The Echo in Leeds

IIn October 2003 the city of Leeds got better. For that was when 4 guys played their first gig as The Echo. With its Americana twist and tequila-toting atmosphere, The Echo conjour an cinematic live sound. The Echo uphold a simple ethos; to tell the best stories and to write the best tunes. Judging by their recent more ballsy musings, the best are getting better.

Judging by their recent more ballsy musings, the best are getting better. The Echo have supported Leeds giant Jon Gomm, played alongside locals The Avenues and Vib Gyor and further afield the folk legends John Renbourn and Rory McLeod.

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:: THE BAND

	Andrew Barton grew up in Cumbria, North West England listening to the nasal tones of Bob Dylan. After absorbing the 30 years of guitar experience that his Dad had to offer, Barton realised that he wanted to extend his musical knowledge beyond 3 chords and enrolled in classical guitar lessons with a local bearded type. This lasted 2 weeks before Barton was told he lacked the concentration span for genre. Uninspired, Barton's guitar was temporarily put to rest. Five years passed before Barton picked up the guitar again with the addition of some amplification. He found new inspiration jamming with school friend Charlie Bell. This included his garage, the Beatles and Primal Scream. After an unsuccessful attempt to move a band forward Barton moved to Sheffield where he met founder "The Echo" member Samuel Woodings. The two played several successful acoustic sets together but then moved their separate ways. A year later the two met up again in their new home city of Leeds and after playing acoustically decided to add an engine room to the band in the form of two of Barton's friends Chris Challenger and John Wright. More recently the band has grown further with the addition of Andy Challenger. Barton seeks to push his own song writing boundaries forward collectively with The Echo and individually with the penning of a folk and blues acoustic opera.

	Sam started playing music all the way back in 1986 learning the violin. In 1991 he began learning the piano and received distinctions in every music grade he attempted. After a brief period considering a career in music and music college, he quit his teaching and began playing blues and ragtime piano. Samuel has always been the performer at every given opportunity he was playing to friends and family. He has performed solo in a variety of venues and events through his hometown of Lincoln. His first CD recording began in 1997 with fellow guitarist Ian Bird with their mellow acoustic instrumentals. This was the first of many recordings he would be part of. At 18 he left for University and met up with Andrew Barton in 2001 and created the creative duo that was to become The Echo. Performing folk, blues and popular music they became a hit supporting guitar legend John Renbourn and cult performer Rory Mcloud. His has extensive knowledge of music and recording. He has part produced and engineered a number of The Echo’s recordings and has become a useful asset when dealing with other sound engineers and studios. In 2003 Samuel began learning Harmonica and alongside his piano, guitar and violin skills he has become the backbone of the band. Reviews of the band have singled him out as being 'massively talented' and 'something special'. You can't help being a fucking genius.

	Boo started his musical journey when received his first acoustic guitar at 15. After self teaching and help from his brother his skills improved enough to form a band called ‘The Avenue'. Over 2 years the band toured Preston. His music playing then took a back seat as he went gallivanting round the world (although he did take his guitar). On return to the UK he was invited to join The Echo – playing bass. Five years on his instrument of choice has changed and he now has no excuse for being rubbish.

	After deciding that he liked music enough to start playing an instrument he joined his mum in taking up drumming living with Andrew in Leeds he finally got round to playing with other people (playing music with other people). Joining together with the massively talented Samuel Woodings and Boo they triumphed on the Leeds circuit. He resembles animal from the Muppets crossed with the drummer from the Supergrass video. He continues to impose his ‘hip-hop' beats on the acoustic nature of The Echo.