Last year the Andy May Trio (Andy May on Northumbrian smallpipes, Ian Stephenson on guitar, and Sophy Ball on fiddle) launched their debut album “About Time” at the Homegrown Festival in Bury as part of the English Folk Expo. It was an album we were impressed with enough to make a Featured Album of the Month. It also had a very well placed title as their guitar player and former member of KAN Ian Stephenson explained:
“Having been best mates for years, we’re rarely seen apart and can be found right at the centre of the healthy folk music scene in Newcastle Upon Tyne, so when it came to looking for a new project to focus on, the solution had been staring us in the face the whole time! When we announced the new trio, our friends and colleagues exclaimed “It’s About Time!” as if we should really have thought of this earlier. The music of North East England really excites us and we are passionate about finding hidden gems in the archives – particularly in old Northumbrian Pipes repertoire. Having played together unofficially for many years, there’s something about playing instruments with true friends that brings energy, spirit and fun to the music and it’s important to us that we communicate that fun to audiences both live and on the album”.
In his album review Neil concluded:
Andy May’s pipes can be rousing or soothing and are a joy to listen to; Ian Stephenson’s guitar and bass are dynamic and dependable, his melodeon delightful, and Sophy Ball’s fiddle is accomplished, adventurous and thoroughly enjoyable. However, with their abundant enthusiasm, a mutual empathy bordering on instinct and, above all, a collective passion for the music they play; it’s as a single, cohesive unit that the Andy May Trio shines brightest and About Time is the superb result.
We know many of you missed the opportunity to see the trio perform live last year so I’m sure the news of their new tour (dates below) will be welcomed. Here’s a reminder of why we think the trio are so special, this was filmed live at Sage Gateshead:
Andy May Trio Tour Dates
SEP 30 – The Guildford Institute, Guildford
OCT 01 – The Harrison, London
OCT 02 – Cambridge venue TBC, Cambridge
OCT 03 – Litton Village Hall, Litton
OCT 06 – Coquetdale Music Trust, Northumberland,
OCT 22 – Embleton Village Hall, Alnwick
NOV 12 – St. James’ and St. Basil’s Church, Fenham
More details and ticket links here: andymaytrio.com/gigs