The Best Of Andy Fairweather Low - Sideman To The Stars

Andy Fairweather Low rose to prominence as Amen Corner’s lead singer.  The band had a string of hits in the 60’s, but they didn’t write songs.  Without income from publishing, they only made money when they played live.  There are two Amen Corner tracks on this collection: (If Paradise is) Half As Nice & Hello Suzy, which was written by Roy Wood.

Andy downplays his time with Amen Corner saying that he basically just showed up and sang. His first solo hit was the wonderful Wide-Eyed & Legless… a song he wrote about drinking.  A hit single wasn’t selling albums, and he was deeply in debt when punk hit, and his solo career was “done & dusted.”

Andy’s old friend, producer Glyn Johns pulled some strings to get him on a benefit show, and his unassuming nature lead to his ubiquitousness.  He played with most of the participants again.  Fairweather Low credits producer Johns with most of his impressive credits.  While it’s common for a producer to prefer to work with specific musicians—Fairweather Low points out that for a time, he was staying in Johns’ house which added proximity to his preferential standing.  Humility is part of Andy’s charm.  

Andy has said being a sideman was the first time he made any money.  He was in Eric Clapton’s touring band for over 20 years, & they backed George Harrison during the former-Beatle’s triumphant return to Japan in 1991.  He also toured with Roger Waters and David Gilmour (separately) and played and recorded with Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Steve Winwood, and Ronnie Lane & Pete Townshend (on their Rough Mix collaboration).

Andy got the call from Bill Wyman to record with both of his “super groups” Willie & The Poor Boys & Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, and was a member of drummer Steve Gadd’s The Gaddabouts (along with Edie Brickell).  

While he's primarily a rhythm guitarist, he played drums on Dave Edmunds’ Egg Or The Hen, & often provides background vocals.  Fairweather Low has struck out on his own again (at 77) with his backing group The Low Riders which are some of the best tracks on this compilation!

I don't think I've ever worked as long on the order of the tracks as I have on this tribute to Andy Fairweather Low, but I think I got it right.  If you enjoy it, his IN THE MIX is in the pipe!