‘Let’s Talk About Me’, ‘I Hugged My Mate’, ‘Middle Aged Man in Lycra’ - The titles say it all. Andrew London's quirky and whimsical songs reflect mainstream culture with gentle irreverence, and playfully lampoon many of society's obsessions and taboos. Themes run the gamut from rugby fans, driving habits, youth culture and weddings to male insecurities, technophobia, household appliances, pretentious socialites, and various other issues of concern to the average middle-aged, middle-class Antipodean baby-boomer.
Delivery is wrapped in an easy-going and accessible 1940s-era ‘Hot Club Swing’ package, with occasional sallies into folk, blues and jazz; and the trio’s spontaneous banter holds the show together with stories that draw the audience in and set up the songs.
Recent reviewers of London’s lyrical skills have made comparisons to John Clarke (who confessed to being a fan), Tim Minchin, Flanders and Swann, Tom Lehrer...even Noel Coward, and after a recent appearance live on NZ’s National Radio, one commentator remarked 'The Andrew London Trio are Flight of the Conchords for Rest Homes!’.
According to Downbeat USA, his 2004 album ‘Toasted’ , ‘lured listeners in with eccentric edges and devilishly clever wordplay’. A decade later the same publication reported that his 2013 album ‘Ladies a Plate’ ‘reaches high levels of poise and affability while imparting witty lyrics that would draw quiet laughs of agreement from Mose Allison and Dave Frishberg’.
His songs have been included in a national year 13 English syllabus, National Radio’s ‘Greatest Song Ever Written’ segment, feature films (including the recent award-winning biopic ‘No Ordinary Sheila’) and European CD compilations. His trio has performed at festivals in Australia and Norfolk island, and is the only Kiwi act in recent times to have performed in Saudi Arabia, where such activity is officially illegal.
Woodwind exponent and songwriter Nils Olsen contributes to the trio with swing-era influenced saxophone and clarinet, and more introspective original songs that provide a contrast to London's characteristic levity . The bass chair is occupied by Kirsten London, who also contributes occasional standards lifted from the Doris Day and Peggy Lee songbooks.
Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00