No one is more New Orleans than James "12" Andrews. 12's lineage is thick with New Orleans R&B legends such as his grandfather Jesse Hill and his great uncle Papoose Nelson. James' early instruction as a pupil of the famous guitarist and Jazz historian Danny Barker shaped him into a solid Jazz player at a very young age. 12's subsequent experiences on the international stage and at home have molded him into a world class performer. This new album, People Get Ready Now, is an expression of 12's ability to bring people together. The spirit of celebration which pervaded the sessions is vibrantly captured in the subsequent music. Above all, People Get Ready Now is a homage to the five institutions from which the modern music of New Orleans was born: Benevolent Societies, Jazz Funerals, Neighborhood Music Venues, Mardi Gras Indians and Spiritual Churches. These institutions not only encompass the genesis of New Orleans music but also the cultural substance that continues to keep the music relevant and alive. James "12" Andrews is as much a product of these institutions as the music itself, and he was able to assemble an amazing array of musicians to help him honor these roots.
Kevin O’Day’s syncopated, funky drum rhythms that dominate the album spring from the city's second line tradition. The solid rhythmic foundation is bolstered by deep pocket bass guitar work from both Scott Jackson and Mark Brooks. The raw guitar runs laid down by legendary Walter "Wolfman" Washington and West Bank Mike hover above the crowd in some hidden blues hall. The loose nature in which the sessions were conducted lends the album a live feel, like a night at Benny's back in the day, when all the best players happened to stop by to jam. All of this heavy grit and funk is offset by the marvelous back up vocal work of Danon C. Smith, Margie Perez, Karen Gant and Delia Bennett. Their sweet harmonies, particularly in "6th Ward Soul," convey the holy sound of Gospel music emanating from the churches throughout the city. Upon this foundation of pure New Orleans sound, Marlon Jordan was able to add a sweet touch of Miles Davis, and 12's old friend Doctor John even peeked in to collaborate on the original number "If You Ain't Doin' Somethin'." This album is a labor of love for all involved: love of the music, love between the people, and most of all, love for New Orleans. People get ready now!
- By Jamie Bernstein
About James Andrews
Like so many New Orleans performers, James Andrews is part of a musical dynasty. Two of the Big Easy's R&B greats are his relatives: Prince La La and Jessie Hill. Prince La La is best remembered for his song "She Put a Hurt On Me." Hill, whose 1960 hit "Ooh-Poo-Pah-Doo" is an R&B landmark classic, is Andrews' grandfather. Although Hill did not live to see the release of his grandson's acclaimed CD, he no doubt is proud from his vantage point on the other side. "Who Shot the La La" by the recently deceased Oliver Morgan was a tribute to Prince La La.
James' CD, Satchmo of the Ghetto, opens with an homage to Andrews' grandfather. The song "Poops Ain't Gotta Scuffle No More" is a tribute to Hill penned by two of his admirers and students: Allen Touissant and Dr. John. Both musicians used what their mentor taught them to become giants of the R&B genre; both gave something back by helping their friend James Andrews create his first CD, by authoring songs as well as providing lead and backup vocals and instrumentation. Dr. John and Touissant shine with Andrews on such tunes as "Latin Cats," "It's Only a Paper Moon," and "Got Me a New Love Thing." A particular standout is Andrews' "upstairs" rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross." His nickname, "Satchmo of the Ghetto," speaks of his love for Louis Armstrong and traditional jazz.
In this reverence, he was joined by other musicians from his Treme neighborhood, including Kermit Ruffins. Both trumpeters gave their talents to the nouveau brass bands that came up in the city after the success of the Dirty Dozen, under the tutelage of the late, great Danny Barker. Andrews played with the Treme Brass Band on its popular Gimme My Money Back CD. He also started his own group, the New Birth Brass Band. Their joyous and eclectic sound can be heard on their 1997 release D-Boy.The talents of the trumpeter and vocalist are appreciated by a number of his musical colleagues. He appears on Ruffins' 1992 World on a String CD. He has also recorded with Chuck Carbo, Doc Cheatham, Anders Osborne, Royal Fingerbowl, and Charles Neville. His band, The Crescent City Allstars, combines funk and soul for an unforgettable music experience.
Andrews has absorbed all of his early influences and incorporated them into a sound that is unmistakably his own. You can hear it as he takes the lead in playing music that listeners can dance to, and preserving the fun-loving street sound of the city of his birth.
