Andy McGarvie

‘Black Dog sounded shit on piano, so I learnt guitar.’ It’s hard to resist the appeal of Andy McGarvie’s mischievous candour, and it’s a characteristic that underpins his latest EP, “The Blues Will Get Me Through”. An ode to the genre that inspired him, 'The Blues Will Get Me Through', is a record of enthusiastic devotion to his jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n roll roots. The 4-track EP tells the tale of a world-wearied journeyman finding resolve and redemption in music and love. Guitar led grooves are set to a back drop of Hammond organ and funky bass hooks, punctuated by trademark riffs and licks from McGarvie’s six-string. As a lyricist McGarvie’s words are sparse and carefully chosen, sometimes finding it easier to let his guitar do the talking. When it comes to his technical ability on guitar he stands alone, if on occasion he is accused of being overly indulgent it’s only because he can. However, to assume that these are songs for the musical elite is a mistake. Introspective yet inclusive, McGarvie’s music will find resonance with both the music aficionados and the casual listener. His songs can be soft and disarming at times, at others, raucous and exciting; The Blues Will Get Me Through will warm the heart and move the feet. The EP comes as a culmination of a lifetime of dedication to the craft of song writing and making a living as a journeyman musician. McGarvie cut his teeth playing Melbourne’s vibrant music scene, playing numerous bars under a variety of guises. Predominantly as a lead guitarist McGarvie featured in acts including Effigy of Now, The Matt Walters Band, Nicholas Roy, The Gabriel Lynch Band and Bobby Flynn. It is under his own moniker, however, that McGarvie really honed his craft, finding the liberty to truly express himself. “The freedom to take the songs anywhere I want is something I love” he explains. This freedom is never more evident than during one of his live performances. Old songs take new form and McGarvie cuts a captivating figure on stage; a wild man on guitar with a vocal delivery that shifts between a velveteen croon and snarling war cry. What’s certain is that regardless of commercial success, radio airplay or recording contracts McGarvie isn’t giving up. With the kind of devotion that saw him tour Australia the day after a bike accident, playing gigs on crutches with a makeshift gladwrap tourniquet round his thigh, you can be sure that if you go looking you’ll find Andy playing. ‘If I lost my house in a gambling bet If I lost my friends cos of things I said If you won’t come when I call baby Well the blues will get me through’ - Andy McGarvie,‘ The Blues Will Get Me Through’ Official Facebook page for Andy McGarvie and band. andymcgarvie.com andymcgarvie.bandcamp.com youtube.com/AndyMcGarvie soundcloud.com/andymcgarviemusic