Andy Griggs photo by David McClister, courtesy of Montage Music Group.
When Andy heard about the team being assembled at new label Montage Music Group, he knew he would be in the right place. And feeling like a kid fresh out of Sunday school on a beautiful afternoon, he set out to find a new producer to help him celebrate and embrace his newfound musical freedom. A fellow co-writer at his publishing company Hori Pro, Frank Myers, helped him produce a couple of demos, and Andy quickly recognized the chemistry the two began to have in the studio.
"I’ve always been a fan of Frank Myers’ songwriting and the way he produces demos. We wrote a couple of songs together. Frank produced them, and I just fell in love with his production. So by the time I signed with Montage, Frank was at the top of my list to produce my new album. We recorded a couple of songs, and as soon as I watched him work in the studio I remember telling my manager Donny, 'That's my producer.' And we went to work on the new record."
The new album covers plenty of ground musically, from barn-burning rockers and retro-feeling story tunes to soul-searing ballads and bonified weepers. Andy translates each tale perfectly, channeling his bluesy, soulful side on tracks like "All About the Money," a cautionary tale about the root of all evil, and "Long Way Down," a wailing good time of a tune about the power of a woman’s charms. His crystal clear vocals weigh heavy with anguish on "What If It’s Me," a song about a man who finally realizes why his relationships keep crashing and burning, as well as on the power ballad "Tears And Time." And contemplative cuts like "If You Had Called Yesterday" and the masterfully written "Time Is A Gypsy" find Andy testifying in the bittersweet tones of a man who has crossed that line of no return in a relationship. He even channels a bit of his inner Elvis on "You Can’t Drive My Cadillac," a fun, rockabilly-tinged ode to the American classic that lets a woman know just how far she can push her man. And he proves he can still rock with the best of them on the self-penned "Long Stretch of Lonesome," a pounding, thumping backbeat of a Waylon tune that is an unapologetic love song to the open road and its unfettering promise.
Andy Griggs photo by David McClister, courtesy of Montage Music Group.
A fitting close to the record is Andy’s cover of the old 70’s LeDoux classic, "New Orleans Ladies." Laid down not long after Hurricane Katrina hit his home state, Andy felt it a proper way to pay tribute to the Louisiana roots that factor into his sound so heavily. The moment he playfully challenges, "Hey Y’all, Check This Out," in the opening notes of the new CD you know that you’re in for some serious fun and entertainment. That was exactly the hardworking singer’s goal in making the record he’s always wanted to make.
"I’m very excited about this project," says Andy. "Because this is me. This is the real me. I’m anxious to see what people think of it. As far as all the records that I’ve recorded, I’m definitely more proud of this one than anything else that I’ve ever been a part of. I really went with my instincts more than ever on this one. When I was stressed making my second album, Waylon used to tell me, ‘Andy you’re not curing cancer. Just listen to your heart and soul, and go with your gut feeling. And always remember that your whole career is based on three minutes of a song.’ And you know, putting it in that kind of light, Waylon’s right. It starts with a good song, and it ends with a good song."
