"the bush is full of ghosts"
"Andy
Baylor's cajun combo"
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review of Blues is Poetry -Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society Legend is a term often loosely applied, but no one would question Andy’s status as a roots music legend. Collaborator, educator, mentor, originator and perpetrator!!!! Everything from blues to r’n’b, swing to jazz, country to Cajun the breadth of his musicality appears to have no bounds. This album explores all that is great in the blues, showing that the blues is a very broad church. From the dance inspiring rhythm of John Lee Hooker to the strolling romance of Jimmy Reed, Andy explores the poetry in the lyrics, which is often so simple, yet so precise and often beautiful. Andy pens 11 of the 13 tracks and puts it down with no frills, just authenticity, with either guitar and drums or the luxury of double bass, it is blues you rarely hear, stripped back and original, yet it could have been around 50 years. As always it is a collaboration with Harold Frith, Denis Close or Ian Kitney sharing drum duties and the wonderful Peter Beulke on bass laying down grooves you could drive a tram down!
Rooster
Review by Jarrod Watt
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Reviewer:
Jarrod Watt
Director/Producer/Editor:
Andy Baylor
:Andy Baylor, Peter Beulke, Denis Close, Harold Frith
Date of release:
October 2008
This is the sound of the sun going down after a stinking hot arvo, the salvation of a cold drink and maybe a dance with that good looking type who caught your eye.
Andy Baylor's played in far more bands than his CV credits him for; a workhorse of the Australian live blues/jazz/roots/folk music circuit since the 1970s, this album finds him stripping back the blues sound to double bass, drums and his beloved 1961 Jaguar, creating a gorgeous, spacious sound that fills your speakers as much as it gives you room to consider the bits in between the notes.
This isn't so much a 'comeback' album as a magnificent return to form of a respected and talented songwriter and musician, strapping on the six string after a dose of chemo therapy and invoking the electric 1950s jukejoint blues sound and the styles of John Lee Hooker and JB Lenoir - but there's a fair dose of Kenny Burrell-type jazz sprinkled in the stew as well.
These are pretty much all originals; a mix of sung and instrumental tunes played in a laid-back, easygoing fashion, creating a subtly irresistible groove that's good until the last note.
This is music as cool as air-conditioning and as welcoming as a bartender saying "You look like you could use a drink- this one's on me." |
review of Blues is Poetry Its heartening to learn that singer,songwriter Andy Baylor, a master of diverse genres, is emerging from a difficult period of post-chemotherapy rehab. All the more reassuring to hear this wonderful release of original songs drawing on favourite blues performers.The title might recall books by Samuel Charters or Paul Garon exploring links to verse,or the poetic spirit.Baylor makes his point on 13 tracks that knowingly echo influences including John Lee Hooker and J.B.Lenoir.With little more than drums and bass providing appropriately minimal backing to his vocals and guitar.
Key Track The titile on which he sings of "a song hidden deep inside my heart" **** Larry Schwartz Sunday Age, 12/10/2008
Blues is Poetry
review by Micheal Dwyer, the Age ,Jan 31st 2009-02-19
Andy Baylor has opted not to play the glamour card. His blues is poetry of the back verandah kind, citing John Lee Hooker above John Donne, with a come-as-you-are feel set to the rhythm of the Melbourne suburbs. His decades of experience are evident not in precision licks but in a relaxed right hand, subtle humour and conversational rapport with a few similarly unhurried mates on upright bass and drums. Instrumental titles such as Fatsound Stomp and Boogie in the Basement deliver all the earthy energy they promise while the sun-drenched melodies of Rosey’s Tune and West Melbourne Sunset contrast with disarming lightness of touch.
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Watch this space
all info about Sarah Carroll...fave singer and writer of songs website connected to the Brunswick music festival with news about local and international acts.... a great cd selection available....listen local Great music shop in Collingwood, Melbourne ...selection of country,roots, blues from all eras.Most importantly, the last record store specialises in great Australian artists. The Mercurials are an innovative string trio with a far reaching sound ....CHECK THEM OUT Site of cajun accordianist Ray Abshire. Ray has two fine albums of traditional cajun musician and has deep roots in the music. He played at the 2005 National Folk Festival in Canberra with Australian musicians and was very helpful to me on my recent trip to Lafayette.
Buy Buckleys Chance fom the secure site of "the last record store" Mike is a Nashville based mandolinist famous for his work with the Nasville bluegrass band...also worked with the late John Hartford and is featured on the music of "Oh Brother where art thou"...an expert on the style of bluegrass great Bill Monroe Andy Baylor's myspace site with bio, music,blogs and friends |
Dancehall Racketeers,
"Hometown Stomp"
"The Butterfly Effect"
