TURN off and tune in is the overriding message in the latest album from local singer, songwriter and musician Andrew Yeadon and musical partner and sister-in-law Moray Nellis.
The album, The Beast Below, which has been more than two years in the making, was released this month.
Mr Yeadon, who lives in Startforth, is well known in Teesdale, not only as an accomplished musician but for his work setting up and running the TCR music project in Barnard Castle, which he managed for 16 years.
The idea for the album was conceived ten years ago and delves into the question of whether we are too reliant on modern technology.
Mr Yeadon, who has been active in music for over 30 years and has performed at venues across the UK and Asia, said: “Unlike a lot of my early work which used electric guitars and keyboards, this album is entirely acoustic. It’s a kind of back to basics approach.”
The all acoustic album features 14 original tracks drawing on Mr Yeadon’s wide range of influences from folk Americana to electronic dance. It features some of the North’s best musicians including Mick Shoulder on double base, Adam Sinclair on drums and Phil Hughes on violin.
Mr Yeadon added: “Originally Moray sang a few of
the backing tracks on the CD and we gave out a few samples to see what people thought.
“They all said they wanted to hear more of her, so we went back into the studio.”
Ms Nellis now features on many of the tracks on the album including the title song, The Beast Below and When the Electric’s Gone.
“When I came up with the idea for the album I just got really busy what with running the Hub and with family that it just sat on the back burner,” added the musician, who is now a freelance music teacher and producer.
“We recorded the album entirely at the Hub and having the facilities there is great.
“It was definitely a step up from where I recorded my first one – in a barn in Wales in 1998.
“The new album has sold really well so far as we’ve been, ironically, able to use the internet for its distribution and promotion.”
The Beast Below is available to purchase both as a CD from a variety of outlets in Barnard Castle including the Teesdale Mercury shop for £10, or by download from all the usual online stores as well as from www.andrewyeadon.co.uk
People can also listen to sample tracks from the LP on the site.
They will officially launch the album at The Witham on Saturday, October 27, when Mr Yeadon and Ms Nellis will be playing support to special guest, Ady Johnson.
