In New Orleans, the city that gave the world jazz, a young trombone player and vocalist is proudly taking that style of music into the 21st Century. Glen David Andrews, 28, articulates his city’s deep musical heritage through his performing better than anyone his age. He has one foot planted in the more contemporary, funky sounds that define today’s New Orleans brass band scene; meanwhile, Andrews shows his elders the respect he believes they deserve, as his other foot rests firmly in the music’s time-honored traditions. “Traditional jazz, the way it was played 100 years ago, is dying out with my generation,” Andrews says. “And I’m not about to let that happen.” By combining the old with the new, Andrews has created a unique sound, one that is currently captivating New Orleans music fans. His latest project is a live gospel CD, "Walking Through Heaven's Gate", which will be released on January 19, 2009 on Threadhead Records. For more information, click here.

Andrews certainly possesses the pedigree to carry this illustrious New Orleans musical flame. Growing up in the historic Treme section of the city, one of the first black neighborhoods in America, Andrews was immersed in the thick of New Orleans culture from the get go. Musical legends like Earl Palmer, James Black and George Lewis once walked his neighborhood’s streets and played in its clubs, as do some of today’s young lions, such as Nicholas Payton, Kermit Ruffins and Shannon Powell.

Known by locals as the “Sixth Ward,” the Treme still hosts “Second Line” parades on most Sundays, with brass bands and dancers rambling through its bars and streets. These unique, celebratory occasions have been taking place in this neighborhood for at least a century. Into this scene came Glen David Andrews, eager to soak it all in. “I love it,” he says. “I wouldn’t want to grow up anywhere else.”

Chances are that whatever band is leading one of these parades (the ReBirth, Li’l Rascals or the Newbirth Brass Band), a few of its members will likely share the same last name: Andrews. This family is currently producing highly talented young musicians at an astonishing rate. Glen David’s first cousins, James and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, are local favorites; so are Glen and Revert “Peanut” Andrews, who both hold court with the ReBirth Brass Band.

Since he began playing his instrument at age 13, Glen David has performed with almost every brass band in the city. His boisterous voice and warm trombone style are fixtures on the streets, and he adds his own flavor to whatever band he is supporting that day and always makes it sound better. Now he is stepping out on his own, ready to take New Orleans music up from the streets and bring it to the rest of the world.

Andrews is becoming a full-blown star in New Orleans, and his powerful vocals and soulful trombone playing recently drew the attention of Jazzfest (where this year he will make an appearance in the Gospel Tent on Friday May 1, on the heels of his latest CD, a live gospel recording, "Walking Through Heaven's Gate") Louis Armstrong “Satchmo Summer Festival” as well as on the stage of the local music shrine, Tipitina’s, where the CD release party for "Gate" will be happening on January 19, 2009 (MLK Day). “People are starting to take notice,” Andrews observes. “I know how to take charge of a stage.” One minute he’ll have you feeling the solemn power of an old time spiritual from the 19 th century, and the next you’ll be jumping higher in the air than you ever thought possible while chanting at the top of your lungs. This seamless mixing of styles sets Glen David Andrews apart from his contemporaries. Through his music, he brings musical history to life, while also creating a new sound that is all his. www.glendavidandrewsband.com

 

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Young Men With Horns from Sept 2008 Jazziz
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