Andy Ross, Co-Director of Fisherman (UK) Music

Andy is a full time instrumental teacher and professional musician based in Birmingham. He is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and has performed as a piano soloist and in many bands and genres of music throughout his career.

As a pupil at Bishop Walsh Catholic School in Sutton Coldfield, Andy first met Mike Stanley and Jo Boyce through their work in CJM Music. He has worked with CJM to varying degrees since, performing in concerts, helping to prepare resources and has been part of the core music group for the Birmingham archdiocese pilgrimage to Lourdes.

In recent years, Mike’s relationship with Andy Ross grew from a mentor to a close friend. Andy has co-written many songs with Mike and his creativity was a source of encouragement and strength to Mike. They initially wrote Mass of the Holy Trinity together. After this, they collaborated on the single, ‘Faith’ and the albums ‘Dewfall’ and ‘Grace’ for Fisherman music.

This project has been quite a journey. Although Mike showed great courage in making so much of it happen despite his advanced illness, it was left to Yvonne and me to produce a lot of it. In particular, work on Grace involved taking Mike’s voice and guitar recordings to the studio and adding our vocals and musical accompaniment to the song. With the obvious poignant moments involved, it has not been easy but it has been a privilege. (Andy Ross)