Andy Long spoke to ANDREW BUCKTON

Andrew Buckton

Andy: Andrew, I believe this is your second album?

Andrew: Yes, the first album is called 'All The Passion'. It's a very special album for me. I finished it a couple of years ago.

Andy: The session list is very impressive. How did you persuade these guys to join you for the project?

Andrew: Well, Mike Sturgis is a great friend and he has always been encouraging about my music, so he was always on board really. Jez is another good friend and he didn't take much persuading, especially as sessions inevitably demand refreshments at curry houses. Jez knew Steve Lawson well, and Steve knew Mike Haughton, and basically everyone thought the project was worth getting behind.

Andy: As a songwriter, who have been your biggest influences?

Andrew: Artists like Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Paul Simon, Kevin Prosch.

Andy: Your lyrics convey a lot of emotion. Where do your songs come from?

Andrew: Some of the songs are for people I know and love - about their lives, struggles, dreams. Other songs are reflections on my own faith and wrestlings really. I think all the songs point to the hope I have in Jesus. It's all about our journeys really, and not losing sight of Heaven.