Irish singer-songwriter ANDY WHITE carries a 12 string guitar under his arm and wears his particular brand of Irish magic and charm on his sleeve. With the political edge of the young Bob Dylan, the romance of David Gray and the Celtic influences and lyricism of the Waterboys, an Andy White concert is a special experience.
Belfast-born Andy has nine internationally released solo albums, two compilations and a book of poetry to his name. He has worked and played with some great musicians and writers Peter Gabriel, Sinead OConnor, the Finn Brothers amongst others. He won Irelands Hot Press Songwriter of the Year a few years ago, beating Bono and Christy Moore to the finishing line.
Although all of Andys albums are still available through his website, current releases include the latest album GARAGEBAND, his previous studio album BOY 40; a live album released by WOMAD/Real World entitled SPEECHLESS which includes his best-known songs Religious Persuasion, Looking For James Joyces Grave, Street Scenes From My Heart; and a collection of rarities compiled from out-takes, B sides and live recordings - RARE.
As well as a solo performer who travels the world a couple of times a year, Andy was the A of folk supertrio ALT along with Tim Finn (T) and Liam O Maonlai (yes, L). The threesome toured the globe and released a studio album ALTITUDE and a live recording BOOTLEG. After Tim introduced Andy to Australia, he returned to write songs with Christine Anu, including Coz Im Free which became Cathy Freemans Olympic theme song. He eventually relocated to Melbourne in early 2002.
After co-writing collaborations over the past few years with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Neil and Tim Finn, Kieran Kane, Angela McCluskey and Stephen Fearing, Andy approached a new solo album last summer not knowing what his theme would turn out to be. He was flying solo for the first time in ages.
Inspired by the immediacy of Apple's Garageband programme, Andy wrote a series of 14 songs in as many days. He took the songs and booked a session at Real World Studios in England, where Liam Bradley from Van Morrison’s band played drums, and virtuoso musician Radoslav Lorkovic from Iowa City (Jimmy La Fave, Odetta, Greg Brown), played piano and hammond. Good friend and master producer John Leckie sat in on the session, and left as the sun was coming up and the beers and stories were still going.
Andy had brought the songs back to Melbourne and worked on them there during the Australian summer. The album - now called GARAGEBAND was mixed last March in Italy at Luciano Ligabue's studio in Correggio by John Leckie with his trademark style and vision. The album has a big sound – panoramic. It is live and loud. A mix of world, rock and Irish music – all shot through with Andy's trademark lyrics.
Since his very first release RAVE ON ANDY WHITE in 1986 Yer mans a genius commented Melody Maker featuring Religious Persuasion, Andy White has released a series of beautiful albums. He is a singer-songwriter of and for our times, documenting the world and its current chaos and beauty with remarkable insight.
