Andy Cutting

Andy Cutting (BBC R2 Folk Award Winner Best Musician 2008 and 2011) is a rarity: 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 is 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 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 Chris Wood and Wood & Cutting became 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 is one of the folk scene's most wanted, playing with Kate Rusby, John McCusker and Under One Sky to name but a few. There is also a growing demand for him to play outside this genre, having recorded with Sting, John Illsley (Dire Straits) and most recently was asked to join The Who for an acoustic concert in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

As well as his ongoing work with Chris Wood, Andy is currently working with Martin Simpson, June Tabor and Blowzabella.

andy-cutting.co.uk