For a short time about 20 years ago, Bob Andrews and I were friends. It was a serendipitous hook-up. I was deeply involved in all things New Orleans, writing for The Huffington Post, and basically doing all I could for a post-Katrina city. As it turns out, a guy I knew knew a woman who was living with Bob. One thing led to another and I had V.I.P. tickets for Elvis Costello at the House Of Blues, sitting around with Bonnie Raitt, Sean Penn and Jude Law, the latter two in town filming the remake of "All The King's Men." Bob was guest pianist that night.
We met, had a few drinks together and then proceeded to keep in touch. I'd see him at Jazz Fest, where we'd share a few more beers and talk music. And then one year, while "kickstarting" his CD, he offered a premium for those putting up a few bucks. He'd record a song, "just for you." I chose "Sunny." Astute readers might remember, I am huge fan of that Bobby Hebb tune and I collect versions of the song. Now, I would have one that no one else had.
We fell out of touch. He in Taos. Me in NYC.
Cut to last week, while listening to a live Brinsley Schwarz set, I thought about Bob for the first time in years. Cut to a few minutes ago, I received an email that said he passed.
I'll be straight. He and I weren't close. It's not as if I lost a close friend. But hearing the news in light of just thinking about the guy, kinda knocked me for a loop.
All that aside, the music world lost an amazing musician, and his loved ones lost an amazing person. I'm just truly shocked and saddened by the news.
Bob Andrews is on a lot of records we love.
And now, here's Bob, and my version of "Sunny."
9 comments:
Ah, so sad. His work on Surrender to the Rhythm is all a person needs. Feel lucky I got to see him with the reformed GP and the Rumour a few years back.
I agree with Bill so sad however boom his music in the shop for a week, talk about him to the punters and hopefully one of them will start collecting him so he will never be forgotten. RIP Bob
Sad news. I primarily knew his Rumour work but that was fantastic. Only saw him once, just over a decade ago at a GP & The Rumour show. Great player. RIP.
Oh, and a side note, I didn't realise until now that he produced The La's There She Goes, which is kind of ubiquitous this side of the Atlantic.
I echo what everyone has said - extremely talented musician.
Years ago, I had a musician (Stew) write a song for my wife for Valentine's Day, so I know how special Sunny is to you. Great song - his version sure does it justice.
Randy
What a wonderful version of Sunny. Something to treasure for sure.
Funny how life works, and for no reason in particular I played the Brinsley's first album a few days ago. "Hymn To Me" and all.
I saw him with the Rumour, enjoyed the Brinsley's albums. He also played on "I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass". RIP. That's pretty cool that you knew him briefly, and he recorded "Sunny" for you.
Lovely version, lovely story.
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