Andrew James: news

So pleased to say that you can now get your digital downloads of the Andrew James LIVE album from itunes.

Just punch in Andrew James and we should pop up!

Thanks to each and every one of you that came along to Cox's Yard last Friday night to see us play!

We always have a ball when we play this lovely Stratford venue and I cannot tell you how cool it is to look out and see so many familiar faces singing along!

Huge thanks to the incredible talent that is Allen Maslen (guitars), Derek Marshall (bass) and Paul Johnston (drums). It's a privilege to share a stage with you guys.

Hope to see you all again on June 6th 2008 - same time, same place - bring all you friends!!!!

Andrew James.

One and all!

Just thought I'd drop everyone a line to say a belated Happy New Year and to keep you all up to speed with a few things in the 'Andrew James Music' camp!

In my last blog I had only just returned from yet another excellent trip out to Nashville - long may they continue!

Next on my list of things to do is the completion of my live album. We are currently in the process of getting artwork and all the little boring bits you don't want to know about, like jewel cases etc, sorted out. I hope to have the project finished for a live album launch at Cox's Yard on the 15th February - so please come along and enjoy your Friday night at the yard with myself and the band - and if the music moves you.... dig deep and return home the proud owner of an album or two! If not moved enough to purchase..... just stay until the end please - we love you anyway!!!!

We're also lucky to have the lovely Kel Elliot to grace the stage on the 15th. Kel has a wonderful writing style and her rich vocal coupled with the visual of her double bass playing makes for a brilliant set. On this occasion she has kindly agreed to open up for us and I hope we can return the favour at some point in the future!

I have a few other gigs in the pipeline but until dates are confirmed, I won't be posting them for obvious reasons. Late February should see us playing in Germany though, which will be cool. More news on that as and when I get it!

So for now, enjoy the weekend and see you all next month if not before.....

.....and for all you guys in the US or elsewhere overseas, Derek's flying in from Germany in Feb to play bass, so it's the perfect opportunity for you to steal his thunder and come visit the UK - although to be honest, I can think of better months than February to come over unless you like grey, wet and depressingly short days?!

Andrew James x

Well..... what can I say?! Another great time in this strange little city that feels more like just an average sized town to be honest.

There's something special about Nashville that's more than the some of it's parts. Home to some of the most friendly people I have ever met, you come to almost expect random greetings from just about anyone that meets your eye whether in a bar, on the street or waiting in line at the super market - it's refreshing to me and I like it!

Musically it's awash with country of course but the 'underground' scene is definately warming up here in my opinion. In fact it's an observation that's been endorsed by the numerous musicians and booking agents I have spoken to over the last 6 months of making trips out here - and as Nashville gets more eclectic as a town, the demand for more non-country artists must grow to meet that demand. Good news for the likes of me, as the 'kids shredding on guitars with hugely suspect vocals' genre seems largely to have escaped this town so far.... thank God.

Huge thanks as ever to my good friends Jane and Chris Brock. Organisational skills, a fantastic source for great places to eat, stupid amounts of driving, great company and friendship are just a few of their numerous qualities! A pleasure to share the stage with you Jane! Jesse Brock has been a huge asset to us this time with his guitar prowess. From a tiny room in a radio station playing a live session to the venues out in town, Jesse plus guitar were there! Cheers mate. Thanks to young Bo Brock for yet again giving up his very comfortable bedroom so that I could sprawl out on a huge double bed while he took the single upstairs..... hardly seems fair does it?! I owe you!

Rob Crawford.... mate this trip I've had to put up with seeing you and your drum kit almost everyday at the various venues..... and what a crack it's been too! It's so nice when you can gradually get to know your musicians rather than just playing a gig never to meet again. You and Terrah made me feel so welcome and even put me up on some kind of amazing 'go-go-gadget' blow up bed in your spare room after a night on the town. Cheers for that evening out - it was fun guys. See you next time for sure and will be in touch.

Thanks also to the other pros! The amazing Dave Isaacs and guitar, Brook Sutton on bass and of course Josh Carre and his bass - so good to get to know you boys better this time too. Thanks to all of you for making me and my songs sound somewhere near decent!!!!

Thanks also to Gary Hayes at Songwriters Anonymous for all your help and faith in booking me!

To all the Harpeth gang and anyone else I have met this time around and not included here.... please keep in touch and see you next time!



To the boys back in the UK (and Germany!).... already looking forward to finishing up that studio work and playing out of course! Thanks so much for your ongoing support guys.

Andrew James x

Well we're here in Nashville once again, not before managing to miss yet another flight just like our Poland trip! This time I'm blaming the US customs - who work at the speed of light.....NOT!

The last few days in and around Stratford saw myself and the guys play a great gig in Cox's Yard, a 10 hour day recording and editing at Paul's studio 'Rhythm Studios' and a last minute private event the same night we had to leave for Gatwick! Thank you lads! Thanks again to all the guys that came out to see us. We love to see you all!

I have one schedule change already here in Tennessee. I'll be playing with the band at FUEL tonight @ 6pm. The slot came up last minute and so I managed (with the help of the amazing Gary @ Songwriters Annonymous) to plaster my name all over it! Thanks Gary.

Jane Brock is also playing @ 8pm so please come down for a few beers and say hi!

I'll be in touch with another Blog entry in a few days.

Andrew.

A huge thank you to all those of you who managed to make it out to Cox's Yard last night.

Your ongoing support is the only way I can continue writing and performing live at venues. Your noise levels last night were absolutely amazing and made it impossible for us not to have a great time on stage!

Thank you for coming, thank you for singing along and we hope to see you again next time!

Of course huge thanks and respect to Derek, Al and Paul (the band!), whose experience and talent help me no end musically.

I will keep everyone aware of live dates as they come in. We are back at Cox's Yard on the 15th Feb 2008 so stick it in the diary if you please! It's a Friday too which is always more fun than a school night!

Photos will appear within the next few days on this site, MySpace and Facebook no doubt! Don't forget to check them out - you might see yourself!

Andrew James.

I'm headed back out 'Stateside' for one last trip of the year to Nashville. I just don't know what it is about this town that draws me back each time. I love the fact that as a songwriter you can get out and play every day of the week if you're so inclined - and whilst audience numbers may not be huge at every performance, whoever is listening always seems to be appreciative.

Maybe it's just the fact that traditionally it's such a country town, so to see the underground genres coming through stronger alongside the more traditional is quite exciting.

One thing that I definately 'get' is the fact that Nashville is a tough town to impress. Every musician, writer and performer (and his dog!) are there to try and 'get a break' - which means you really have to play your heart out everytime!

Anyway... thanks to all you guys especially Jane, Chris, Jesse, Bo, Rob, Josh, Brook, Lee Ann & Toni (and their crew!), not forgetting the whole Harpeth posse, who come out time after time to see us play. Thanks in advance to anyone I haven't met yet who is going to love seeing Jane Brock and me, Andrew James, play live early in December 2007!!!!

I'll see you all soon! x

OK so I've been a bit slack with the blog thing this time in Nashville but we were so busy!

I have to say a few 'thank yous'! Firstly to Jane Brock who coordinated every venue we played at and generally made the music happen out in Nashville! Jane you rock and thank you so much. Thanks also to Chris, Jesse and Bo Brock who are all legends in their own right! We all worked and played so amazingly well for two weeks - thanks to all at Brockers HQ and we hope to see you in the UK soon!

I must also thank Joy @ FUEL in town for booking me into a couple of your fantastic songwriter nights.

Thanks to Gary who sorted us out for playing the Crescent Cafe again with the band which was so cool... and cheers to Scott and his staff of lovely ladies behind the bar who are always so friendly and helpful!

DJ MOJO - how much fun was that radio interview?! Brilliant and thanks very much for having us on.

Thanks to Barb and Krys @ Rising Stars in Music magazine. Nice to meet you and thanks for the interview. Good luck!

Thanks to all at Cafe Coco where we had another great band gig, plus the honour of having a fair few from the Nashville Ballet sat at the back enjoying the music - was nice to chat to you guys after the show!

The band.... amazing guys! Rob, Josh, Brook and Dave thank you so much. Your musicianship is fantastic and you are all so easy to work with. Thanks also to Jesse Brock who played out with us on guitar a couple of times and is on the road to all sorts of success stories in music I'm sure.

A 'big up' to all at Harpeth High School too! You all know who you are and it was great to meet the lot of you. Friday night football was such a great evening and the marching band rocks! Good luck with that.

I cannot wrap this up without saying thanks to everyone who came out to listen to us, especially Lee Ann, Toni, Beth and Dorene for being so loyal whenever I'm in town! Lee Ann and Toni were proper die hard gig goers this time and made it out to see us far more than the call of duty! It's great to see you guys everytime - thank you. Last but not least, thanks to Mum and Dad. It was great to have you along for the ride this time and you always 'muck in' with whatever needs to be done. Love you both!

I guess all that remains to be said is please keep in touch with me and look out for dates and news. I'm out and about more locally and have plans on the boil for a few dates in Germany too. I'm looking forward to getting out and playing with the usual very talented suspects, who have also become good friends, Derek, Al and Paul and starting recording with these guys on the new album as soon as funds allow!

See you all soon.

Andrew James.

OK so I got here safe and sound, without getting pulled for speeding this time. They drive just so damn slowly on the motorways here it's wierd!

I had chance for one kip then straight out the next night for our first gig. We returned to the Crescent Cafe & Oyster Bar where we played last time back in July. Jane played the first set this time and I followed up with my set afterwards. It was more fun this time simply because I already knew the boys and therefore on stage was more of a laugh, quite apart from the fact that they played a blinder.

We're out and about over the next couple of weeks and we're playing Cafe Coco on Monday night after a spot on the radio tomorrow. Tonight we'll be popping in to a few venues about town so if you're reading this and local come out for a beer or two.

Special thanks to Lee Ann and Toni for coming out again and fighting me at the bar as to who was paying! See you guys Monday.

Please come out and see Jane, myself and the band on Monday night at Cafe Coco. We're looking forward to it.

Andrew.

Where do I start?!

First and foremost I must refer to my last blog where I mentioned that some lovely person wanted to fly us out to perform in Poland. I now know this person to be Mr. Eric Brown. Eric could not have looked after us better - either directly or indirectly through his various colleagues and connections in Lodz. We were 'wined and dined' (the former to the limit on Friday evening!!!!) and made to feel very special by everyone we met. So we must salute Eric..... thank you!

The stage (see images on my page) was right in the middle of a large street and the people seemed to enjoy our set. As well as Eric, we also met and traveled with two very talented guys called Ben and Simon who entertain people around the world doing street theatre amongst other things. I look forward to seeing you guys again!

All in all it was 4 days of non stop eating, drinking, performing and fun! Thanks to the Marshall and all of his fantastic staff who looked after us and once again to Eric.

Last but not least I thank Al and Derek for making me sound good on stage once again - and yes.... we missed you Paul! I am realising more and more how lucky I am playing alongside such talent and how much you can learn from guys who know so much more about what you do than YOU! Cheers boys!

Couple of days rest and off to Nashville - yee haa!

Andrew.

I have never really thought about visiting Poland, primarily because when I'm taking a holiday I prefer to get a little sun on my milk bottle skin!

However, having recorded an album in Budapest, Hungary (which I loved) I am now lucky enough to be able to say that music is to take me to a place called Lodz in Poland - a place I would never have seen had it not been for my love of writing songs, a fantastic group of musicans/friends that I play with and some lovely person that wants to fly us out there and stick us on stage!

We will be playing the main stage at the fantastic Lodz festival, which will be a great experience. Crucial to the whole trip coming about is Alan Maslen, who plays guitar for me (amongst others), as well as being a fantastic songwriter himself. In past years Al has been out to the festival with fellow musician Marion to entertain the crowds. In the event of Marion not being able to make it this year, Al has kindly invited the rest of us to go instead and play under the Andrew James banner! So, for that mate, I salute you (and Marion) - cheers!

So yet again I have somehow got a fantastic 3 night stay in a place in Poland that I have never heard of and I just can't wait to get out there to play, drink and be merry with my mates..... who also happen to be able to play instruments that make my songs sound better.... what a life?!

As well as Al, thank you also to Derek (bass player) for flying in from Germany which is extra hassle for him. Paul (drums) we will miss you this time mate - wish you were coming too!

More news as and when someting exciting happens!

Andrew.

Well now!

I have to say I did not think I'd be getting back out to Nashville quite so soon. However after a few conversations with my very good friend Jane who lives in TN, we decided we'd hit the venues in Nashville again!

You can see all the different dates and venues on my page, so all that really remains to say is how much I'm looking forward to the 'southern welcome' once more and to ask as many of you guys as possible to come out and see us again.... oh and huge thanks to Chris and Jane and all at Hotel Brockers!

Look forward to seeing y'all! Oh no..... the whole 'y'all' thing wears off on you!

Andrew x

Well, I guess this should be the final chapter on this particular visit to Nashville.

We are now safely home back in in the UK, but I'm still missing that Southern welcome one seems to get whilst across the pond!

We stopped in at DC on the way home for a couple of nights - yes it was a bloody long drive from Tennessee! Washington was a great place and we saw all the sights. However, you can't help but notice that, like our own London, you don't really meet anyone from Washington! It's such a transient place with so many people from so mnay places around the planet. This is in itself a wonderful thing but I have to say, I missed the 'real' people from the South!

I'm sure the 'real' people from just about anywhere in the world are each and every one as special as U.S. southerners, but it seems to me that finding locals (certainly in cities) seems to be quite a task. I'm not putting a 'downer' on any other part of the world.... just saying that (like my memory of the Southern Comfort crocodile wrestling advertisment says)..... "Southerners have their own rules"!

I cannot wait to get back over Stateside to play some more music. The weather is better than the UK, the petrol is a ridiculous price which enables me to continue my love affair with huge 4x4's and the people are fantastic! All that said........ I still love home!

Thank you to each and every one of you guys that came out to see us play in and around Nashville. You know who you are! We had an amazing experience and will be back for sure - just let me get some pennies together!

A huge thank you to the Brock family. See you very soon. Your kindness and warmth will not be forgotten.

Another huge thank you to Rob (he hits things with sticks and makes a lot of noise!) who was fantastic each and every time. Josh, who not only plays the bass like a bitch but sports an amazing amount of hair both on his head and face! Dave who frankly plays the guitar like an angelic devil and of course Jesse, who is already on the road to greatness inspite of making me feel old!

All in all, what an amazing experience. I salute you all for your support and hope to see you again very soon.

Please keep in touch,

Andrew James.

We made it!

I have to say these American guys are the friendliest people in the Universe.... well everyone we've met so far anyway!

Flight was fine but security was a bit of a nightmare thanks to the extremist activists who chose to attempt to blow up Glasgow airport the day before. However we made the flight and arrived at the hire car centre in Washington to collect our convertible Chrysler Sebring (whatever that is), only to find that they had decided to give us a bright red convertible Ford Mustang instead.... oh yeah! We had a great night in a hotel on the first night followed by the drive from hell the next day. We did about 470 miles attempting to find somewhere we actually wanted to stay. We had the misfortune of driving through a couple of terrible 'so called' tourist attractions which could only really be compared to Blackpool.... yuk. These places should probably remain nameless for now! However it was probably our fault for attempting to navigate our way on a 670 mile journey through three states armed with only an A4 print out from Google maps..... don't say anything, we know.

So far I have only been stopped for speeding once just outside Nashville, which means we were basically the fastest people on the 'freeway' for two whole days before having any kind of repercussions.... oops! Anyway the policeman was very nice and told me to slow down and enjoy our stay. Not sure how I managed avoiding a ticket in a Mustang with New York plates but I did - I think he was checking Fran out!

We arrived at the 'Brock' house to find a stunning looking place with a very friendly gardener keeping the place tidy. I did think it rather strange when the same gardener showed us round the house and helped with the luggage to the room. He then had a rather 'friendly' conversation on the phone with Jane and the penny dropped that it was infact her husband, Chris. Fran clocked him within about 3 seconds but those of you who know me will not be surprised that I failed to reconise someone I have only seen in real life for about 10 minutes in London last year.

Chris and Jane (and their boys Jesse and Bo) are fantastic people. We're having a great time here. It's the 4th of July today so obviously it's a bit of a mad day. We've got fireworks to see in a while and we've already seen Jesse play on stage at the local celebrations earlier today- it was very good by the way!

I'll write some more soon but for now be sure to know that we are sooooo enjoying spending time here with real people in a real town.

Andrew (and Fran) x

Well as many of you know from either talking to me or seeing the dates on my page, Fran and I are going to hop on a plane on Sunday and fly to Washington for the first leg of our trip out to play a few venues in Nashville with my mate Jane.

We've got the soft top booked and about 650 miles to cover over 3 days (Washington - Nashville) which should be a laugh - as long as Fran and I can refrain from the age old 'map reading' feud?!!

We'll make it down to Jane and Chris by either the 3rd or 4th of July, which means we'll be in time to see exactly what goes on 'down south' on Independence Day.... I know that'll be fun!

I've not got too much to say right now as I'm still sat in a rather rainy, wet Warwickshire, dreaming of our oversized, guzzling soft top complete with two great big horns attached to the bonnet (oh sorry.... I think it's called a 'hood' over there), Fran donning some kind of over-the-top head scarf and huge sunglasses, plus of course a 'ten gallon' for me.... well I did say dreaming?!

I'll be in touch for a regular update while we're away so please keep calling in to see how we're doing!

All those nice people in town already, who I've been chatting with, please come and see us play - be great to see you!

Back with more soon,

Andrew x

Thanks to everyone who came to Cox's Yard on 25th May!

We all had a great time playing on stage and you guys seemed to be having more fun than us! Personally I felt it was the best gig I've ever played - largely down to the crowd being fantastic!

Also a big thank you for the amount of money raised in the bucket for Derek's (bass player) 292 mile walk from Stratford upon Avon to London and back in aid of the Shakespeare Hospice. We managed over £200.00 between us which far exceeded my expectations. I know Derek is extremely grateful for your support and I feel sure his Mum will be smiling down on us all!

Keep an eye on Derek's MySpace because I believe he may keep some sort of Blog as to his progress and experiences along the way! You can find his sight in my Top 8!

See you all soon,

Andrew

Well we're all sorted to have a good bash through a couple of new numbers so that we can air them at Cox's on the 25th!

Me being me obviously means that I'm not really sure the songs are good enough but you can just play with things too long - if you know what I mean! So that said, I'm putting a couple of freshies in the set list and we'll see how they go.

Hope to see loads of people there. It's a great little place to drink and play, plus Gone Wrong Robot are playing which will be great.

Andrew.

Well.... a fantastic night had by all at Cox's Yard last night! Well done and full respect to Paul Johnston, founder of Rhythm Studios 21years ago (old git!) for hosting such a great night, packing the place out and managing to play drums for a few artists too - one of which was me, so cheers for that mate!

Lovely to see 'Big Derek' back from Germany to make an appearance playing bass for us. Thanks for coming mate and nice to see you as always. Looking forward to the next time!

Alan on guitar, spot on as ever. Thank you!

I've uploaded a video of 'Alone' on MySpace (see links page) from the night so check that out, plus a few photos too. The sound on the video is terrible because my little digicam can't handle all those vibrations from a live and loud gig - still.... you get the idea!

Be back soon!

Andrew.

Just to say a big thank you to all those of you who follow our movements and support us on our journey. We are so very grateful and hope you'll stick with us through 2007 when you will be seeing much more of us plus a fresh new album.

Merry Xmas and bottoms up!

Andrew.

Things seem quiet right now simply because I'm busy busy writing. We are back in the studio preparing more material for the album.

Enjoy Christmas one and all and you'll be hearing LOTS more from us in 2007!