Album Notes

About Unexpected

This album started with Andy’s nephews, Sam and Spencer. After a visit with Uncle Andy (aka Uncle Fungus) they kept singing Eggplant Surprise for weeks. Their dad set up a recording session for his brother as a birthday present. Note to friends of musicians – that is a *wonderful* gift!

Andy wanted to capture the feel of a Thursday night jam session, so all the songs were cut live in the studio, in just one or two takes. He is joined by his friends Eric Easterbrook and Roger Blair, both great songwriters in their own right.


About the Songs

Everybody has at least one favorite song on this album, and the tunes can really get stuck in your head. The line-up includes...

• A sweeping sea song with undercurrents (Lighthouse)
• A great lullaby for any age (First Thing)
• A prayer of thanks and hope (Kind and True)
• Romantic with a calypso beat (Unexpected)
• A love song, sweet and melodic (Kites)
• Inspiring, with a backbeat (On My Way)
• A personal chat with God (Lead Me)
• Ever been stuck in a car with kids? (Are We There Yet?)
• Silly stuff based on true disasters (Eggplant Surprise)
• A clever ode to where the buzzards gather (Hinckley)


About the Cover

The cover art is the soundhole of Andy’s old guitar, made by Porfirio Martins in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil around 1910. Flip over the jewel case and you can see the one-piece maple back.


About Andy

Andy grew up listening to Pete Seeger, Simon & Garfunkle, JS Bach, and Harry Belafonte. As a teen he was inspired by seeing great artists including Stan Rogers, Steve Goodman, Gordon Bok, and Harry Chapin - among many others.

A long-time member and former President of the Paint Creek Folklore Society, he is now the editor of "Keepin’ Tabs", the group’s monthly newsletter (download KT from the link). A nicely produced version of the song Lighthouse is featured on the group’s compilation CD, Music at Lawnridge Hall.

In addition to his songwriting, Andy has a great touch on the harmonica. His harp is featured on several Paint Creek Sampler tracks, as well as on the CDs "More than Enough" by Eric and Polly Rapp, and "The Road" by Marilyn.

Andy gives harmonica and songwriting workshops at Michigan folk festivals (Thumbfest, Evart, Goodison) and performs at benefits and coffeehouses, including "Live! From the Living Room," at the Blue Note in Pontiac.


Thank you for visiting! Please use the email link below to tell us what *your* favorite song is!