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Andy Hill
“The Bard of Earby”
Singer-Songwriter


Andy Hill was born in Keighley in 1951.  He started playing guitar and singing in the 70’s performing contempory folk songs in some of the many folk clubs springing up at the time.  Nothing much happened until until Andy relaunched himself on the folk scene in 2004 when he began performing a mix of covers and a growing collection of his own songs.

“The first Folk Song that had any impact was seeing Pete Seeger performing “Little Boxes” on Blue Peter when he was about seven or eight.  Seeing what one man with a voice and guitar could do was a revelation.  Ralph Mctell and Tom Paxton were big influences.For many years Andy Hill has been entertaining audiences in Folk Clubs, Pubs, Hotels, Folk Festivals and Community Halls around the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.  He moved across the border in 2008 to immerse himself in the cultural maelstrom of East Lancashire.  
Andy is a regular entrant in the Ingleton Comic Song contest with self-penned songs covering topics such as a dog eating a marigold glove, a Rivet Salesman who wears womem’s underwear beneath his suit and the horrendous parking ticket machines they had in Skipton.

Andy’s serious songs include songs about Culloden, closed down mines, Irish immigrants and life.

With his easy-going style and accomplished guitar playing, Andy has introduced many to the delights of his songwriting talent, songs of social comment, love songs and songs that will make you laugh out loud.  Add in a generous helping of hilarious jokes and stories and you are sure of a wonderful time.
Andy’s “Skipton Car Park” song caused such an uproar that they had to change the parking ticket machines in Skipton!

In September 2010 Andy suffered a near fatal brain haemorrhage from which he almost fully recovered.  “Almost dying certainly helps to refocus ones life and just see what is important and what isn’t.  And every day is precious and should never be wasted.  Live every day as if it’s your last and one day you’ll be right!!  “Winning at Ingleton this year was a real milestone in my comeback.  It proved to myself and others that Andy’s Back!  And it returned the crown back to it’s rightful place.”

Andy lives in a small cottage in Earby with his wife Lynda and his two dogs.  He can be found every Thursday at the Station Hotel in Earby.  “It’s a real laid back night, no prima donnas, just friendly folk.  All levels of musicianship are welcomed and encouraged.  No entry fee and a free supper.  What more could you ask for?”



Credits

Folk Clubs, Sessions, Hotels, Charity Events etc.
Filey Folk Festival 2007.
BBC Radio Lancashire.
Ingleton Folk Festival 2008.
Haworth Arts Festival 2007.
BBC Radio York.
Topic Folk Club
Fresh Radio. 
Drystone Radio.
Ingleton Folk Festival Comic Song Contest 2005-Best Original Song. “Kenneth and Tyson”
Ingleton Folk Festival Comic Song Contest 2007- Over-all Winner and Best Original Song.- “Skipton Car Park”.
Ingleton Folk Festival Comic Song Contest 2008- First and Second place.-  “The Best Thing is Nobody Knows” and “Cowboy’s Alphabet.
Ingleton Folk Festival Comic Song Contest 2011- First place-  “Slap and Tickle”.
 

Andy has recorded three Cds of his own songs- 

“What E’er Tomorrow Brings” and “When I Sing Their Eyes Light Up!”  are now remastered on one CD, “Omnibus”.  

His latest album is “The Journey”.  He is currently writing new songs for his next CD.

andyhillmusic@btinternet.com

Youtube.com/andyhillfolk

Myspace/andyhillfolk





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