On February 5th 1969 a welder on the River Hull died suddenly from a heart attack. Two weeks later was his 9 year-old son’s birthday who got surprise tickets for the front row of the Glen Miller Band - then led by Buddy DeFranco. His older brother had already taken the train to Southampton to meet his ship sailing for New Zealand.
Andy Welsh recounts this life tragedy in the NEW SINGLE “February” released 5th February 2025.
“...and tickets for the front row of Buddy DeFranco” lyrics “February” by Andy Welsh
“A life-changing experience of bereavement and music” says Andy. “I pigeon-holed the bereavement and threw myself into the music”
This is the third single since Andy moved back up North from a mod career with The Scene in London’s East End. He has brought together a set of other oldie muso’s and a young hip studio to carry on the musical life.
Lyn Acton & Simon Hart from 90s acid jazz festival freaks Pearls Cab Ride are joined by blues harp supremo Pat Missin, phoning it in from Ohio. This is Andy’s Modernist Blues.
“It’s not a checklist of boxes - but back in the day the music press seemed to hate the mod revival bands. What were we doing? Taking the blues from the states and mixing it in London. Media called it Mod but before that they called themselves Modernists - - you ask em” says Andy in his Hull HQ - the Psychedelic Shack of his mate’s film business.
“The video incorporates everything that was in my life at that time I guess. Including the importance of my Wembley Trophy football - it had nine lives - whenever they burst you could melt the hole back with an iron.”
“...a Wembley Trophy football I could call my own” lyrics “February” by Andy Welsh
First single Feel Good, released in 2023, now has a festival-winning feature docco of its recording and is on blu-ray at Detour Records. This was about the thrill of a new relationship whereas All About You in 2024 told of his earlier divorce.
“Even if you’re 21 you’re writing about your experiences. Whilst I’m still writing I will keep recording and releasing records. The hooks and riffs and catchy tunes - the secret to writing is tell the truth” says Andy.
That truth for one of the band was that a week before recording their own dad had died.
The music video was shot in Hull, featuring the actual shipyard where Andy’s dad worked and along the street from Elements Studios, where “February” was produced by Pat Dooner, from The Broken Orchestra.
ANDY WELSH “FEBRUARY” OUT Feb 5th on DETOUR RECORDS
FEATURES
February
February (Alternative Mix)
