Chatburn top folk artist to perform at The Grand

Andy Oliver is not just the singular being of Andy Oliver himself, but a song writing duo comprising of Andy and Jim Ellel.

Andy has been producing marvellous melodic melancholy from his rural Ribble Valley retreat for some time now, and causing a stir on the Internet.

The band released their first single Save the Last Dance For Me on iTunes at the end of April.

“We released the single which topped the iTunes songwriter chart which features artists such as Ray lamontagne, Damien Rice, Paul Simon and many more,” Andy explained. “The week we released we were above Adele and a few others.”

Darwen-born Jim grew up in York Village, near Langho, and was educated at St Augustine’s RC High School.

He started playing the guitar aged 15, and from the moment he could string three chords together, began writing songs, and played in the Lancashire-based bands The Wire Monkeys and The Rising.

A couple of years ago, Jim built a studio with the hope of creating music for television and film.

He has a strong lyrical style of writing, rich in acoustic riffs and catchy hooks.

Andy, who was born in Hartlepool, worked professionally as an actor from a young age, appearing in “Byker Grove”, “55 Degrees North” and “Grubs”.

He battled alcohol addiction and it was this that spurred him to turn a life-long love of music into an escape and a coping mechanism.

His songs are written about his struggle, and the people who helped him.

Now living in Chatburn, and married to award-winning actress Janet Bamford, who grew up in Chatburn before going on to carve out a career as a top theatre and television actress.

Andy met Jim after he rewired his house. They began talking and Andy played him a few songs. Jim came to play at a gig and they started working together on their debut single.

The Clitheroe gig is being utilised as part of the duo’s album song selection process.

“We are just finishing the album and are previewing the tracks from it on the 30th,” said Andy.

For future gigs and news fans can sign up to the band’s Facebook page (andy oliver music) or go to their website www.andyoliver.co.uk.

Doors open at The Grand at 7.30 p.m., stage 8 p.m. (Tickets £5 adv).