S.O.D. "Blacksmith" by Andy Irvine

2/13/2016     If you're a mandolin lover, this is your day. Irvine is a master at many string instruments as well as the harmonica.  Active since 1962, he writes mainly about the victim or the underdog with the song telling their story, such as migrant workers or the poor boy in love with a rich man's daughter.  His library of songs is remarkable, researching and gathering information that has to do with Eastern European and Australian cultures.  

     At 73 years old he still tours extensively in Europe, Australia, North and South America, Japan and New Zealand.  Being an accomplished actor, his first role was in the 1950 film "A Tale of Two Cities" as Jimmy. Irvine was eight years old at the time.  Quite a few opportunities in acting came his way due to his mother, Felice Lascelles being a musical comedy actor.  

     Woody Guthrie would become his biggest influence both in music and life itself. Trained on classical guitar as a teenager, Irvine began playing mandolin and harmonica because Guthrie did.   While living in Ireland, Irvine discovered the Guthrie was at a psychiatric hospital in New Jersey. At this time he began a correspondence with Guthrie through the mail. In 1991 he wrote a Woody Guthrie tribute song called "Never Tire of the Road."  Irvine has released more than 50 albums and over 200 singles.