I fell in love with somebody completely by accident, just by sitting beside them, is a great way to introduce a song. Andi Neate is an artist who is very obviously sincere in everything she does. She is a confessional singer-songwriter, singing songs about her life and dreams with three chords and an acoustic guitar.
She is accompanied by a tight, competent band of piano, double bass, drums and a female backing vocalist. The Jazz Bars grand piano lends a richness to the bands sound that most groups of this sort have to make do without, and with Neates muscularly feminine cornet-like voice, the aural effect is juicy, bordering on lush. On the upcoming gigs she promises string sections, trumpets and some new a capella songs.
There are jazzy hints in the arrangements, with some playful piano, brushed drums and one track with a shuffle rhythm recalling Van Morrisons Moondance or early Norah Jones. Mostly the music is in a familiar, soft rocking style.
The world of course is full of confessional singer-songwriters, and there is nothing new to be found in Neates music. Nevertheless, she is an engaging performer, and a lovely person, heart and soul: worth checking out, especially should you tire of the arch and arty, and find yourself after something a little earthier.
