Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Top quality sleeve design (from Andy himself) indicates that this is no low budget demo from a singer/songwriter with more hope than wisdom. Musically, too, this is a long way from the introspective musings or stylised praise and worship of many independent releases. In fact, with contributions from jazz saxman Nick Beston (Take 5 and NBQ) and Stan Mayersky’s winning ways on Hammond and grand it’s jazz which colours many of the tracks here, though Andy wouldn’t claim to be an out-and-out jazzo. What he is is a thoughtful observer of the carnival of life and whether he’s penning his observations of a shivering child in Belgrade (“Princess In The Park”), the quiet still voice of God (“Today”) or a hint of glory to come (“Dreams of A Homecoming”). Andy’s lyrics are decidedly poetic. At times they appear a bit too wordy and seldom rhyme (or indeed scan too well). But usually it works and his dry, world-weary voice suits the laid back mood of haunting poignancy perfectly. These songs were written in the shelled remains of the former Yugoslav Republics where London-born Andy made his home for seven years. Yet despite the occasional bleak image his message is continually suffused with transcendent hope.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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