Andy Fairweather Low – The Invisible Bluesman
Label: The Last Music Company
Release date: February 2025
Can’t Miss Tracks: Rollin’ & Tumblin’, Baby What You Want Me To Do, So Glad You’re Mine
Andy Fairweather Low: The Invisible Bluesman
Andy Fairweather Low, a name synonymous with British music history, is finally stepping into the spotlight with his latest release, The Invisible Bluesman. While his career has spanned decades, full of incredible collaborations and contributions, it’s time to recognize the man behind the curtain. In this post, we explore Andy’s fascinating journey and the remarkable significance of his newest album.
From Amen Corner to Solo Stardom
Andy Fairweather Low first gained fame in 1967 as the frontman for the Welsh pop-soul band Amen Corner. Their hit cover of Bessie Smith’s “Gin House Blues” marked the beginning of what would become a colorful career in music. However, the band quickly transitioned into pop, scoring hits like “Bend Me Shape Me” and “If Paradise Was Half As Nice”. Despite the band’s commercial success, Amen Corner disbanded in 1970, leaving Andy to find his own path.
With his next venture, Fairweather, he hoped to regain some musical credibility but found limited success. After a hiatus, he returned to the music scene in the mid-70s as a solo artist, with his heartfelt hit “Wide Eyed and Legless”. During this period, Andy forged relationships with some of Britain’s most iconic figures in music, including producer Glyn Johns and legendary musicians like Eric Clapton, Georgie Fame, and Bill Wyman.
A Career Defined by Collaborations
Over the years, Andy Fairweather Low’s talents as a guitarist and singer made him an in-demand collaborator. He worked with a stunning array of artists, including BB King, Bob Dylan, David Gilmour, Van Morrison, Mick Hucknall, The Who, Joe Cocker, and hundreds more. Perhaps most notably, he became a mainstay in Eric Clapton’s band, contributing both on stage and in the studio.
Despite his impressive resume, Andy’s own solo work often went under the radar. However, with The Invisible Bluesman, Andy finally embraces his blues roots and presents a work that celebrates his expertise as a blues guitarist and his unique vocal style.
The Invisible Bluesman: A Musical Homage
The Invisible Bluesman is Andy’s first full-fledged blues album. Featuring 12 tracks, the album includes covers of blues and rock ‘n’ roll standards originally recorded by legends like Junior Parker, Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters and Carl Perkins. Andy’s renditions of these classics give them a distinctive twist, showcasing his deep connection to the genre and his mastery of the guitar.
The album also features a poignant return to “Gin House Blues”, the track that launched his career nearly six decades ago. This updated version brings full circle the beginning of Andy’s journey and solidifies his rightful place within the blues pantheon. The rest of the album highlights Andy’s talents as both a vocalist and a guitarist, with notable collaborations from musicians such as Dave Bronze (bass), Chris Stainton (keyboards) and Paul Beavis (drums).
A Master of Blues Guitar
For many years, Andy’s credentials as a bluesman were overshadowed by his pop success with Amen Corner and his many years spent backing other legends. Yet, his expertise as a guitarist has always been rooted in the blues. The Invisible Bluesman finally gives fans a chance to hear him front and center, where he truly excels.
The album’s opening track, “My Baby Left Me”, sets the tone for the collection, with Andy’s soulful voice and effortless guitar work drawing the listener in. Other highlights include a raucous rendition of “Rollin’ & Tumblin’” and a scorching version of “Bright Lights Big City”, showcasing Andy’s ability to make the blues his own while paying homage to the greats.
The Man Behind the Curtain
Despite the widespread success and collaborations, Andy has often played the role of the supporting musician, always in the background while others take the spotlight. This is why the title The Invisible Bluesman is so fitting – Andy has spent decades making incredible contributions to music, but often goes unrecognized for his own talents.
Now, at 76, Andy is stepping into the limelight, delivering an album that highlights his undeniable skill as a blues musician. The Invisible Bluesman is not just an album; it’s a tribute to a life dedicated to the music, a life where Andy’s contribution as a guitarist, singer, and collaborator has shaped the sound of countless iconic artists.
Recognition Long Overdue
Andy’s Invisible Bluesman album is currently one of the top-selling jazz and blues albums in the UK, a testament to the growing appreciation of his talents. For those who may not have fully understood his significance in the music world, this album is a reminder of the legacy Andy Fairweather Low has created over the years.
With his humble yet passionate approach to music, Andy has remained a favorite of musicians and fans alike. His skillful playing and deep understanding of the blues have earned him a special place in music history, and with The Invisible Bluesman, he finally takes the front-and-center position he so richly deserves.
Conclusion: The Bluesman Who Was Never Invisible
Though Andy Fairweather Low may have called himself “The Invisible Bluesman,” the truth is that his influence has been anything but hidden. From his work with Eric Clapton to his collaborations with B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and countless others, Andy has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Now, with The Invisible Bluesman, Andy shows the world exactly why he is one of the most underappreciated blues guitarists of his generation. The album is a celebration of his musical journey and his unshakeable commitment to the blues. If you’ve yet to discover Andy Fairweather Low’s talents, The Invisible Bluesman is the perfect introduction.
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