The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Tuesday 8th November 2016

When Andy released the first ever naked Christmas music video it hit the national headlines, leading The Mirror newspaper to ask “Is this the best Christmas music video ever?” With the topics of his songs ranging from pandas to Luxembourg via Pot Noodle, Andy Twyman blends blues with humour and rock and roll to titillate your ears, mind and toes. Having already performed at Glastonbury Festival, on BBC Radio, and on Channel 4, Andy’s reputation is growing as a highly original emerging artist.

Andy first took to the stage aged 12 in pubs and clubs, with his guitar, voice and harmonica, often jamming with local musicians including Rory Graham (aka Rag and Bone Man). Before hitting 18, he had gigged as a solo act in top London venues including The Jazz Café and 100 Club. Driven to create a distinctive and exciting act, Andy learnt to play foot operated drums, giving his songs a beat to get people on their feet. Drawing on influences as diverse as Muddy Waters, Monty Python, the White Stripes and Noel Fielding he developed a one man band show. In recent years Andy has brought this show to Spain, the Netherlands and France, has performed twice on BBC Radio and on London’s Resonance 104.4FM, and has had articles written about his music in The Sun, the Mirror, and The Daily Mail newspapers. On Christmas Eve 2015, Andy's Christmas music video, 'A Naked Noel', was broadcast on Channel 4, and in 2017 Andy was interviewed on the London Live TV station to discuss his festival appearances and new live album release. When the summer arrives, Andy performs at festivals all over the country inducing laughter and dancing amongst the drunk and disorderly. He has performed at many of the biggest and best UK music festivals including Glastonbury, Beautiful Days, Standon Calling, and Green Gathering.  

Quotes

"The master of the one man band...a first class musician and songwriter"

Blues in Britain Magazine

"The audience realised they were in the presence of a real entertainer, a provider of a refreshing blast of new blues"

Blues Matters Magazine

“His guitar sounds either stoic like John Lee Hooker or grooves like Bo Diddley”
Wasser-Prawda (Germany)

"A one man band with edge...an excellent, versatile, contemporary singer songwriter that gives the blues a new take with humour"
Lancashire Blues Archive

"The audience were enthralled and entertained"

The Hastings Flyer

(photo credit: Laura Wispells)

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Harry Whitty is a 17 year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He grew up learning the piano and singing, then picked up the trombone at age 9. He started listening to jazz at around age 13 and, after hearing multi-instrumentalists like James Morrison and Jacob Collier, was inspired to learn as many instruments as possible and picked up drums, electric bass, trumpet and euphonium at around age 15.

His songwriting is inspired by many different artists such as Oli Rockberger, Theo Katzman, Jamie Cullum and Steely Dan. His debut EP entitled ‘Trying My Best’ features 5 original songs on a variety of topics, On the EP, Harry plays all the instruments as well as performing all the vocals. He can often be found gigging around Kent and London along with his band. He also works frequently with other songwriters such as Roberto Picazo. His second EP is due for release early 2018.

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Andy Evans is an accomplished performer and writer based in the south-east. Over the course of a varied career he’s supported acts such as The Stranglers, Gordon Giltrap and Racing Cars. Regularly playing both solo and with his band Nowhere To Hide Andy’s guitar playing skills mean he is also much in demand as a sideman. Expect a dynamic set with songs ranging from sensitive to foot stomping!

See his website for more information.

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Tunbridge Wells based singer / songwriter Mystery Clarke has established himself as one of the most captivating and charismatic soloists on the local music scene. He has been performing at The Grey Lady for many years now and he has recently been working with a host of top local musicians to form one of the most unusual bands in the area. A veritable super-group of experts in the fields of funk, folk and electronica - The Mystery Clarke Band are well worth investigating. You can find them on YouTube, FaceBook, SoundCloud and their own website. Influences include the phases of the moon and the changing of the seasons. And what is the mystery? See if you can find out! 

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