Andy Mayo - This Is For You

Published Friday 30th November 2007
Andy Mayo - This Is For You
Andy Mayo - This Is For You

STYLE: Jazz
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 25213-12685
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £4.99


Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Andy Mayo has been playing guitar since he was 12 and this is his second major CD (he also released a cassette album in 1993) which showcases his blues-influenced jazzy ballads. Working with longtime collaborator Nick Beston on saxes and the Serbian keyboard player Stan Mejerski (who engineered Mayo's 2003 album 'Dreams Of A Homecoming') Andy has put together a finely crafted set of songs which speak clearly of the Gospel and relate it to the experience of the man in the street (or the man in the jazz café, in this instance). His careful vocals mean that every word is heard and the diverse musical arrangements - particularly those which feature the aforementioned Nick Beston, and some achingly beautiful strings - are wonderfully produced. Some of the songs are obviously very personal and there are two or three which have a narrative style to equal the best of Tilbrook and Difford's work with Squeeze, "He Says He Loves Her" being a prime example. "Jazz Café" makes explicit an atmosphere which really pervades the whole album and into that atmosphere Andy sings the good news of Jesus with a forthrightness that hits the listener between the eyes. At a time when singer/songwriters are enjoying something of a renaissance, Andy Mayo's work is definitely up there with the best of them.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Reader Comments

Posted by dave @ 00:39 on Jul 16 2008

met him in wales, nice guy!



Posted by Helen Sheridan in Kingston, UK @ 15:15 on Jun 24 2008

Song of the saved - love it! It makes me rejoice in my salvation, and that fact that my heavenly Father said to this leper, this blasphemer "Come home". Great words in Flattered - brilliant song. And love the scriptures made into songs, which means I meditate on them! Good for the soul, and love the music, style. Could he get a commuter jazz slot at the South Bank sometime??



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.