Andy Glass - Solstice Interview

Andy Glass spoke with me this morning about the forthcoming Remastered release of Solstice's 1996 album New Life

AG hello John how are you doing ?

Jws Yes all good here now that its a little cooler.

AG We've just come back from Norfolk where we've spent a few days with Peter Hemsley (Solstice Drummer) As our house has had been left out for the Silverstone Grand Prix at the weekend, The funds from which will pay the mortgage for the month and beyond. We live in Tadcaster a few miles from Silverstone and a lot of folk rent their houses out and go away for a few days for some piece and quiet when the racing is on,

Jws we've been to silverstone when i was working for Bentley as they had a racing team it wasn't F1 it was some other competition, but they had a formula 3 race and ut was very loud indeed like being at a Motorhead concert.

Jws So the New life has been updated with a remaster and a few recent live tracks

AG yes we added 3 live versions of three key songs of the album, Morning Light from The stables Alongside Guardians from Cropedy and New Life from Manchester.

When some folks remaster, They isolate the individual stems or tracks however I just wanted to balance the sound a little more. To represent how the band sounded at that time, I am very happy with how its turned out and the new artwork is fabulous.

Jws I've heard it and I think its great especially the live tracks that show the modernbands interpretations of the tracks. I think it is a fine reissue of an album that has long been unavailable in physical format.

AG Thank you john I appreciate that you enjoyed it.

Jws How do you think the current line up compares to the line up that recorded the album (not a fair question I know but still)

AG It's certainly not a easy one to answer, As the line up was very different at that time, I will say that Mark Elton's fiddle on the album is exceptionally good and i also think it was Heidi kemps best Solstice performances were on this album. Heidi was new to the band she is a local girl who came in and sang wonderfully, she stayed with us for a few years But New Life was her best work I feel. She has sung with us a few times in recent years as well she its a good singer As is Jess Holland of course.Peter (drummer) Robin (Bass) Stephen (keyboards) and I have all played together for over 30 years now!

Jws I reviewed Leoni's album for my site recently, I think it is a remarkable album really strong I like that leoni choose not to shred wildly and instead allowed the songs to breathe and evolve organically. I think it is al the better for that decision.

AG Yes leoni is a remarkable talent, when she plays with us we encourage her to play guitar as she is very good at that, she really adds something special to the sound of the band. Plus she is a lovely girl with a bright future ahead of her.

Jws Will leoni and the other girls feature on your next album? It would be wonderful to have them all on the album, With their vocal interactions.

AG Well Leoni and Dyanne (Crutcher) should be, Ebony, Possibly not as she is working on her own new album She is appearing with us less these days because of her other commitments. We have always had a rebvoloving door of people who stay for a while and move on as their career develops. It's great being a platform for launching such wonderful new talents to the world.

Jws I'm bringing 5 people to see you in Leek, My wife and three other friends I want them to experience the joy, fellowship and community of a live Solstice show. I've been banging on about how great it is i think they will all be highly impressed by it all, i've also recommended you to our art teachers hsrs 13 year old buitar playing daughter as I feel she would appreciate your music.uyour colour and spiriit.

AG thank you John again I appreciate that greatly.

AG no pressure then eh we'll try our utmost to made it memorable for you all.I really appreciate it John it means a lot to us how you and all the other guardians support us for these shows, It makes a huge difference to us that we can charge more to appear and sel more stuff as a result.We are now at a level where jenny and I are not having to fund the band as we have upto now.

Jws Andy I really appreciate the openness of the band and your willingness to do the best for the guardians and fans, its a beautiful symbiotic relationship we share, we benefit greatly in it too.

AG The guardians are a very special part of the Solstice story and success, you guys are our muse to keep going forward.

Jws I have an interview with Steve Hackett about his new alnum with Steve Rothery I will ask him about connecting with you as we discussed last time we spoke.

AG Thank you JohnnI can't tell you how grateful we are for your support it means the world that you care enough to try to help promote the band in this way.

Jws It's a pleasure to be able to do things like this I want people to feels the same way that I do with your uplifting positive music in today's event days world we all need some joy like the joy that that Solstice's music offers, Its a wonderful message you bring. And with such strong conviction.

So after this album what's next for Solstice?

AG Well we are working towards a new album we've demoed a few bits The band approve of so we will look to getting that completed for next summer, after that we will look at remastering other albumin the pre Sia erà trilogy, that's Circles (1997), Spirit (2010) and Prophecy (2013). They could all benefit from remastering and update as most have long Been unavailable in physical format.

Jws So lots to look forward to then in the coming years.?

AG Well I'd certainly like to think so yes, I love this its been my life for 46 years now so long may it continue.

Jws I agree heartily, As long as I can I will keep doing my part to raise your profile as best I can, I owe you for that hoodie? How do i pay you?

AG You don't need to John I had a few spare so it's free to you as a gift

Jws Well I will buy some merchandise in lleek and encourage my friends to do likewise then, We are really looking forward to seeing you there in leek..Anyway Andy my time has gone great talking with you today thank you for your time.

AG Thank you john I've enjoyed talking with you, See you in leek in a few weeks time,,Take care of yourself John.