Andy Smythe
Live for the Future
© 2008 Andy Smythe (634479804212)
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An courageous new voice for folk music in the 21st century. Vehement protest songs supporting the struggles of the poor and downtrodden and sublime orchestral balladry to boot.
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“Songs beyond the scope of most singer/songwriters”
TIME OUT
“Voice, songs, band —a wonderful warm sound”
MIKE SCOTT of THE WATERBOYS
A singer-songwriter based in London, Andy Smythe has for the past six years quietly stolen the hearts and minds of all that hear his evocative, finely crafted songs. At venues such as the Half Moon, the Green Note and the Borderline, Andy’s creative fusion of folk and classical music has won over audiences and earned him accolades from the likes of The Waterboys’ Mike Scott. In 2003 his debut album ‘Love Unspoken’ was released in the USA and he played the CMJ new music festival in New York. He has since been touring on the folk circuit and has appeared at a number of major festivals across the UK.
Live for the Future is Andy Smythe’s third full-length studio album and is the most ambitious recording of his career. Showcasing Andy’s unique tenor voice across a variety of genres it features 11 original songs that are either classically scored, performed solo on piano/ guitar or backed by a full band.
The album contains a strength and depth of both lyric writing and musical composition. This is illustrated from the topical song writing of ‘So Far From America’ (a song about Nicaraguan refugees) to the sweeping orchestral landscapes of ‘When I Needed Love’ – one of three collaborations on the album with classical composer Peter Readman.
Elsewhere ‘Whiskey Priest’ is a cult hit waiting to happen with its hedonistic Celtic folk/rock and ‘Sweet England’ an atmospheric romantic ballad with poetry inspired by the likes of Whitman and Yeats. Andy’s ability to marry such original lyrics with haunting arrangements on the piano gives his writing that extra subliminal dimension – where every note is chosen to make a difference.
This album will also take you on a journey where you can imagine Andy performing live in a concert hall on a grand piano or in a folk club on an acoustic guitar. This perhaps is how Andy is best visualised, a double-edged troubadour for the new millennium with an ever increasing live presence on the UK’s folk scene. In fact this could well be the record that will see him break into wider circulation as a well-respected songwriter in the mould of an English Neil Young, one who truly cares about trying to piece together the social fabric of our very fragile modern world.
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Live for the future
author: jean campI 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 and all have a story to tell. Andy's song writing is mildly protesting in a 21st century way. A staunch family man who is trying to raise awareness to us all, in order to respect the future, for our generations to come. "We Love Our Children" is the first track, which gives us the taste of things to come on the album, and pierces the soul, telling the story of whatever wars break out, children live on both sides of conflicts. There is also an acoustic version as the penultimate track. A particular favourite of mine from Andy's first album, Whiskey Priest, cranks the tempo up in stark contrast to the first track. This is cleverly done throughout the album, catching the listener when the album is played for the first time. The title track of the album, "Live for The Future," is half way down the album. A dark and foreboding track which needs careful listening to. "Warden I'm Ready" is about a prisoner on Death Row, I am sure Andy hasn't experienced that, but you would think he had, after listening to the lyrics. Stirring stuff. Andy is a consummate musician, playing piano, acoustic guitar, clarinet, organ, mandolin, synths and accordion, with help from Peter Readman on strings, French Horn, and harp and Chris Payne on violin, mandolin, piano, recorders, and backing vocals. I could mention all the tracks and rave about them -- just take a listen and see for yourself. We are going to hear more of Andy Smythe, and hopefully see more of him around the UK in the very near future. You can purchase his CD by visiting his website.