The Party, Andy Shauf (cover art by Meghan Fenske)
I’m a long-time fan of Andy Shauf, Canadian songwriter and artist who plays all the instruments in his songs (with the exception of the strings in The Party, played by Colin Nealis) — the clarinet is his defining sound, in my opinion. I have been listening to this album with all the windows open lately. It reminds me of a retro album from my childhood, and each song tells a story, so listen. Just sheer joy. Thank you, kind sir, for continuing to make such beautiful music. And please, for the love of your American fans, please come tour in the U.S.!
Listen to (and support!) Andy Shauf’s full album, The Party (I think my favorite song is Martha Sways), here. And he’s just as great live. Check him out on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert: