Andy Fairweather Low & The Lowriders
Album: Zone-O-Tone
Label: Proper
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.andyfairweatherlow.com

Andy Fairweather Low has worked with some of the world's greatest recording artists including Bob Dylan, Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Gilmour, The Who, BB King, Joe Cocker, Steve Winwood, and Bill Wyman.

The seven million people who bought Eric Clapton's Unplugged album and the countless more who saw the MTV Unplugged TV show experienced the work of Andy Fairweather Low, who served as Clapton's backup guitarist/vocalist.

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Fairweather Low formed Amen Corner in the mid-'60s, for which he served as lead singer. The group scored six U.K. hits from 1967 to 1969, the biggest of which was the number one "(If Paradise Is) Half as Nice."

At the start of the Seventies, Fairweather Low retired for several years, but returned as a solo artist in 1974 and made a series of albums through 1980, reaching the U.K. Top Ten with the singles "Reggae Tune" and "Wide Eyed and Legless." Gradually, however, he began to work as a sideman to more prominent British musicians, notably ex-Pink Floyd leader Roger Waters.

He toured Japan with George Harrison and Eric Clapton in 1991 and has since been part of Clapton's backup band. Fairweather Low began touring with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings and, in 2006, hit the road again with Waters for the Dark Side of the Moon Tour.

"Zone-O-Tone contains twelve new songs I've written that were inspired by the music of Stax and Atlantic soul, The Four Aces, Josef Locke, Johnny Kidd, Lonnie Donegan, The Shadows and many more. I am of my time, so are the songs and so is this album!" says Andy.

His disc exudes "cool". If you are looking for screaming guitar solos and the like then look elsewhere.

It is a perfectly crafted album which shows Andy and his band to be in fine fettle and highlights his versatility with a wide range of songs calling on his many influences.

Joining Andy is Paul Beavis on drums (Thea Gilmore, Robbie Macintosh & Sunday All Over The World), Nick Pentelow on saxes and clarinet (Roy Wood, Roger Chapman and Gary Moore) and long standing associate Dave Bronze on bass (Clapton, Concert For George, Dear Mr Fantasy tribute to Jim Capaldi).

From the catchy opener Dance On to the hymn-like waltz Love, Hope, Faith & Mercy, this is an album that repays repeated listening as you discover the hidden depths within.

Stand out tracks are Roll Ya Activator, Hard Way to Go and the penultimate Blood Toys but in truth there are few low spots - the over-production on Breakin' Chains being the one exception.

Andy Fairweather Low and the Lowriders are currently touring - if you get a chance to see them you'll most certainly get in the "zone".

John Knighton