Hailing from the "birth place of jazz", Vandell Andrew was immediately
infected by the jazz virus. With the saxophone as chosen instrument
he joined after the first lessons the infamous St.Augustine "Marching
100" band. Hurricane Katrina forced him to move to Dallas, Texas.
Sharing stage with local musicians he had the opportunity to perform
with Kirk Whalum and Tom Braxton.
Now it's time for his solo career and how could it be better started
than with a debut album. So I proudly present you Vandell's first
album entitled Years Later ... (2011). He has written the
tracks over the past five years. You'll find much of his life
experience in these tunes.
In early August 2005, Katrina was just a name. After the hurricane
devastated the Gulf Coast many people lost their home like Vandrell Andrew
who describes this situation in his song After The Storm.
Could This Be is the raising question featured by Vandell's
soprano sax.
Feelin' It displays Vandell's reflection about his condition,
melancholy shares the place with frustration and homelessness. With
the up-tempo At Midnight Vandell lets these dark feelings
behind him to entertain the audience with a positive and seductive
melody.
The contemplative ballade A Letter To My Unborn becomes a space
of melancholy. Mellow, unmolested and meditative. Affliction, a
state of pain, distress, or misery. That emphasizes the testing of his
character in undergoing misfortunes. Another phase, Vandell walked
through. But there is also encouraging thinking on this album like
Walk My Way.
Forget all this trouble and let the good times roll. Let's Spend It
Together gives you the right groove for a lovely night. The
Bridge throws you back into darkness and melancholy.
Years Later ... is Vandell Andrew's treatment of his shocking
experience after the distorting roll over of Katrina. Hopefully a
passing phase of his life.