HARVEY ANDREWS – Writer Of Songs (HASKA:CD:003)

The nice thing about writing reviews in 2012 is that time is irrelevant. By that I mean I can write a review of an album recorded years ago and it will still appear as fresh today as it was then to a new set of enthusiastic internet savvy readers. Such is the case with Harvey Andrews debut album and it still remains as glorious now as it did in 1972. From the opening track “Hey! Sandy” projecting the point of view of oppressed students (much as they are now) and the charmless sentiment conveyed in the bruising lyrics of his classic but never more relevant “Soldier”…yes, we have much to thank Andrews for in not holding back when it came to a war of words and these two songs on there own are worth purchasing the album for. A quick name check of some of the guest musicians (a veritable who’s who of the ‘folk’ mafia at the time) should also wet the appetite including as it does Ralph McTell, Danny Thompson, Dave Pegg, Dave Mattacks and Rick Wakeman. Talking of Mr Wakeman, it’s his beautifully restrained introduction before succumbing to the cheeky-chappie ‘pub piano’ approach on the track “Boothferry Bridge” that makes sure the listener is engaged throughout the song…clever but unexpected. And that’s only three of the numbers. This recording is a ‘true’ classic and definitely a must-have for the shelf of anyone who claims to be a follower of ‘folk’ music.

PETE FYFE

Artist’s website: www.harveyandrews.com