ANDY TAGGER
Pontecarlo

A figure on the folk scene since the 70s, when he toured the clubs of the day, particularly those of the South-West, his subsequent journey has taken him through school musicals and a unique performance at the Edinburgh Fringe. All of which has led back to his Yorkshire roots for his thoroughly enjoyable debut.

Andy announces himself with a break-up song, which encompasses, regret, acceptance and even a degree of hope. This is immediately followed by a track in which he professes his love and includes a proposal of marriage, so we have a degree of contrast from the start and both loss and love are themes that are returned to, with varying degrees of humour and self deprecation. Added to this are a couple of tracks that demonstrate a concern for his fellow man, those who have fallen on hard times and are living as best they can, and those who have had difficulties and loss thrust upon them.

Throughout the album, Andy accompanies himself with tasteful, accomplished and largely understated guitar work, which allow his lyrics to come to the fore yet add a layer of interest of their own. That said, there are guest appearances from a diverse range of instrumentation, including mellotron and grand piano, alongside further guitar and others, all supplied by multi-accomplished Danny Hepworth.

Whilst admitting to having been influenced by the great and the good of the songwriting family, and who wouldn’t enjoy a collaboration between favourites Leonard Cohen and Andy’s fellow Loiner (or Leeds Lad) Jake Thackray, there is a nod to his stated influences and to his love of musicals - finally expressed in song by ‘Lady Of The Dance’ which captures a number of his lyrical themes and sets them with an irresistibly toe tapping Latin American feel. Which leaves us with the title track. A fond celebration of the charms of his pseudonymous hometown and the vibrant nightlife his younger, carefree and possibly more foolish, if still lovelorn days in Pontefract. It’s an upbeat wryly lyrical evocation of Saturday nights under the plastic palm trees, weak lager and high hopes, though we are left wondering what exactly was a slice of Ponte Cake before the evening started - and just how naughty that was!!

A short but sweet introduction to Andy Tagger. At only 8 songs in total, but if you get the chance to hear them, then do take it!

Check out Andy at www.birnamcdshop.com/product/andy-tagger/