“English pastoral acoustic rock of the highest order” **** R2 Magazine
Anthea Neads & Andy Prince represent a synergy of influences and complementary talents that combine to create a fresh and exciting psychedelic folk-rock sound. Anthea first began working with Andy - a renowned bassist and Chapman Stick player - on her solo material, released in 2010 on her debut album "Jars of Clay". This earlier material - some of which appears in the duo's current live set - demonstrates Anthea's sensitivity and ability to excel at tender and evocative folk-influenced vocals with a tinge of jazz and elicits comparisons to the likes of Sandy Denny and Jacquie McShee.
Anthea and Andy formed a writing partnership in early 2011 and have been performing as a duo ever since. They recorded and released their joint debut album "Penhayl" during 2011 to critical acclaim. Described by R2 Magazine as “English pastoral acoustic rock of the highest order ****”, Anthea and Andy’s joint sound is both innovative and somewhat reminiscent of English 60s folk-rock pioneers and the San Francisco summer of love scene. Anthea’s vocal sound has developed since her solo days and she has blossomed into a powerful and “refreshingly distinctive” vocalist who delivers the pair’s “love and peace with attitude” lyrics with passion and integrity.
Andy plays unique lyrical counter-melodies - using the bass as both a lead and rhythm instrument - influenced by the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Paul McCartney and Jack Casady. He transfixes audiences with his astounding musicianship whilst also providing warm harmony backing vocals. Andy is also an accomplished Chapman Stick player and has begun to use this versatile instrument in the duo's material (see www.andrewprince.net). To date Andy has released one beautiful instrumental Chapman Stick album, “Band of Rain” (under the name Andrew Prince), and is currently recording the follow-up.
Anthea and Andy’s live performances are a moving experience which take the audience on a journey which is uplifting, empowering, poignant and memorable. Their warmth, onstage humour and personal chemistry combine with passionate delivery and enthusiasm which draw onlookers into their world. Anthea and Andy’s lyrics - at various times rousing, idealistic, personal and universal - paint vivid pictures of their many travels, passions, experiences and ideals. Their anthemic new material strikes a chord and invariably has people singing along on first hearing.
You may also wish to visit www.andrewprince.net and www.rowanleafrecords.com
Photograph courtesy of Ryo Ishikawa - ryowxyz@googlemail.com tel: 07786 704651
Next gig: Tuesday 22nd May - Jagz, Station Hill, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9EG (duo headline set): music starts 8pm, in the bar, free