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 two 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. It was while Andy was in the Wizards that he gained much recognition for his beautiful interpretations of the traditional songs of Scotland and Ireland and also became known as a master of songwriting in the traditional style. For several years after "The Wizard" broke up, Andy toured with Manus Lunny, fantastic Irish singer and instrumentalist.
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.
Andy M. Stewart and Gerry O'Beirne, touring partners since 1991, have been stunning audiences with their fantastic combination of musical talents. They teamed up for the "Man in the Moon" and "Donegal Rain" albums, Gerry lending his magical instrumentalism and producing skills to Andy's stellar song-writing, arranging and singing.
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 his most recent release, Donegal Rain, Mojo's Folk Album of the Month, Jan. 1998. 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.
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)
"Stewart has the knack of writing direct, effective and memorable songs as well as singing them with taste and style."
-Barton Evening News
"…his (Andy M. Stewart's) songs and his singing have deep Celtic roots and touch sensitive emotional chords."
The Scotsman Magazine
"As a member of Silly Wizard, he (Andy) wrote stunning originals such as "The Queen of Argyll", "The Valley of Strathmore", and "The Ramblin' Rover." His is as much at ease with a heart-rending ballad such as "My Heart Belongs to She" or "If I Never Spend a Morning Without You" as he is with lighter fare such as "Take Her in Your Arms."
The Columbus Dispatch
"Andy M. Stewart is among the finest interpreters of Scottish Folk songs and a wonderful songwriter."
The Boston Globe
| 
|