StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Mardi Gras time with Glen David Andrews

It's parade Saturday of Mardi Gras week in St. Louis, which makes it a doubly appropriate time to check out some clips of New Orleans trombonist and vocalist Glen David Andrews, who will be in town next Wednesday, March 9 to play The Gramophone.

A protege of New Orleans legend Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen, cousin of Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, and brother of Rebirth Brass Band's Derrick Tabb, Andrews draws on jazz, gospel, rock, blues and funk and, as seen in today's four videos, has his own idiosyncratic takes on the familiar Crescent City standards.

The first clip catches Andrews in mid-set at the Louisiana Music Factory during Jazz Fest 2009, winding down a tune and launching into a raucous "Basin Street Blues, then jumping offstage into the crowded aisles to encourage audience participation.

Down below are three clips show at Joe's Pub in NYC that provide additional examples of Andrews' high-energy style. From July 2009, there's a version of "When The Saints Go Marching In" that segues into a head-banging rock number, followed by "Iko Iko" and, from a different gig in October 2010, "I Walk On Gilded Splinters." Note that these clips were all shot by an audience member with a camcorder, so they're not exactly broadcast quality, but they're entertaining nonetheless.

Glen David Andrews to perform Wednesday, March 9 at The Gramophone

New Orleans trombonist and vocalist Glen David Andrews (pictured) is coming to St. Louis to play on Wednesday, March 9 at The Gramophone.

Andrews, a protege of New Orleans legend Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen; cousin of Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews; and brother of Rebirth Brass Band's Derrick Tabb; is steeped in the city's traditional jazz and gospel sounds. He often performs old jazz standards and hymns along with his own compositions in a show that incorporates jazz, gospel, rock, blues and funk. Andrews appeared last year in the HBO television series Treme, and already has filmed two additional episodes for the upcoming season.

Jazz journalist Pamela Espelund, who writes the Minneapolis/St. Paul jazz blog Bebopified, was quite enthusiastic about Andrews' Twin Cities show at the Dakota last July, saying that "It may have been the most raucous night in the 25-year history of the Dakota, including both locations. It’s the only time I’ve felt the floor move."

Updated - 12:00 a.m., 2/2/11: Doors will open at 8:00 p.m., and showtime is 9:00 p.m.. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of show, $23 for ages 18-21, and can be purchased via The Gramophone's website. (Scroll down to find the listing for March 9.)

In the meantime, in the embedded video window below you can check out Andrews performing "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," from his 2009 CD Walking Through Heaven's Gate, which was recorded live in 2008 at Zion Hill Baptist Church in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans.



(Edited after posting to correct the date.)