Andy Abraham Appearance at Cascades Shopping Centre
15 May 2012

Andy Abraham dazzled shoppers at the Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth as part of his promotional tour of the UK, which sees the soulful superstar perform with his 13 piece big band at the Kings Theatre on June 6th.

Andy and his band bring a distinctive new flavour to the classic sound of some of the best Swing standards ever written.

During his appearance, John Thompson of Portsmouthnews.tv caught up with the star and filmed his performance. Watch the film here: http://www.portsmouthnews.tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6233:andy-abraham-sings-for-shoppers-prior-to-big-night-at-kings-&catid=42:entertainment-events&Itemid=60

Andy Abraham Confirmed for Happy Days Festival
08 May 2012

Andy Abraham has been confirmed in the line-up for Happy Days Festival on 2nd June, 2012. Andy will be appearing at the festival with other artists including:

Level 42
Billy Ocean
Soul II Soul
Maxi Priest
Modern Romance
Jocelyn Brown
Gwen McCrae

The festival is a fantastic extravaganza of wonderful music, the perfect way to party this bank holiday weekend! The Festival will blend 3 decades of amazing music with other entertainments including themed retro bars, pyrotechnics, games area, family fun activities and an exclusive after show party (featuring Heatwave for 2012)

Festival goers will also be able to try delicious Gastro Grub, which will include a selection of World Fusion food, Hog Roasts and Vegetarian options.

History of the Big Bands Heads to Worthing and Guildford
08 May 2012

Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands heads to the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing on May 11th and the G Live Theatre, Guildford on May 13th.

It’s been a week since the last performance in the tour and Andy and the band have been busy rehearsing for these latest stops on the tour.

After performing in the Love Music/ Hate Racism festival this Saturday, Andy has also been working hard to make sure these gigs are some of the best on the tour so far.

The performance on the 13th May is particularly special as it falls on what would be the 100th birthday of Gil Evans, the legendary big band musician and arranger who worked on some of the Twentieth Century’s greatest Jazz records with Trumpeter Miles Davis, including their arrangement of Gershwin’s legendary Porgy and Bess.

Andy Abraham's Remember When... Reviewed in Velvet Mgaazine
07 May 2012

Praised as offering a “unique spin on many impressive tracks”, the reviewer from Velvet Magazine was bowled over by Andy Abraham’s “character and charming personality”.

Remember When… has already been garnering wide praise from industry sources including the Observer Magazine’s Eva Wiseman, who described the book and CD combination as “a high quality deluxe release delivering a comprehensive package that downloads can’t match, putting the magic back into buying records.”

Velvet Magazine agreed, saying that, “the entire Velvet office has fallen head over heels once again with this charming, soulful man we all remember spending our Saturday nights watching”, through the “impressive book detailing Abraham’s love of music and his life influences”.

Velvet magazine is a leading lifestyle publication in Cambridgeshire, distributed in Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Saffron Walden and Ely.

To Read the full review of Remember When…, visit: www.velvetmag.co.uk

Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands moves on to Worthing and Guildford
30 April 2012

The next dates in Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands tour are the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing on 11th May and G Live Theatre, Guildford on 13th May.

The magnificent 13-piece big band Barison’s Swing Band is one of the UK’s leading swing orchestras and they take on the fantastic tunes made famous by bandleaders including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Johnny Dankworth.

For information on all the tour dates and to book tickets, visit: www.historyofthebigbands.com

Andy Abraham to star in Jack and the Beanstalk at Weymouth Pavilion
26 April 2012

Supported by Wessex FM, Andy Abraham is set to star in Weymouth’s popular pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk this year alongside Home & Away star Lynne McGranger, and fellow pop star, the Brit Award nominated Anna Kumble.

Andy is delighted to be taking to the stage in Jack and the Beanstalk this pantomime season, after a busy year in which he is promoting his nationwide tour History of the Big Bands and his new album Remember When…

On Monday 30th April, Andy will be joining his co-stars at the venue in order to launch the pantomime.

Here’s the low down on Andy’s co-stars.

Lynne McGranger
Lynne McGranger, who has played Irene Roberts in Home & Away for 18 years, will be playing the panto baddie, Fairy Fleshcreep, in this years pantomime at the Pavilion Theatre. As well as being one of Australia’s longest serving soap stars, Lynne is an experienced panto performer, having starred in Christmas shows all over the UK, including Portsmouth, Hastings, Crewe, Lincoln, Southport and York to name a few.

Lynne is in the UK for the ITV Soap Awards, airing on 2 May, and in the run up to the ceremony, will be appearing on ITV’s This Morning, and Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff and Live With Gaby.

Anna Kumble
Anna Kumble was best known as the BRIT Award nominated pop star ‘Lolly’ in the 90’s, and was the biggest selling female recording recording artist of 1999, with hits including ‘Hey Micky’ and ‘Big Boys Don’t Cry’. Anna will be jointing the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk, playing the panto Fairy.

As well as her recording career, Anna has numerous West End credits to her name, including Starlight Express and Elvis The Musical. She has also appeared in numerous pantomimes, playing principal girl and fairy in productions around the country.

Andy Abraham Headlines Love Music/ Hate Racism
25 April 2012

This year sees the sixth annual Medway Love Music Hate Racism festival take place on Saturday 5th, Sunday 6th and Monday 7th May. The award winning event, which through the years has had incredible line-ups of artists, speakers and supporters continues to grow and grow.

Andy is taking time out from his UK theatre tour Andy Abraham’s History of Big Bands to perform in Medway on Saturday 5th May as the headline act for 2012.

Andy is delighted to be headlining this year’s event and has said “Music is a great way for people of all different races and backgrounds to unite together. This event has been going strong for a number of years now and really relays the message that there is no place for racism in today’s society.”

Alongside Andy, a number of up and coming local performers will also be taking to the stage over the three days in May. As well as the established Main Stage, we are pleased to confirm the youth stage will be taking place again on the Saturday, giving North Kent’s young people an opportunity to say they support the values of Love Music, Hate Racism.

The Sunday will see Love DJ’s hit the main stage, with the now traditional mix of every type of music possible being played. Due to popular demand there is a second Love DJ’s day scheduled for the Jubilee weekend, Sunday 3rd June.

On the Monday, as well as the main stage taking place for the second year will be the Bob Wade Memorial Stage, paying tribute to one of the founding members of Medway Love Music Hate Racism who died in February 2011

Cllr Vince Maple, one of the organising team and compare of the event said “It is great that our event has the support from someone of Andy’s musical standing. Alongside Andy, we will be showcasing the tremendous talent we have here in Medway, it will make for an amazing weekend in May. It is great to see the support from across the area to send a clear message that people truly value our multicultural community of Medway. I can’t wait until once again we put unity in the community.

Andy Abraham Visits Vocademy
25 April 2012

Andy Abraham visited Vocademy last week to share his knowledge of the music industry with the children.

Answering all the children’s questions and performing a few vocal exercises with them, Andy Abraham also performed a number from his new album Remember When… and entertained the children with his stories of X Factor and beyond.

Speaking of the day, Andy commented:

“I loved my visit to Vocademy. It’s amazing to be able to spend time with these children who are so enthusiastic about singing and about making their careers as singers. It was truly a great privilege to help out by doing some vocal exercises with them and sharing my experiences of the music industry. Above all, we all had a great laugh! That’s the best advice I can give really. It may sound simple but enjoying it is really the key to singing well and then it’s just a case of following your dreams and believing in yourself.”

Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands heads to Poole and Hastings
25 April 2012

Andy Abraham’s fantastic Big Band theatre tour History of the Big Bands heads to Poole and Hastings this week in the latest dates of his tour.

Playing at the Lighthouse, Poole on 27th April, and The White Rock Theatre on 28th April, Andy is set to delight and dazzle the audiences with his magnificent renditions of the classic big band numbers made famous by the legendary Big Band leaders of the Swing Era.

The magnificent 13-piece big band Barison’s Swing Band is one of the UK’s leading swing orchestras and they take on the fantastic tunes made famous by bandleaders including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Johnny Dankworth.

For information on all the tour dates and to book tickets, visit: www.historyofthebigbands.com/dates.php

Andy Abraham on BBC Radio Devon
17 April 2012

Ahead of his concert on Saturday at the Princess Theatre, Torquay, Andy Abraham was interviewed on BBC Radio Devon.

Talking to the radio DJ John Govier, Andy discussed the tour, what it’s like to sing with a 13-piece big band and his current album Remember When…

The interview is the latest in an intensive promotional campaign that has seen Andy tour the country in support of his album and theatre tour.

For more information about the tour and to buy tickets for all dates, visit www.historyofthebigbands.com

History of the Big Bands Heads to Aylesbury and Truro
17 April 2012

This week sees Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands move on to venues in Aylesbury and Truro as his celebration of the classic swing sound continues to dazzle and impress audiences around the country.

Performing at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on April 19th, and the Hall for Cornwall in Truro on the 20th, Andy Abraham is thrilled to be out on the road performing to his many fans as he shares his love of swing and big band with theatre audiences all over the Midlands.

“It’s fantastic to be out on the road and to showcase these glorious tunes by some of the legendary jazz musicians, bandleaders and vocalists of the twentieth century. Performing with Brian Hill’s magnificent Barison’s Swing Band is a wonderful experience and as the audiences are finding out, these guys are one of the country’s finest swing orchestras!”

Recent performances on the tour include highly successful gigs at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, the Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton and the Princess Theatre in sunny Torquay.

For more information about the tour and to book tickets for all dates, visit www.historyofthebigbands.com

History of the Big Bands Heads to Birmingham
13 April 2012

Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands heads to the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre this evening after a hugely successful evening at the Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton on Thursday.

As a big fan of the city, Andy is excited about performing in Birmingham and meeting some of his many Birmingham fans.

Aside from the History of the Big Bands tour, Andy Abraham’s album Remember When… is now available for download from iTunes and available on Amazon.co.uk.

Andy Abraham interviewed on Cornish Channel
03 April 2012

Ahead of his History of the Big Bands performance at Hall for Cornwall, Truro on 20th April, Andy Abraham was interviewed by Shane Soloman for Cornwall Channel.

Hooking up via a skype link, Andy discusses his new tour History of the Big Bands, and album Remember When…, and also shares his experiences of X factor and since.

Watch the full interview here: www.cornwallchannel.co.uk

Big Band tour heading to Northampton
29 March 2012

After a fantastically succesful date at the Grand Opera House in York last night, the next stop on the History of the Big Bands tour is Northampton on 12th April 2012 at the Royal and Derngate Theatre!

After a week of promotion, Andy and his magnificent 13-piece big band are set to rock the Northampton venue with the best of big band music from the most famous legendary band leaders, including Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Harry James and Count Basie.

It’s a truly swinging big band extravanganza that puts swing in the hearts of all who see it!

For more information about all the dates and to book tickets, visit our Show Dates page.

ANDY ABRAHAM’S HISTORY OF THE BIG BANDS – THE STAGE REVIEW
26 March 2012

The prestigious publication, The Stage is renowned within the media world and used in the industry as the ‘bible’ of all theatre shows. We invited The Stage along to Croydon to tell us what they thought of the show, Paul Vale said “Leading the vocals and offering something of a plotted history is Andy Abraham, proving that he has a talent that should easily outlive any celebrity he may have earned on the X Factor seven years ago.” Read the fantastic full review here: www.thestage.co.uk

History of the Big Bands in Croydon
23 March 2012

History of the Big Bands is in Croydon this evening for the latest date in the tour.

Appearing at the Fairfield Halls, Andy and his magnificent 13-piece big band are set to rock the Croydon venue with the best of big band music from the most famous legendary band leaders.

Tickets still available from historyofthebigbands.com

Andy Abraham is set to entertain Poole shoppers on April 6th
20 March 2012

Platinum-selling soul star Andy Abraham is set to entertain shoppers by performing a selection of songs at the Dolphin Shopping Centre on the April 6, from 12pm – 1pm, ahead of his UK tour History of the Big Bands.

Andy will be sharing the fascinating stories of his experiences on X-Factor, Eurovision and his three UK tours. He will also be available to pose for photographs and to sign copies of his records, including his highly-acclaimed new album Remember When…

History of the Big Bands, which is arriving to the Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, on 27th April 2012, sees Andy backed by a magnificent 13-piece Big Band as they celebrate the classic tunes of the Big Band era, crooning and swooning to the irresistible sound of Swing!

Andy said: “I can’t wait to get out there and meet people at the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole. My fans mean everything to me! It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to meet and chat to the people who have enjoyed and supported my music over the last seven years.”

Dubbed the “voice of the people”, Andy won the hearts of the nation with his amazing voice when he finished runner-up in the 2005 series of the X-Factor. Since then, he has gone on to record three albums, including his platinum-selling debut release The Impossible Dream. Having performed to sell-out audiences at world-famous venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Andy Abraham is a born entertainer.

For more information about the appearance and about Andy’s UK Tour, please visit www.historyofthebigbands.com

Andy Abraham goes down a storm with Crystal Palace fans at Selhurst Park
20 March 2012

Andy Abraham performed at Crystal Palace ground Selhurst Park on Saturday, giving the enthusiastic crowd a pre-match song and two bonus numbers at half time!

Part of his promotional tour ahead of his concert at Fairfield Halls, Croydon on Saturday 23rd, Andy went down a storm with Palace fans during the twight 0-0 draw with Hull.

After the game, Twitter was ablaze with positive comments about his performance from Palace fans.

The Observer's Eva Wiseman tweets about Andy's album Remember When...
20 March 2012

Andy Abraham’s new album Remember When… is an innovative release that is causing a stir in the music industry, including with Commissioning Editor for the Observer Magazine, Eva Wiseman, who tweeted to her 14,319 followers about the “deluxe release that puts the magic back into buying records”.

The album is available now from andyabraham.com, Amazon.co.uk, and all good book and music stores around the country.

Andy Abraham to perform at Gillian Wesley and the Catwalk Cafe in knowle
14 March 2012

Andy Abraham is launching his book and album at Gillian Wesley and the Catwalk Café in Knowle on the 15th March with a signing from 2pm and a ticketed evening gig from 7pm.
Just three months after he performed an intimate gig at the opening of Midlands-based fashion designer Gillian Wesley’s fabulous Knowle style-destination, the soulful superstar of British Pop has picked the Midlands’ fashion hub as the first stop on a promotional tour for his hotly-anticipated new book and album Remember When….

When he performed in Gillian Wesley’s magnificent Belle Époque interior on the evening of 8th December, Andy was so smitten with the designer’s stylish shop and café, that not only did he kick-start his Christmas shopping there, he also vowed to return to the shop when he launches his new book and album on the 15th March.

“It seemed like the ideal place to launch my new album. Gillian’s fashion oozes time-honoured class and style but brings them right up to the minute with funky fabrics and design-twists. That’s exactly what I wanted to achieve with these songs: they’re cover versions, but with a contemporary urban edge and lots of British heart and soul.”—Andy Abraham

Fashion-designer Gillian Wesley is thrilled at the prospect of the soul star’s return visit: “I well remember first seeing Andy on The X Factor. Since then, I have seen Andy perform live on a number of occasions, most recently in the very intimate setting of my new Boutique and Catwalk Cafe in Knowle. His performance that evening was simply breathtaking. Everyone here at Gillian Wesley Design and The Catwalk Cafe feel very privileged that Andy has chosen our venue to launch his new album. I think March 15th will be a very busy day, and a very special one!”

Andy Abraham Remember When… is a unique and innovative deluxe 96-page padded hardback book featuring the brand-new twelve track album from the former X-Factor and Eurovision-star. The lavishly illustrated book tells Andy’s fascinating life story through the musical influences that shaped his legendary voice and the record tells the stories of his life through the songs that have been etched in his memories forever.

For tickets to a special intimate evening event, please visit www.gillianwesley.co.uk

Andy Abraham will Perform at Crystal Palace FC
14 March 2012

This Saturday, Andy Abraham will be performing at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace FC as they take on Hull in a crucial tie.

The appearance is part of the promotional tour ahead of the latest date in his UK tour History of the Big Bands, at Fairfield Halls on the 17th March. For full details and to buy tickets for the concert on the 17th March, visit here

Andy Abraham's History of the Big Bands Heads to Croydon
14 March 2012

Andy Abraham is heading to Croydon this weekend ahead of his History of the Big Bands concert there on the 23rd March.

After a fantastic debut performance at the Buxton Opera House last week, Andy Abraham is heading to Croydon for some promotional work ahead of his concert at Fairfield Halls in Croydon on the 23rd March.

On the 17th March, the Soul Star will be at Croydon Centrale Shopping Centre from 12-1pm, signing copies of his albums and book and performing a few numbers from his tour and brand new album Remember When…, available now from www.amazon.co.uk

History of the Big Bands Kicks Off in Grand Style at the Buxton Royal Opera House
09 March 2012

Andy Abraham and his magnificent 13-piece big band kicked off their History of the Big Bands tour at the Buxton Royal Opera House last night to a packed auditorium who left the iconic Derbyshire theatre swinging their hips and tapping their toes to the sound of jazz greats.

Introducing the history of big band and performing some of the greatest swing vocal numbers ever, Andy Abraham impressed the audience with his soaring voice and swinging style!

The Barison’s Swing Band was led by Brian Hill and featured wonderful solos from the hugely talented orchestra including Greg Heath on Saxophone and Steve Vintner on drums.

In an action-packed and lively show, highlights included Andy’s beautiful and accomplished performance of Mr. Bojangles and A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and the band’s unforgettable Glenn Miller medley, which paid tribute to one of jazz music’s all time greats.

The next date in the tour is the 23rd March when Andy will perform at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls. For more information about all the dates in the tour and to book tickets, visit here.

York Press Reports on Andy Abraham Impressing York Shoppers
05 March 2012

Performing at Monks Cross Shopping Centre in York on Saturday ahead of his UK tour History of the Big Bands, Andy Abraham dazzled shoppers with a sneak preview of the set.

The singer, who also represented the UK at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, appeared at the shopping centre at the weekend to pose for photographs, sign autographs and perform a few numbers from the show.

The tour will see Andy perform with a 13-piece big band and introduce the history of Big Band music in an entertaining fashion at venues including the Grand Opera House in York on Wednesday, March 28. He wowed shoppers on Saturday when he posed for photos and signed autographs after crooning a couple of his favourite numbers.

Andy said: “My fans mean everything to me. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to meet and chat to the people who have enjoyed and supported my music over the last seven years.”

Read More Here

For all the tour dates see www.historyofthebigbands.com/dates.php

Andy Abraham at Premiere for new film Deviation
24 February 2012

Andy Abraham at the premiere of Deviation at the Odeon Shaftesbury Avenue in Covent Garden

Andy Abraham attended the star-studded red carpet premiere of the new thriller Deviation this evening at the Odeon Shaftesbury Avenue in London.

Starring Danny Dyer and Anna Walton, Deviation is a taut, tense thriller that explores the deep, subconscious fear of being abducted by a stranger.
Stories of abduction – particularly of young women – hit the news frequently. Rooted in reality, the film opts for a naturalistic, cinema verité style to tell the story of Amber’s horrifying journey in order to put the audience at the centre of the story.

Beyond the fear and horror of the situation, Deviation is also about the two main characters. The director avoids the usual gender clichés associated with horror films. Instead, Amber displays quiet, subtle heroism in the face of extreme adversity. As for Frankie Norton, he might be a creepy and pathetic psychopath, but he is also surprisingly charming, funny and complex.

For more information on the film visit www.deviationmovie.com

Andy Abraham Set to Entertain Shoppers at White River Place, St Austell
16 February 2012

Platinum-selling soul star Andy Abraham is set to entertain shoppers at White River Place, St Austell next month, ahead of his UK tour ‘History of the Big Bands’.

Andy will appear at the leisure and shopping destination on Saturday 31 March and perform some songs from his ‘History of the Big Bands’ tour, which is arriving at the Hall for Cornwall on Friday 20 April.

He will share fascinating stories of his experiences on X-Factor, Eurovision and his three UK tours. He will also be available to pose for photographs with fans and to sign copies of his records, including his highly-acclaimed new album ‘Remember When…’

The tour sees Andy backed by a magnificent 13-piece Big Band as they celebrate the classic tunes of the Big Band era, crooning and swooning to the irresistible sound of swing!

Andy Abraham said: “I can’t wait to get out there and meet people at the White River Place Shopping Centre in St Austell. My fans mean everything to me! It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to meet and chat to the people who have enjoyed and supported my music over the last seven years.”

Dubbed the “voice of the people”, Andy won the hearts of the nation with his amazing voice when he finished runner-up in the 2005 series of the X-Factor. Since then, he has gone on to record three albums, including his platinum-selling debut release ‘The Impossible Dream’ and has performed to sell-out audiences at world-famous venues such as the Royal Albert Hall.

His new album ‘Remember When…’ is a collection of songs that have inspired Andy throughout his life, as well as two new songs written by the celebrated songwriter Eliot Kennedy, who has previously worked with artists such as Mary J Blige, Bryan Adams and the Spice Girls. Andy calls the songs on the record “songs of my soul” and they have played an important part in Andy’s life and career.

Claire Daniel, White River Place Centre Manager said: “I am delighted and honoured that Andy Abraham has chosen to appear at White River Place, St Austell ahead of his UK tour. Seeing him perform and having the chance to meet and have photos taken with him will be a real treat for his fans in the town, and I can’t wait to hear his stories from the X Factor and Eurovision, as well as the rest of his career!”

Andy Abraham will be appearing at White River Place, St Austell on Saturday 31 March. For more information about the appearance and about Andy’s UK tour, please visit www.historyofthebigbands.com.

Andy Abraham Set to Launch New Album at Gillian Wesley Designs in Knowle
15 February 2012

dluxe magazine has covered the launch of Andy Abraham’s album and book ‘Remember When…’ at Gillian Wesley Design Catwalk Cafe in Knowle on March 15th.

Soul-star Andy Abraham chooses Gillian Wesley and the Catwalk Café in Knowle for a signing to launch his hotly-tipped new album and book Remember When…

Just three months after he performed an intimate gig at the opening of Midlands-based fashion designer Gillian Wesley’s fabulous Knowle style-destination, the hugely talented soulful superstar of British soul has picked the Midlands’ fashion hub as the first stop on a promotional tour for his hotly-anticipated new book and album Remember When….

When he performed in Gillian Wesley’s magnificent Belle Époque interior on the evening of 8th December 2011, Andy was so smitten with the designer’s stylish shop and café, that not only did he kick-start his Christmas shopping there, he also vowed to return to the shop when he launches his new book and album on the 15th March.

“It seemed like the ideal place to launch my new album. Gillian’s fashion oozes time-honoured class and style but brings them right up to the minute with funky fabrics and design-twists. That’s exactly what I wanted to achieve with these songs: they’re cover versions, but with a contemporary urban edge and lots of British heart and soul.

-Andy Abraham

Fashion-designer Gillian Wesley is thrilled at the prospect of the soul star’s return visit:

“I remember first seeing Andy on The X Factor. Since then, I have seen Andy perform live on a number of occasions, most recently in the very intimate setting of my new Boutique and Catwalk Cafe in Knowle. His performance that evening was simply breathtaking. Everyone here at Gillian Wesley Design and The Catwalk Cafe feel very privileged that Andy has chosen our venue to launch his new album. I think March 15th will be a very busy day, and a very special one!”

Pop music has always been about stories. Songs have a powerful ability to trigger memories and transport us back to times in our past. With Andy’s amazing experiences on X-Factor, Eurovision and his three sell-out U.K. tours, his music has more stories to tell than most! That’s what makes the combination of book and album so special. Taking an innovative approach at a time when the C.D. industry is at threat from digital downloads. Andy Abraham’s record company is pioneering a unique format that puts the magic back into buying records.

Andy Abraham Remember When… is a unique and innovative deluxe 96-page padded hardback book featuring the brand-new 12 track album from the X-Factor and Eurovision-star. The lavishly illustrated book tells Andy’s fascinating life story through the musical influences that shaped his legendary voice and the record tells the stories of his life through the songs that have been etched in his memories forever.

“This is music that has made me conscious of the world and touched me in a way that makes me want to own each and every one of the songs that I sing. The first ten songs on this album, the cover versions, are songs of my soul.”

—Andy Abraham

Falling just days before Mother’s Day, the event is set to bring even more shoppers than normal to the bustling village of Knowle, the Midlands’ leading destination for independent boutique shopping.

From 2pm on 15th March, Andy Abraham will be signing copies of his new book and album Remember When… at Gillian Wesley and the Catwalk Café in Knowle.

Win a chance to see History of the Big Bands at Buxton Opera House, 8th March
15 February 2012

The Ashbourne News Telegraph are running a competition to win tickets to see Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands at Buxton Opera House on the 8th March.

In the first date of his new UK tour, Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands will arrive at the Opera House, Buxton on 8th March. The former X-Factor star is backed by a magnificent 13-piece Big Band as he takes the audience on a musical journey back to the golden era of swing music. Packed with classic swing tunes, History of the Big Bands is the show that puts swing in the heart of all who see it.

Dubbed the “voice of the people” when he captured the nation’s hearts on the X-Factor, History of the Big Bands showcases Andy as one of the best entertainers in the business. Revisiting classic numbers by Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Sammy Davis Jr, Andy and his band pay tribute to a classic era of music.

Andy is delighted to make Buxton the first stop on his new tour: “Buxton’s a beautiful bustling market town, the perfect place to kick off an exciting few months on tour!”

Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands at the Opera House, Buxton 8th March 2012 7.30pm. For more information, please see www.historyofthebigbands.com and for tickets www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

York Gears Up for History of the Big Bands
15 February 2012

The York Press has run an article anticipating the arrival of Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands Tour to the Grand Opera House, York on March 28th, 2012.

History of the Big Bands is a U.K. tour that sees the incredible vocal talent of Andy Abraham transport the audience back to the music of the Big Band era, swooning and crooning to the irresistible sound of swing! Four tour dates see http://www.historyofthebigbands.com

All the legendary standards from the world’s greatest Big Band leaders are here, with influences including:

Harry James • Benny Goodman • Tommy Dorsey • Duke Ellington
Glenn Miller • Count Basie • Woody Herman & Buddy Rich, to name a few…

Characterised by its swinging rhythms and room-filling orchestrations, Big Band music grew out of Dixieland and Hot Jazz in the 1910s and 20s, spreading from New Orleans to Chicago and New York through the popularity of Louis Armstrong’s All-Stars and other much-loved bands of the era. Its songs and instrumentals are some of the best known and most recognisable of the Twentieth Century and their popularity endures today.

History of the Big Bands sees Andy backed by a magnificent 13-piece big band featuring world-class soloists taking on the famous solos as played in the legendary jazz clubs and concert halls of New York, such as the Savoy Ballroom. The audience is guided on a musical journey from one band leader to another by British pop’s soulful superstar: Andy Abraham.

Dubbed the man and voice of the people, Andy shot to fame in 2005 on the X Factor where he wowed the judging panel and won the hearts of audiences across the nation with his soulful voice and charming personality. Since the X Factor, Andy has embarked on 3 U.K. tours (X factor arena tour 2006, Unforgettable tour 2006 & An Evening With 2008/2009), culminating in a Sell Out show at the Royal Albert Hall. He has also released 3 albums, including his Platinum-selling debut Impossible Dream, 2006, Soul Man, 2006 & Even If, 2008.

Andy’s career continues to go from strength to strength as he impresses audiences with his dazzling stage presence and stunning voice. In 2008, Andy was chosen to represent Great Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest, singing to 600 million viewers worldwide, and in 2009, demand continued to grow with Andy completing a sell-out 54 date UK tour. In September 2011, Andy starred in the brand new West End musical by the makers of Thriller Live, Respect la Diva at the Garrick theatre.

Crooning has its roots in the Bel Canto of Italian Opera, but with the emphasis on subtle vocal nu¬ances and phrasing found in jazz. With a great passion for the world-famous crooners of Big Band music, including Sinatra and Nat King Cole, Andy’s vocals bring the classic jazz sound right up to the minute.

History of the Big Bands promises an outstanding evening of high energy, virtuoso musi¬cianship and timeless classic songs. It’s the show that puts swing in the hearts of all who see it!

History of the Big Bands is at the Grand Opera House York on March 28th at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available at http://www.atgtickets.com/Andy-Abraham’s-History-of-Big-Bands-Tickets/185/750/

Andy Abraham on the Kate and Molly-Wood Show Totnes FM
02 February 2012

Ahead of his History of the Big Bands tour, Andy Abraham chatted with Kate and Molly from the Kate and Molly-Wood Show on Totnes FM in South Devon.

Andy spoke with the popular presenters Kate Sermon and Molly-Mole Povey about his excitement over the History of the Big Bands tour and about his forthcoming album, dvd and book: Remember When…

The interview carried over into the social media sphere with Andy commenting on his twitter feed about how much he had enjoyed the interview and Molly-Mole Povey returning the favour.

The interview comes just over a month ahead of the launch of the History of the Big Bands in Buxton on March 8th. Tickets are now available from www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Andy Abraham Star Attraction at Champions' Charity Big Band Ball
01 February 2012

On Friday the 27th January, Andy Abraham wowed the audience at the King Power Stadium, Leicester with an exclusive showcase of his forthcoming History of the Big Bands Tour.

Hosted by Leicester Snooker Legend Willie Thorne and raising money for the charity Rainbows, the evening was attended by a vast array of celebrities from the worlds of sport and television, including William Roache MBE, Craig Phillips, Matthew Hoggard MBE and Brian Close OBE.

In a fantastic lineup of entertainment, Andy Abraham and his magnificent 13-piece big band stole the show with an exclusive preview of History of the Big Bands. Featuring all the weel-known standards from famous band leaders such as Harry James, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Woody Herman & Buddy Rich.

The performance saw Andy and the Barison Swing Band garner praise from across the audience, including from William Roache MBE who commented:

“I have been lucky enough to see Big Band music in clubs and concert halls across the U.K. Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands is a walk down memory lane of some of the best music from this classic era, and it’s one of the best evenings of Swing music you’ll ever see. The musicians from the Barisons Swing Band are magnificent.”

Actress Suzanne Collins was also delighted by the show, commenting:

“History of the Big Bands is an evening of powerful, inspirational music and fantastic entertainment. Andy’s voice is amazing. I’ve been telling all my friends and I’ll be first in line when it comes to Liverpool.”

For more testimonials, visit: Testimonials