Heather Andrews Home

Many of us have seen Heather singing in OCD, alongside Calli, but she also writes original material and performs with her own band. We went to see them at a “Songwriter’s Showcase” at the Greyhound, Sutton at Hone – two bands playing 45 minutes of their own songs. First up was “Not Just Any Old Tom, Nick & Harry” – a four piece with Nicki on vocals, Tom on guitar & keyboards, plus bass and soapbox percussion – presumably one of whom was Harry. Quite well played, but because of the instrumentation a bit samey. Somewhat Fairground Attraction meets Beautiful South, and a bit too middle of the road for me. Still the final song about a mental health patient being given electro convulsive therapy certainly brightened the mood!!

The evening had not started well. After paying three quid to get in, we then found the pub had nearly run out of beer – no bitter, no Guinness, and half the lagers on strike (“Well Luv we’re moving soon – how about a cup of tea?”). Having found something drinkable, I then proceeded to spill half of it down Heather whilst saying hello. Still, she had dried out nicely by the second half when she and the band were on. Initially Heather on vocals and keyboards, Phil Richardson - guitar, John Park - drums, and Glen Campey - bass, but joined later by Neil, Dan, Ben, Sam & Claire on horns. Unlike the earlier band, all the songs were different – from the upbeat Start Something to the quieter Too Weak to Speak & Simon’s Song. Phil’s guitar was nicely understated, the use of an Ebow from Glen on a couple of songs added interest, and John’s drumming was particularly tight throughout. The brass arrangement by Neil in Some Guys was excellent. In OCD, Heather’s personality can be slightly eclipsed by the more lairy (sorry, extrovert) Calli. But here her smile and quiet, easy manner won the audience over very soon. And her vocals across the range were impressive. Heather’s songs are thoughtful and quite subtle and need to be listened to. For a live audience maybe she needs to intersperse a few more upbeat numbers, and because of this the band would not be the best for some pub audiences, who want to talk rather than listen.

However for those wanting to hear original music, played well, go and see them, and look out for the album soon - they are several notches above the average pub rock band. For gig and album details, check out www.heatherandrews.org

John Prance - September 2011

Photo by Iain Blacklock