Profile of Andy M. Stewart
FROM A FAMILY NOTED FOR ITS FINE TRADITIONAL SINGING
Called one of Celtic music's most gifted singers and arguably the best songwriter in the entire folk tradition, Andy M. Stewart has been delighting audiences with his music and humour for more than three decades. Born in Perthshire, Scotland, Andy grew up in a family noted for its fine traditional singing. He first drew the attention of the music world with his work as lead singer and instrumentalist for Silly Wizard, with whom he toured until their break-up in 1988.
Among The finest singers in the Scots/Irish tradition
Voice That Conveys Emotion
Self-penned gems such as “The Ramblin’ Rover”, “Golden, Golden”, “The Queen of Argyll”, and “Where are You Tonight, I Wonder” have become almost instant classics, and have been recorded by June Tabor, The Dubliners and Deanta, to name a few. As an accomplished banjo player, his ear for a good tune has been displayed in his arranging and composing abilities; a style that set the precedent for many an up-and-coming band in the ever-expanding world of Celtic music.
Known for his wicked wit and sterling live performances, Andy M. Stewart is among the finest singers in the Scots/Irish traditional genre, with a voice that “conveys more emotion in one line than most singers do in a lifetime.” (Beacon Herald)
Andy has recorded four solo albums, By the Hush, named Folk Album of the Year by Melody Maker Magazine, Songs of Robert Burns, Man in the Moon, and Donegal Rain, which was named Mojo’s Folk Album of the Month. He has also recorded three albums with Manus Lunny: Fire in the Glen (also featuring Phil Cunningham of Silly Wizard), Dublin Lady, and At It Again. He recorded eight albums with Silly Wizard and tracks from almost every one of his recordings appear on numerous compilations of Celtic music.
Here’s an audio clip of Andy M discussing how his career began in traditional music, and it coming full circle when touring Australia. credit to Kate Akers for the original recording.
