The Cary Grace Band and Music of the Andys @ The King Arthur, Glastonbury 30.9.2016 (part 1)

Through England’s green and pleasant land we wended our way to Avalon and that magical edifice of fine beverages, good people and sublime music..... the Arthur. I love the Arthur, such a great venue. Tonight we'd been drawn by two incredibly groovy bands: The Cary Grace Band supported by The Music of the Andys.

We'd arrived in Glastonbury in good time, which afforded us the opportunity for a drink before the gig and to soak up the atmosphere; we always meet nice people in the Arthur, real people, interesting people. So, we'd no sooner sat down when we were joined by a incredibly smiley woman, who proceed to communicate with us through exaggerated facial and hand gestures, all interspersed with the occasional incoherent mumble before finally, still beaming, proudly stated, 'Frome!', 'literally, from Frome!'. Later we learned her name was Annie, and she was literally, from Frome. Annie was a sweetie, yeah, she was caned, pinched sips of our drinks, spilling some on us, but she was a gentle soul and it was a pleasure to spend time with her.  Soon though it was time to leave Annie 'literally from Frome', and enter the musical world of the Andys. 

Music of the Andys are a two piece: Andy Roger on keys, synths and all things buttony and Andy Burrows on guitar. And, man, do they create a sweet sound or what! We'd seen them in Bournemouth only a couple of weeks previously and  were blown away. We couldn't believe our luck that they were supporting The Cary Grace Band. How best describe the Music of the Andys? Well, they're a bit like this.... Tonight Andy Roger again looked studious as he moved between innumerable keyed and buttoned devices, pushing this, flicking that and twiddling t'other, like some mad musical professor. But, man, did he create some magic, as from his devices he birthed a multitude of spiralling musical galaxies before turning them into atmospheric fractal soundscapes you could immerse yourself in. Pure bliss, you couldn't help but smile.  No wonder he looked studious though, it must be mental, he has more buttons than a pearly king; I wouldn't know where to start. Now, Andy Burrows, there's a fella who knows how to make the most of a guitar, his fingers blurred up, down and across the fretboard, performing some top shelf noodling. But that's not all, Andy (B) didn't just play the guitar, he turned it into something else, tapping it, stroking it, doing whatever was required to achieve the sound desired. And, man, did it work, he gave Andy Roger's swirling soundscapes focus and direction with some of the most excellent and understated guitar work you'll see, making it look easy.  Together they took us via floaty hypnotic drone and noodle on a journey through their tripped out and trancey musical imaginations. Or as Andy Roger described it.....Andient, and he'd know. Nice! It was far out, man, and the audience showed their approval with hearty applause. Both the Andy's too, appeared to have had a good time, having a laugh and a bit of banter. At one point getting a bit punk rock when Andy (B) appeared to spit his plectrum at a Andy (R), oi oi! It's always nice to see performers enjoying themselves. All too soon though, it was over. I for one could have listened to more, their music is so engaging and immersive and I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that. A top set, from a top band on what was shaping up to be a top evening. I can't recommend enough that you get and see them, I guarantee you wont be disappointed. To sample their magic, check out 'the goose of perception' on their bandcamp page. Big up the Andy's!

Now, you'd be right to think that that would be a top night on it's own, which it would, but they were the support.  Next was: The Cary Grace Band.