No. 10 Review by
10 June 2008 Crammed under the stairs on a hot and sticky (almost) midsummer night in June, guitarist and singer/songwriter Andy Grant took the stage at the ever-popular Bridport venue No.10 this...
Press Release: Hole in the Sky by
Andy Grant performs dynamic acoustic songs with infectious riffs, bluesy vocals and astounding guitar work. He has performed in venues the world over, from Copenhagen to Melbourne and his live...
No. 10 Review by
10 June 2008
Crammed under the stairs on a hot and sticky (almost) midsummer night in June, guitarist and singer/songwriter Andy Grant took the stage at the ever-popular Bridport venue No.10 this week for what promised to be another storming set of tuneage. Arriving early, I was lucky enough to get a front stage seat enabling me to get a bird's eye view of seeing and hearing one of Dorset's most promising live acts.
I was not disappointed. Having not seen Andy play for a while, I was looking forward to hearing how the new 'Hole in the Sky' tracks were going down with audiences who have high expectations of this accomplished and ballsy performer. From the word go Andy had them by the short and curlies. Opening with 'Prioritise'( arguably the catchiest tune you are likely to hear this summer), Andy set the bar high by launching into this sure fire hit single - the chunky monkey musical equivalent of a Ben and Jerry's special.
An explosive first set featured several of the songs I was hoping to hear. From the melancholy title track through to the gut wrenching growl of 'Bessie', Andy is a performer who knows just how to push his crowd's buttons. Sensitive to their needs, he made sure that a couple of great covers were thrown in for good measure to even up the stakes. From the Paul Simon classic '50 ways' through to the more romantic Isley Brothers 'Love the one you're with', Andy delivers each tune with roaring, heartfelt expression. A couple of newer tunes were also given an opportunity to walk the line – 'Miss Particular' and 'Be There' show that Andy has by no means left his song writing barrel empty.
Franny Banks
Press Release: Hole in the Sky by
Andy Grant performs dynamic acoustic songs with infectious riffs, bluesy vocals and astounding guitar work. He has performed in venues the world over, from Copenhagen to Melbourne and his live shows never fail to entertain whether as a solo performer on acoustic guitar, vocals and stompbox, or when fronting ‘The Andy Grant Trio’, backed by double bass and drums.
‘Hole in the Sky’ is the eagerly awaited second album from this highly acclaimed and hard working musician. An 11 track collection of self penned material, ‘Hole in the Sky’ is a wonderfully distinctive album, that celebrates the human state of being, questions the decisions made on our behalf and instils our hope for the future, all delivered in a raw, funky and inflective way
In contrast to the instrumental debut of ‘Spirals’ (2003), this new release provides a powerful platform for Andy to showcase his vocal talents. If Tom Waits had a younger brother he might just sound like this. Combine this throaty roar with a refined and rhythmic guitar style and you’re getting close to the Grant sound. Think Dave Matthews, Ry Cooder, Jimmy Page - a one man acoustic Led Zeppelin if you will.
Andy has wisely teamed his formidable guitar skills with a fine crew on selected tracks; top performances from Pete Maxfield (double bass), Dave Wallace (drums) and Steve Banks (riff and lead guitar on Indifference) ooze intuitive class.
‘Hole in the Sky’ has already begun making waves amongst local press and fans alike, receiving regular airplay on radio stations across the south coast, such as Original fm, Forset fm and Wessex fm. This fantastic album is a must have purchase for all those who appreciate a damn good tune from an artist who is heading for greatness in 2008.
‘Hole in the sky’ is available from cdbaby.com, guitarcds.net and iTunes.
