Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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CRONSHAW, Andrew

(b Andrew Michael Bennett Cronshaw, 18 April '49, Lytham St Annes, Lancs) Producer and multi-instrumentalist. Went to Edinburgh '67 to study medicine but turned to folk music, initially best known for the novelty of his electric zither, leading to debut album A Is For Andrew Z Is For Zither on Transatlantic's subsidiary Xtra label '74. He guested on labelmate Ralph McTell's Streets '75. Cronshaw's Earthed In Cloud Valley '77 was a step forward from the anthology Times And Traditions For Dulcimer '76 on Trailor, as was his Wade In The Water on Transatlantic '78. He guested on albums by Paul Metsers (Pacific Pilgrim '86), Chris Rohman (Technicolour Dreams '78), Ric Sanders (Whenever '84), Martin Simpson (Special Agent '81 and Sad Or High Kicking '84), June Tabor (Abyssinians '83 and Aqaba '88) and Brenda Wootton (La Grande Cornouallaise '80). Occasional songwriting was evocative: 'A Smiling Shore' appeared on Tabor's Abyssinians and was covered in concert by Elvis Costello; it dealt with the loss and pain experienced by a concentration camp survivor. From small beginnings (a fine single 'Casey's Last Ride'/'Nostradamus' '80 on Waterfront) Cronshaw became a talented producer with a keen ear for texture and unusual instrumentation. Produced albums by Bill Caddick (The Wild West Show), Salamakannel (Koivunrunkorakkautta), Silly Sisters (No More To The Dance), Tabor (Abyssinians and Aqaba) and Zumzeaux (Wolf At Your Door). Performed with various British musicians, especially the loose-knit extended Pyewackett family. The Great Dark Water '82 on Waterfront and Till The Beasts' Returning '88 on Topic were blends of folk and classical elements, leading to anthology The Andrew Cronshaw CD '89 on Topic. Cronshaw's production work with the Finnish group, Salamakannel, resulted in work with other Scandinavian acts as well as radio work in Norway. The Language Of Snakes '93 on Topic gave further evidence of musical maturity as well as an abiding interest in Basque and Scandinavian music. Guests included the former Pyewackett reedman Ian Blake, B. J. Cole on pedal steel, Finnish multi-instrumentalist Arto J„rvel„, Fairport Convention's Ric Sanders and Texas-born fiddle player Neti Vaandrager. His career has been one of healthy diversity.