Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ernie Andrews: This is Ernie Andrews

Ernie Andrews: This is Ernie Andrews

By Ollie Bivens
April 29, 2006
View read count

Philadelphia-born singer Ernie Andrews has made Los Angeles his home for 60 of his 77 years, in the process becoming a legend among local jazz and blues fans by consistently presenting one of the best live performances in town. Die-hard fans of the blues/jazz singer will most appreciate Verve's new reissue of this album, first recorded in '64 for Dot Records.

Andrews is at his finest when delivering songs that tell a story and tunes which are heavily steeped in the blues. His rendition of the classic "Parker's Mood," a heartfelt tribute, is easily the best tune of the set. With minimal accompaniment, his take on "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" is effectively delivered at a near-glacierly pace, adding to the song's sense of pathos.

Unfortunately, the remaining songs on the album are lyrically and musically very dated. This is Ernie Andrews was recorded 41 years ago, and Andrews' rich baritone has since gotten deeper and more resonant. In performance, his shows are sassy and fun-filled. This album comes nowhere near capturing the man's vocal talents, stage presence, ability to interact with an audience, or sense of humor. Ernie Andrews is best appreciated live.

Track Listing

Why; On a Clear Day You Can See Forever; I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face; My Heart Laid Down and Died; Parker's Mood; I Will Take You Home Again Kathleen; Human; Try It Baby; Oldest Story In the World; You Came a Long Way from St. Louis.

Personnel

Ernie Andrews

vocals

Ernie Andrews: vocals; Rene Hall: guitar; Jerome Parsons: organ.

Album information

Title: This is Ernie Andrews | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Verve Music Group

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Day of the Race
< Previous

The Small Hours
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.