Andy Casserley

CD 'A Curious Age' - here are some reviews

Bob Taberner, 'The Folk Mag',

After Andy gave me a review copy of his new CD, I contacted him to point out that he hadn't included any contact details anywhere on the record. He quickly rectified this, but I'm left wondering: was it an oversight or was it modesty? Although he's been singing for about twenty five years, there have been very few opportunities to see him as a solo artist. More people know Andy as the lead musician of ceilidh band Captain Swing than as a singer. I can't help thinking that, if he was less talented and more pushy, he'd be a lot better known. Did he just reckon he'd need a few copies to sell at local gigs? The standard of the performances on this record would suggest that club organisers outside his home area would be interested. Andy plays more instruments than he could possibly carry to a booking and every instrument on the CD is played by him. His singing is distinctive without striving to sound different, he sounds in command of his repertoire, and there is never any sloppiness in his diction.

The first track sets the standard for the rest of the record. When Birmingham is a Seaport Town is a broadside text (about a proposed canal to link Birmingham to the sea) that's set to a lively tune. The wordiness of this song would defeat most singers, but Andy pulls it off impressively. Of the thirteen songs that follow, George Collins (unaccompanied), Searching for Lambs (with concertina), Jack Ashore (with melodeon), and The Dragoon and the Lady (with mandola) deserve special mention. He's not afraid to tackle big ballads and his version of Clerk Saunders is excellent. It's nice also to see some local songs - Game of All Fours comes from the wonderful George Dunn of Quarry Bank and Sealskin Jones, written by the late Geoff Hughes, should help put Oldbury on the map. Finally, to complete the picture, there are three instrumental tracks including the set of slip jigs that Captain Swing use for the dance Sir Roger de Coverley. However, this time it's Andy multi-tracked, but sounding just as tight.

If I were Andy, I'd get the car serviced ready for some gigs further afield.

Steve Leach, 'Shreds and Patches',

Just like being at a good folk club. Tha was my first thought on listening to this CD and listening again and again brought no change. It is just like a very good folk club and that is meant as a very real compliment. Good songs, well sung, with pleasant accompaniment stated just strongly enough to complement the songs not overlay them. . Really nice!

The collection begins with a 'local' song from Birmingham from a broadside sheet, set to a morris tune. Andy has to work hard to get all the words in but there again, this is folk music, eh? Andy Casserley shows a wide range of instrument playing, including the concertina (fingers full of notes in English style) and melodeon. He is admirably assisted by his mates on a variety of instruments, including the sax.... (Actually, this isn't true. Every instrument on the record, including the sax, is played by Andy)

I want to talk some more about the songs because they are great and I want to sing some of them myself'!

The collection begins with the Birmingham song and continues with a lovely version of George Collins from the Penguin Book. It is nice to hear standards thus treated. Master Kilby is a lovely combination of Andy's voice and concertina. I was sad when it came to an end. She wasn't the only one asking for more! This is followed by a 'thrash' with his mates, in the guise of a couple of slip jigs. But why the compulsory sax? Nice song follows, God will judge us all...' especially sax players.

The sleeve notes are good. I particularly liked the little bits of humour in the research, I agree, why did she have to be naked for the song to work? Where did she keep the knife? Listen to the CD and you will see what I mean. More nicely selected songs follow and for me the set is nicely rounded off with Lord Nelson's Hornpipe which is excretorily warm. There are another two tracks on the CD, the last (and best by far) of which is the Wedgbury Colliers' Hymn. A hummer of a story!

I will say it again, just like a good folk club and good for all that. Now the crunch. Would I buy the CD? Would I swap my hard earned cash for the thing? In brief, I would. Why? Because it's real, warts (and saxophones) and all.

Green Man (USA),

At the end of the day, it's all about the singing, and Mr. Casserley possesses a wonderful voice that is immediately arresting. His deliveries are unhurried, not overly metered and very tuneful.

More on Andy

Andy has been performing historical and traditional music in folk music clubs, festivals, schools, and hospitals and at private events for over 30 years.

He now works for Birmingham Music Services as perapatetic vocal skills teacher and also at Haden Hill House as a Living History Leader.

For the last 20 years he has played nationwide with folk dance band Captain Swing and is no stranger to recording studios having played on the Captain Swing album "and Other Likely Stories".

He released his first solo album "A Curious Age" in March 2003. His second cd A Mass of Money, Linen, Silk and Starch was completed in March 2008. He has performed as a session musician on other artists' albums and on radio on numerous occasions.

Since turning professional in April 2002, He has completed various courses including one ran by Sound It Out in Birmingham on providing music in healthcare settings.

He is proficient on many types of instruments, woodwind (clarinet, saxophone, recorder, flageolet), strings (mandolin, mandola, banjo, dulcimer,) and free reed instruments (concertina, accordion, melodeon). He also has a basic knowledge of guitar and piano and can supply a variety of percussion instruments.

He is in possession of a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure, enabling work with children and vulnerable adults.

Please feel free to contact him regarding workshops, concerts or talks, either as a one-off event or as a regular session.