterity on the piano.
Smythe's strongpoint is his way with words. Evidently well read, he translates this into songs of considerable humanity. unburdened by device or metaphor, the lyrical clarity of such songs as 'Ancient Ways' - concerning the plight of Autralia's Aboriginal people and 'Last Chief' about Native American Chief Joseph, is matched by his sense of melody. Barry Targett supplies jazzy electric fiddle to 'Changing Seasons' and blistering electric guitar to 'Ancient Ways'. Targett is a real find.
Gerry Ranson, R2 Magazine April/May 2010
Live Review of our 12 Bar launch gig.
The trio of Andy, Les Elvin and Barry Targett are making quite a name for themselves. This is very much poetry set to music. Andy is a very inventive writer.
'Last chief' - how promises to the native americans were betrayed.'Two Lovers' - letting lovers win and their sweet sould uniting. 'Thunder Dreamer' abou how Crazy Horse fought for freedom all his life.'Song fo Sean' about John Lennon from his sons point of view. There's superb violin from Barry on 'Changing Seasons'and 'Carrie' and delicate piano and birdsong on 'Sap and Earth'. Guest Alan Richardson plays wonderful harmonica on 'Kids'. There's various genres here from just voice and piano through to rock'n roll and string arrangements. The songs are about life and how it feels in the world trying to get free. Interesting listening.
'Nation of the Free Review', Kathy Drage, Kent Folk, April 2010.
THE ANDY SMYTHE BAND
Nation Of The Free
Dreaming Element Records
All the energy Andy Smythe saved thinking of some clever name for his band was not wasted. For the uninitiated, the no-nonsense moniker and sleeve design somehow suggest 16 wheel trucking, swigging cold beer from bottles and plenty of full blooded fret board finger-wiggling. True, Barry Targett’s accomplished strings never disappoint, but that is where the metaphors must end. No – Smythe’s concentrated efforts into the money shot deserve success. This isn’t blues, but do not discard it. “Folk” is too thin a categorisation for this multi layered, intriguing debut - a thoughtful collection of strongly written, socially aware, revved-up warbling with plenty of light and shade with the title track raising the curtain powerfully. Smythe unashamedly wears political colours and hopes for a new world in ‘Obama’s Song’ (...two black girls playing on the White House lawn....) . Subtle production marries with some beautifully understated accompaniment by Targett and Les Elvin on bass, and the Morrissey/ Neil Young / Paul Heaton quality to Smythe’s voice winsomely enhance the delivery of his message. Diction and vocal precision are oft-neglected elements to be appreciated when presented like this. ‘Changing Seasons’ stays with you long after it ends and an interesting challenge is to listen to ‘Louise’ without thinking ‘Puff The Magic Dragon’. Too busy a sound for some folk purists one suspects, and maybe not rufty tufty enough for Blues fans, but find room for it– the second listen confirms it as an underground, quirky corker that deserves turntable time.
Richard Thomas
Issue 54 www.bluesmatters.com
Andy Smythe kicks off with his delicate paen to the joys of gardening, 'Sap and Earth' - a masterful piece of almost semi-classical tone, it amply displays Smythe's dexterity on the piano.
Smythe's strongpoint is his way with words. Evidently well read, he translates this into songs of considerable humanity. unburdened by device or metaphor, the lyrical clarity of such songs as 'Ancient Ways' - concerning the plight of Autralia's Aboriginal people and 'Last Chief' about Native American Chief Joseph, is matched by his sense of melody. Barry Targett supplies jazzy electric fiddle to 'Changing Seasons' and blistering electric guitar to 'Ancient Ways'. Targett is a real find.
Gerry Ranson, R2 Magazine April/May 2010
Live Review of our 12 Bar launch gig.
The trio of Andy, Les Elvin and Barry Targett are making quite a name for themselves. This is very much poetry set to music. Andy is a very inventive writer.
'Last chief' - how promises to the native americans were betrayed.'Two Lovers' - letting lovers win and their sweet sould uniting. 'Thunder Dreamer' abou how Crazy Horse fought for freedom all his life.'Song fo Sean' about John Lennon from his sons point of view. There's superb violin from Barry on 'Changing Seasons'and 'Carrie' and delicate piano and birdsong on 'Sap and Earth'. Guest Alan Richardson plays wonderful harmonica on 'Kids'. There's various genres here from just voice and piano through to rock'n roll and string arrangements. The songs are about life and how it feels in the world trying to get free. Interesting listening.
'Nation of the Free Review', Kathy Drage, Kent Folk, April 2010.
great quotes! - March 18, 2010
The album's starting to get some great reviews and we had a very well written write up of our album launch in R2's March/April issue. Here's a few soundbites ...
I'm also chuffed to bits that R2 journalist Colin Hall and custodian of John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool has played and enjoyed 'Song for Sean Lennon' within the hallowed walls... I hope John approved!
'Sap and Earth - a masterpiece of almost-classical tone, it amply diaplays Smythe's dexterity on the piano', Gerry Ranson R2 Live Review
'Certainly a distinctive voice, well produced CD', Jeff Smith, Chief Programmer BBC Radio 2 and 6.
'Excellent tracks - I will be playing them', Lee Williams, CMR Radio Nashville
'Smythe's strongpoint is his way with words - songs of considerable humanity' Gerry Ranson R2
I'm also chuffed to bits that R2 journalist Colin Hall and custodian of John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool has played and enjoyed 'Song for Sean Lennon' within the hallowed walls... I hope John approved!
'Sap and Earth - a masterpiece of almost-classical tone, it amply diaplays Smythe's dexterity on the piano', Gerry Ranson R2 Live Review
'Certainly a distinctive voice, well produced CD', Jeff Smith, Chief Programmer BBC Radio 2 and 6.
'Excellent tracks - I will be playing them', Lee Williams, CMR Radio Nashville
'Smythe's strongpoint is his way with words - songs of considerable humanity' Gerry Ranson R2
airplay and itunes - February 15, 2010
The album launch went really well at a packed 12 Bar Club and 'Nation of the Free' remains a featured album on the rock and main pages of itunes.
In the past week the 'Obama's Song' received airplay on mikes Ganley's Folk Awards 'Crooked Rd' programme and 'Nation of the Free' airplay on Nic Dow's 'Lancashire Blue Notes'. Onwards and upwards!
In the past week the 'Obama's Song' received airplay on mikes Ganley's Folk Awards 'Crooked Rd' programme and 'Nation of the Free' airplay on Nic Dow's 'Lancashire Blue Notes'. Onwards and upwards!
buy now - featured album on i-tunes! - February 4, 2010
Just had the great news that 'nation of the free' is a featured album on i-tunes. You'll catch it on both the main page and the rock page as a featured album!
To buy now follow this link:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/nation-of-the-free/id346303564
Alternatively you can just search for 'Andy Smythe' or 'Andy Smythe Band' and you'll find it!
The album launch was a stunning success on Tuesday! The 12 bar was packed and the band rocked! What a fantastic night! Live reviews to appear shortly in the press. tonight 'Obama's song' is being featured for the first time on the radio on Mike Ganley's 'Crooked Road' show on Swindon FM.
To buy now follow this link:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/nation-of-the-free/id346303564
Alternatively you can just search for 'Andy Smythe' or 'Andy Smythe Band' and you'll find it!
The album launch was a stunning success on Tuesday! The 12 bar was packed and the band rocked! What a fantastic night! Live reviews to appear shortly in the press. tonight 'Obama's song' is being featured for the first time on the radio on Mike Ganley's 'Crooked Road' show on Swindon FM.
new album out Feb 1st! - January 31, 2010
The eagerly awaited debut album by 'The Andy Smythe Band' is released today on Cadiz Distribution.
You can purchase it from the following links:
http://hmv.com/hmvweb/simpleMultiSearch.do?searchUID=&pGroupID=0&adultFlag=false&primaryID=0&simpleSearchString=andy+smythe
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nation-Free-Andy-Smythe-Band/dp/B0031P765S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1264858334&sr=1-1
You can purchase it from the following links:
http://hmv.com/hmvweb/simpleMultiSearch.do?searchUID=&pGroupID=0&adultFlag=false&primaryID=0&simpleSearchString=andy+smythe
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nation-Free-Andy-Smythe-Band/dp/B0031P765S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1264858334&sr=1-1
album launch details confirmed - January 14, 2010
The Andy Smythe Band are launching their debut CD ’nation of the free’. ’Nation of the Free’ features a unique take on the political (post Obama) and emotional landscapes of twenty first century life. The full band will be playing that’s Andy (guitar, piano, vocals), Les (bass), Barry (violins and guitars), Mel (drums). Support acts include the fabulous Monica Heldal from Denmark and the classy americana of Londoner Dan Razza. Should be a great night! Full programme: 7pm Doors 7.40 Monica Heldel 8pm Dan Razza 8.30 The Andy Smythe Band (two 40 min sets)
Nation of the Free in the shops on Feb 1st! - January 9, 2010
The 'Andy Smythe' band's new CD 'Nation of the Free' is released on Feb 1st 2010. It will be available from all major outlets including HMV, amazon and i-tunes.
To celebrate the band are launching the CD with a gig at the world famous 12 bar club in London on Feb 2nd. See you there!
The Andy Smythe Band @The 12 Bar club, 22 Denmark St (off charing cross rd)
Tuesday Feb 2nd 2010
Doors 7pm
On stage: 8.30pm
To celebrate the band are launching the CD with a gig at the world famous 12 bar club in London on Feb 2nd. See you there!
The Andy Smythe Band @The 12 Bar club, 22 Denmark St (off charing cross rd)
Tuesday Feb 2nd 2010
Doors 7pm
On stage: 8.30pm
Buy CDs for Xmas! - November 19, 2009
Looking for that unique Xmas gift... before our new album 'Nation of the Free' is released nationwide on Feb 1st 2010 why not sample Andy's backcatalogue and enjoy the development of one of the UK's most talented singer/songwriters!
'Voice, band, fiddle, songs - a wonderful warm sound' Mike Scott of the Waterboys.
'Voice, band, fiddle, songs - a wonderful warm sound' Mike Scott of the Waterboys.
'Nation of the Free' national album release Jan 2010 - October 1, 2009
Andy's stunning new album recorded with 'The Andy Smythe band' titled 'Nation of the Free' is set to receive a full (in the shops) UK release on Feb 1st 2010. Andy is currently booking a series of dates both solo and with the band to promote the release. Keep your eyes peeled for a date near you soon!
forthcoming gigs! - June 23, 2009
A busy few weeks gigs coming up...
Catch us on:
June 28th Croydon Folk and Blues Club (trio gig)
July 6th The Barge, Gillingham (trio gig)
July 10th Spratton Folk Festival (solo)
July 13th The White Horse Folk Club, Herstmenceux, Sussex (trio gig)
Full details on gigs page!
Catch us on:
June 28th Croydon Folk and Blues Club (trio gig)
July 6th The Barge, Gillingham (trio gig)
July 10th Spratton Folk Festival (solo)
July 13th The White Horse Folk Club, Herstmenceux, Sussex (trio gig)
Full details on gigs page!
Latest Live Review - May 26, 2009
Review from gig earlier this month at the Icarus lub
ANDY SMYTHE
Andy is a protest singer in the grand tradition, singing songs about such things as the demise of native american culture, war and the destruction of the planet. Ably supported by the excellent Barry Targett on violin and guitar, he played five songs, "One Country", "The Last Chief", "Kids", "Sweet Souls Unite" and "Changing Seasons", all delivered with great passion and commitment with a sound that is mainly traditional yet with a contemporary edge. His latest album, "Live For The Future" has received warm praise from none other than Mike Scott of the Waterboys ('...beautiful voice, words - songs straight from the heart'). He's playing a whole bunch of gigs at folk clubs and festivals in the coming weeks and months and his myspace is www.myspace.com/andysmythe.
ANDY SMYTHE
Andy is a protest singer in the grand tradition, singing songs about such things as the demise of native american culture, war and the destruction of the planet. Ably supported by the excellent Barry Targett on violin and guitar, he played five songs, "One Country", "The Last Chief", "Kids", "Sweet Souls Unite" and "Changing Seasons", all delivered with great passion and commitment with a sound that is mainly traditional yet with a contemporary edge. His latest album, "Live For The Future" has received warm praise from none other than Mike Scott of the Waterboys ('...beautiful voice, words - songs straight from the heart'). He's playing a whole bunch of gigs at folk clubs and festivals in the coming weeks and months and his myspace is www.myspace.com/andysmythe.
New CD being recorded! - March 17, 2009
The 'Andy Smythe Band' are in the progress of recording our first band CD.
Check out our new myspace at:
http://www.myspace.com/theandysmythetrio The sessions are going great. Please check out this sneak 'rough mix' preview' of one of our new songs...
Check out our new myspace at:
http://www.myspace.com/theandysmythetrio The sessions are going great. Please check out this sneak 'rough mix' preview' of one of our new songs...
summer festivals - March 7, 2009
The 'Andy Smythe Band' goes from strength to strength and this Summer we are playing at two major festivals:
Spratton Folk Festival, Friday July 10th 7pm on the Main Stage, appearing solo http://www.sprattonfestival.com/
Saturday 1 August, 2009 Morwellham Folk Festival - Headlined by Oysterband with guests, Coppin and Silver, Rev Hammer, mad dog McRae, Dan Donnelly, Andy Smythe Band
Sunday 2 August, 2009 Morwellham Folk Festival -Spiers and Boden, Martyn Joseph, 3 daft Monkeys, Colvin Quarmby, Union Circus, Madding Crowd.
http://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk/Events/index.php?pagetitle=Events tickets: £25 per day or £40 for the weekend
Box Office:01822 832766
Spratton Folk Festival, Friday July 10th 7pm on the Main Stage, appearing solo http://www.sprattonfestival.com/
Saturday 1 August, 2009 Morwellham Folk Festival - Headlined by Oysterband with guests, Coppin and Silver, Rev Hammer, mad dog McRae, Dan Donnelly, Andy Smythe Band
Sunday 2 August, 2009 Morwellham Folk Festival -Spiers and Boden, Martyn Joseph, 3 daft Monkeys, Colvin Quarmby, Union Circus, Madding Crowd.
http://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk/Events/index.php?pagetitle=Events tickets: £25 per day or £40 for the weekend
Box Office:01822 832766
Gigs this week - February 12, 2009
Please come and support us this week:
Mon Feb 16th The Barnaby Rudge, Broadstairs TRIO GIG
Fri Feb 20th Farncombe Music club, Surrey SOLO GIG
Sun Feb 22nd The Seal Pub, East Sussex TRIO
Mon Feb 23rd Sheppey Folk and Blues Club, Minster, Kent TRIO. thier 5th birthday celebrations!
Check out the 'calender dates' page for exact addresses of venues!
Mon Feb 16th The Barnaby Rudge, Broadstairs TRIO GIG
Fri Feb 20th Farncombe Music club, Surrey SOLO GIG
Sun Feb 22nd The Seal Pub, East Sussex TRIO
Mon Feb 23rd Sheppey Folk and Blues Club, Minster, Kent TRIO. thier 5th birthday celebrations!
Check out the 'calender dates' page for exact addresses of venues!
Fox and Hounds Gig cancelled tonight - February 2, 2009
Unfortunately our gig tonight at the Fox and hounds has been cancelled due to local roads being impassable with snow. Gig re-arranged for June..
busy, busy, busy! - January 29, 2009
A great couple of months coming up with a number of great gigs with Les and Barry in the Andy Smythe Trio including playing the following folk clubs...
Fox and hounds, Sheppey Folk and Blues Club, Orpington e.t.c Please check out the 'calender dates' page.
Solo wise also soon supporting Edwina Hayes at Farncombe music club.
Looking ahead to the summer I'm delighted to have been booked on the main stage at Spratton Folk Festival. I'm opening the festival on July 10th. On the same bill as some all time great artists. What an exciting year in prospect!
Fox and hounds, Sheppey Folk and Blues Club, Orpington e.t.c Please check out the 'calender dates' page.
Solo wise also soon supporting Edwina Hayes at Farncombe music club.
Looking ahead to the summer I'm delighted to have been booked on the main stage at Spratton Folk Festival. I'm opening the festival on July 10th. On the same bill as some all time great artists. What an exciting year in prospect!
happy new year! - January 5, 2009
A very happy new year to all of you deicated music fans out there. 2008 proved to be a very successful year for us all with the 'Andy Smythe Trio' becoming a force to be reckoned with. We now have a repertoire of some 30 great original songs and 30 scintillating covers and there's more than enough songs for another CD!
The last CD 'Live for the Future' is still receiving great reviews.
'He has a beautiful voice, and sings earnest, quite delicately calibrated songs straight from the heart. The voice and words are the thing with Andy, and both are in fine shape.' Mike Scott of The Waterboys
I have heard and enjoyed all of Andy's previous albums and feel this one moves him forward into another dimension -- thirteen tracks of sheer delight. folking.com
All tunes are now downloadable on i-tunes and the albums can be purchased from www.cdbaby.com
All the best,
Andy
The last CD 'Live for the Future' is still receiving great reviews.
'He has a beautiful voice, and sings earnest, quite delicately calibrated songs straight from the heart. The voice and words are the thing with Andy, and both are in fine shape.' Mike Scott of The Waterboys
I have heard and enjoyed all of Andy's previous albums and feel this one moves him forward into another dimension -- thirteen tracks of sheer delight. folking.com
All tunes are now downloadable on i-tunes and the albums can be purchased from www.cdbaby.com
All the best,
Andy
more live video - November 20, 2008
Check out this great performance of 'Changing Seasons' at Croydon Folk Club on November 10th.
of new song 'Louise'
of 'every white line'
of new song 'Louise'
of 'every white line'
buy new CD online! - November 6, 2008
Read the excellent review at:
http://www.fourdogsmusic.co.uk/_P_782_live-for-the-future-andy-smythe/?1=1&ps=204
then buy the new CD!
http://www.fourdogsmusic.co.uk/_P_782_live-for-the-future-andy-smythe/?1=1&ps=204
then buy the new CD!