Happy Birthday, James Andrews!
John Dunlop
Trumpeter and vocalist James Andrews was born in New Orleans on January 12, 1969, into an accomplished musical family. Andrews is the grandson of Jesse Hill, older brother (and mentor) to Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, cousin to Glen David Andrews and the late Travis "Trumpet Black" Hill. Andrews was raised in the Tremé neighborhood, and played in a number of brass bands before launching his own band, James Andrews and the Crescent City Allstars. In 1998, he released the album Satchmo of the Ghetto, which was produced by Allen Toussaint and featured Dr. John.
In 2005, shortly after Hurricane Katrina, James Andrews was one of the first musicians to return to New Orleans following the flooding. Only 17 days after the hurricane hit, he and his brother, Trombone Shorty, played at Jackson Square and at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park at a later show, Andrews was the first to declare "We’re gonna rebuild this city, note by note."
Let’s celebrate with this inspirational artist, and wish James a very happy birthday!
Photo: James Andrews - The Big Time Stuff -Album Cover