James Andrews and Friends, New Orleans, New Orleans (Independent)


Few musicians have been as dramatically transformed by the impact of Hurricane Katrina as James Andrews. The crisis turned the trumpeter and vocalist from a talented purveyor of the good time tradition of New Orleans jazz and R&B to a spiritual leader in the city’s determination to reclaim its identity. He was back in town offering hope through music immediately after the storm, and his efforts helped to define a new identity for himself as well. That identity is codified in the title track of this CD single, “New Orleans, New Orleans (The Anthem).” The uplifting spiritual takes the listener through the storm experience in the first verse, laments the aftermath in the second verse when the city “couldn’t get a helping hand,” then in true gospel ballad tradition, promises a glorious future: “With the music and the laughter / we’ll be happy ever after.”

The other tune on the CD is a slinky R&B groove, “Katrina, Katrina,” which we certainly will be hearing for many years to come. Karen Gant’s vocals on both tracks are outstanding. The assembled “friends” backing Andrews up on this session is all-star cast of New Orleans greats including John Boutte and “Big Chief” Alfred Doucette on vocals, Kevin O’Day on drums, Jon Cleary on piano, Gina Forsyth on violin and Tom Fitzpatrick on tenor saxophone.