Category Archives: Press

Interview, News, Press

WBEZ Interview About “Rahm Songs”

I appeared on the WBEZ program The Afternoon Shift on May 27, 2014, and talked with host Niala Boodhoo about my new album of Chicago-inspired songs titled “Rahm Songs.”

WBEZ InterviewLocal musician rehashes old lyrics for ‘Rahm Songs’

Logan Square songwriter Andrew Francis first started writing protest songs directed against our previous mayor. But as it turns out, Francis finds his songs are still particularly relevant today. He wrote “CTA Blues” back in 2006, and with very few tweaks he was able to rehash the song for his mini-album, ‘Rahm Songs.’ He joins us in studio to talk about the inspirations for his music and lyrics, and his experience reworking his old songs.

— May 27, 2014 — Niala Boodhoo — The Afternoon Shift – WBEZ 91.5fm

Listen to the interview and live performances of the updated, Rahm Emanuel versions of “Mister Mayor Says” and “Talkin’ CTA Blues” above, or by clicking here. Download the interview by right clicking here and selecting “Save As…”

And, download the album “Rahm Songs” for free right here.

//instagram.com/p/ogxUoxr-eK

 

News, Press

No new song today, but an album review

I’ve got a new one brewin up right now, so in the meantime you can read this album review of my EP, It’s Chicago!, from the Record Dept. Music Reviews blog out in Seattle, Washington.

Chicago based singer/songwriter Andrew Francis self-released his second album, It’s Chicago!. Francis – also a member of The Barehand Jugband (mouth harp, guitar and vocals) – possesses a distinctly nasal voice reminiscent of Bob Dylan and is an accomplished guitar player. It’s Chicago! showcases his entertaining yet simple solo blues and folk songs, which are written in the tradition of the Guthries, ruminating on everyday life, the working man, and living in Chicago. Francis is a prolific and disciplined artist who uploads a new song every Monday – check them out at: http://andrewfrancismusicvomit.tumblr.com/. – Written by JFelton

Thanks, Jason, for taking a listen. Glad ya enjoyed it.

Also, remember that I’m playing a the Elbo Room this Saturday, 11/6, as part of the Chicago Root Collective Fall Festival. My set goes from 9pm-9:30pm, or so. I’m playing in the upstairs lounge area. So, drop by, grab a brew and listen to some tunes.

News, Press

No song for today, but an album review….

My 2 new albums got a short review over at the blog songs:illinois. Here’s the full text, or you can read it by clicking here.:

I live near Chicago. I follow the local scene pretty closely. In the last six years of blogging I have only found a handful of Chicago artists to get excited about. I think I’m about to get excited about Andrew Francis. Andrew is a member of a local jugband (The Barehand Jugband) so that’s automatically a plus in my book. His delivery is a nasal concoction equal parts Bob Dylan and Pokey LaFarge. Musically the songs are simple guitar and voice (with occasional amateurish harmonica – and I mean that in a good way). On the song “I’m Only Trying To Say What Comes To Me” he admits his songwriting naivite but then goes on to speak from the heart and string together an unusual but affecting chorus. Andrew has just released two records. The first is his solo self titled debut and the second is a collection of songs inspired by and about Chicago called It’s Chicago!.

Buy them here and here.

So, thank you, whoever you are over at songs:illinois. That’s a pretty nice thing for you to say.

songs:illinois is a pretty cool blog about music, you should check it out.

I’m also playing a house party in Logan Square this Saturday (8/28). Starts at 8pm. It’s a FREE event. See ya there.