About Andy Cutting

Andy Cutting (born 18 March 1969 in Harrow) is an English folk musician and composer. Playing the melodeon, he won the Folk Musician of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2008. Cutting is a rarity. A musician's musician: a soulful and technically outstanding melodeon practitioner with an ear for a fine tune. Many of his tunes have been purloined along the way: some considered contemporary classics on the folk scene. But then, Andy is also a warm and emotive performer, modestly engaging his audiences with his self-deprecating wit and then flooring them with downright staggering musicianship. There are few melodeon players who put so much feeling into their playing, whether it be a set of dance tunes, or accompaniment to a slow English ballad. Andy has been consistent musical force since he came swiftly to prominence with the innovative Blowzabella. As well as a thorough grounding in the English tradition, Andy's influences extend way beyond these isles, particularly to the music of Central France and to the storming Quebecois tradition. These influences will be well-known to all those familiar with Andy's duo with English fiddle player, guitarist and singer, Chris Wood. Wood & Cutting have become one of the most influential, and enduring, duos on the scene; paving the way for the explosion of many of today's thrusting young newcomers. Andy's commitment to, and sense of pride in traditional music, as well as his sensitivity and understanding of the form, has made him one of the folk scene's most wanted. As well as his ongoing work with Chris, Andy is currently playing with Kate Rusby (both in the Kate Rusby Trio and Kate Rusby Band), The John McCusker Band, Blowzabella. Andy also does many recording sessions and occasional tours with the likes of June Tabor, Fernhill, Sting, Pete Morton & Chumbawamba...to name but a few. For more info, tourdates, cd's, etc. go to http://www.cutting-tweed.demon.co.uk/.