ishmael & andy

Salt EBC 1

Ishmael and Andy took an unprepared Christian scene by storm, with their brash 'acoustic rock' style and caustic wit. The partnership initially worked mostly for the British Youth for Christ movement, and quickly gathered a full itinerary of bookings to fulfil. Ishmael's mother handled the administration, and they travelled to gigs in Andy's old Ford Anglia van. The repertoire comprised of raucous praise songs and touching ballads, interspersed with audience participation and humorous patter. In a culture not at all used to this irreverent style it was not surprising that many sensitive Christians were offended by its frank and direct approach. Nevertheless, most found it refreshing, and they found their popularity growing rapidly, with bookings as far away as Holland to fulfil.

Perhaps considered to much of a risk, they failed, however, to raise any interest from the emerging Christian record companies. So in the Autumn of 1971, having discovered that there was a small recording studio at Elim Bible College, they went in with Helmut Kaufmann and recorded the single Benedictus (a song taken from the Emmanuel project) b/w Song Of Praise No.2, and released it privately on their own Salt label. The sound quality reflected the lack of time and equipment available, and only a few hundred copies were pressed, but it sold in respectable numbers, and actually proved to be a lucrative venture, making a profit.

Ishmael & Andy

Myrrh MYR 1005

On 24th June, 1972 Ishmael married Irene Cochrane. Exactly one week after the wedding, Ishmael & Andy played a gig in Upminster, sharing the gig with a new classical rock outfit called After The Fire. Inevitably, for Ian the pressure of being a newly-wed began to put an enormous strain on the partnership. There was also a creeping disquiet about the purpose and direction of their work. Both felt they had gone as far as they could with it, and it soon became clear that Ishmael & Andy should be dissolved.

Ironically, just as they announced their intention publicly, the newly formed Word Records (UK) finally approached them and asked if they would consider making an album. They agreed, and so, with a crowd of supporters from Littlehampton, and a tiny budget, they went into Livingstone Studios, in New Barnet and recorded Ready Salted, in one evening session. Produced by Bobbie Graham, the sound was very raw, just vocals and acoustic guitars, but with the help of their supporters, they managed to capture the feel of their live performances. It was actually one of the first releases issued by Word Records, the sixth put out on the Myrrh label, during 1973, and in the end, was a fitting farewell.

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