WOMAD

Andy White & Allison Russell

From Canada, Ireland (Irish Republic)

Belfast born troubadour Andy White carries a 12 string guitar under his arm and wears his particular brand of Irish magic and charm on his sleeve. With the political edge of the young Bob Dylan or Billy Bragg, the romance of David Gray and the Celtic influences and lyricism of the Waterboys, an Andy White concert is a special experience.With nine internationally released albums and a book of poetry to his name, Ireland’s Hot Press Songwriter of the Year will be playing songs from his latest album BOY 40, as well as the best known songs from his back catalogue – ‘Religious Persuasion’, ‘Looking For James Joyce’s Grave’, ‘Street Scenes From My Heart’– all featured on his WOMAD Select album SPEECHLESS, recorded live at Real World studios.Andy most recently appeared in Spain at WOMAD Las Palmas, both as performer and musical director of the finale.Andy White is a singer-songwriter of and for our times. Documenting the world and its current chaos and beauty with remarkable insight. He has worked with the greats of Irish music – Donal Lunny, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor – co-written with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Neil and Tim Finn, been produced by John Leckie (Radiohead, Pink Floyd) and toured the world playing all the great rock and folk festivals, including WOMAD festivals in Australia, the US, South Africa, Singapore – and Spain.At WOMADRID, Andy is delighted to be playing with Allison Russell from Canadian group Po Girl on vocals, clarinet, penny whistle and banjo. Allison is an impassioned performer and natural musician. One wouldn’t expect such a strong presence from such a young singer, but Allison has a way of capturing an audience and holding them on the stage until the last lights die out. Her soulful voice is so powerful it is almost shocking.Andy and Allison met at Calgary Folk Festival queuing up to try to kiss Lucinda Williams, and have been firm friends ever since. They started writing and recording together in the Yukon, in the far north of Canada, earlier this year, and plan to release an album of these songs next year.