| Tom
Ball
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 In
the finest of West Coast blues harmonica traditions, Andy Just has
been thrilling audiences with his explosive performances, not only in the
states, but overseas as well. His
sound is extremely powerful, and innovative, which has been honed by many
years of success and touring. Andy
is very well known in Europe and Australia, where he often plays at large
blue festivals, entertaining thousands.
He is notorious for rockin’ blues that really brings the house
down at music venues far and wide. Although
he has a firm handle on the blues, he possesses a unique artistic, and
improvisational style that always keeps his fans guessing as to what new
surprises he has in store for them. He
is recognized for introducing jazz and rock, and other styles into his
large repertoire of songs. Andy’s
original approach gives his music red hot energy, and great variety, while
staying true to his blues roots. His
interpretation encompasses the true essence of the blues, while it
captivates the audience with his “take no prisoners” performances.
This versatility is what makes his performances a truly enjoyable
experience --- not to mention down right fun.
Andy has been on at least 30 albums to date, and continues to record on
the Blue Rockit’ Record label. His
solo CD, “Don’t Cry” solidifies his reputation as a harmonica extraordinaire.
His CD sparked various reviews, which were overall outstanding.
Whether he’s on the blues harp, guitar, or vocals, Andy has
talent, technique and style to burn.
He is widely known in the blues harmonica world as a true master of
his craft, and for his signature “Tone”
--- which many harmonica players have tried to duplicate without success.
He prides himself on his originally crafted tone, and holds his
trade secret under lock and key. Andy
has shared a few of his licks and tricks at the Harmonica Master Class,
where many gather to learn from the best of the best in this field. Many
harmonica aficionados all over the world hold Andy high on their list of
masters. Andy has students as
far away as England and Japan; and receives emails from all over the
world.
As a
25-year blues veteran, Andy has had an opportunity to play with some of
the greats (many of which are his friends).
He has shared the stage with the likes of: B.B.
King, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Paul
Butterfield, Roy Rogers, Ronnie Wood, Robben Ford, The Fabulous
Thunderbirds, Luther Tucker, Albert Collins, Lazy Lester, Ike Turner,
Ronnie Earl, Lowell Fullsom, Norton Buffalo, Jimmy Witherspoon, Junior
Wells, Lee Oskar, Chris Cain, Gary Smith, Tommy Castro, James Cotton, John
Mayall, Charlie Musslewhite, Garth Webber, Sista Monica, John Entwistle,
David Raitt, Paul Rogers, Angela Strehli, Joe Lewis Walker, Fenton
Robinson, and many others.
Andy currently tours worldwide with “The Ford Blues Band”, which
he has been the front man for over a decade.
The Ford Blues Band’s current release “1999”, has been
getting outstanding reviews in many blues magazines such as Living Blues,
and Blues Access. Other bands
that Andy tours with are “Sista' Monica”, “Chris Cain”, and
“Robben Ford”. Over the
years, he has had many band incarnations in and around the San Francisco
Bay Area such as:
§
Andy
Just & The Defenders
§
Andy
Just & The Shapes
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Andy
Just & The Shakedown
Some of the other work that Andy has done, is a music score for George
Lucas’s film “Murder In Mississippi”, with Elmer Bernstien
conducting. He has also done
national commercials for Kellogg’s and most recently Chrysler
Corporation to name a few.
Without a doubt, Andy is the most powerful harp player to
come along since James Cotton. Although he can emulate Sonny Boy
Williamson one minute, and Charlie Parker the next --- the fact is that
Andy is an original, an innovator, and enthralling to catch live or on
disk. Whether he’s playing a small intimate club or a huge
festival, Andy is sure to please. Andy
Just drives the blues with fire -- from the south side of Chicago, to the
murky depths of the Delta, and all the way home.
To see and hear Andy Just perform is an experience not to be
missed.
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