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14th and Crescent
Andrew Black and the Naturals
Music Matters Entertainment
by Rob Johnson
June 2008
Andrew Black is one of those local treasures who make Atlanta such a great music town, but he is too good to remain a secret for long – and 14th and Crescent is proof of his talent. The heart-wrenching opener, “Treat a Dog,” shows right away that Black has an uncommonly soulful voice and knows how to treat a song.
This is especially apparent on the excellent covers of “In the Ghetto” and “Everyday I Have the Blues.” Black doesn’t just cover a song – he interprets it and puts his own stamp on it. It takes guts to follow in the footsteps of Elvis and B.B. King, but Black has the vocal chops to hold his own against anybody.
“Love Worth Having” is an Andrew Black original, and shows that his own writing aims for the same heights as the timeless tunes by other artists on this CD. There is a strong Stevie Wonder vibe throughout 14th and Crescent, and can there be any greater compliment to a soul singer than to say he reminds you of Stevie?
The disc has a strong finish – a powerful version of War’s classic “The World Is a Ghetto.” Since Black once auditioned for the Derek Trucks Band, and this song used to be a dTb standard, it provokes thoughts of what could have been. Never mind all that, though. 14th and Crescent is about what Andrew Black is doing right now, which is making some of the sweetest music around today.
- Hittin' the Note Magazine
Discography
Discography (including guest appearances on other artists’ CDs)::
Andrew Black, “Andrew Black Live at Fee-Lay Gumbo”
Andrew Black, “Live Then and Now”
Andrew Black, “Live Then and Now 2”
Barry Richman, “Blues from Mars “
Barry Richman, “Blues from Mars 2”
Barry Richman, “Live at the Brandyhouse”
Mark Cook, “Blue Voodoo”
Jodi Zorzi, “No Judgments”
Forrest McDonald, “Color Blind”
Forrest McDonald, “Forrest McDonald Live”
Photos
Bio
Andrew Black is a mainstay in the Atlanta music scene, and is regarded by many as the best vocalist in the Atlanta area. Andrew is a professional guitarist/vocalist/songwriter and performs with his band and solo. When performing with his band, his shows are high energy blues rock/rock/soul. His solo performances are very “full”, given Andrew’s skills, technique and ability. He began playing open mike nights in the Atlanta area in 1992, and it wasn’t long before he formed his own band and made his mark in the local music scene. He has since toured all over the country, both as a solo act and with his band. His music encompasses many styles and genres, including blues, jazz, southern rock and country. His distinct soulful voice and sweet guitar licks cut right to the heart. It isn’t difficult to hear the influences of some of his heroes in his music, including Albert King, George Benson, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Prince, to name a few. Andrew has shared the stage with many great musicians, including Barry Richman, Tom Gross, Sean O’Rourke, The Derek Trucks Band, with Yosi Piamenta, John McKnight, Yonrico Scott, Jack Hall, Jimmy Herring, Jeff Sipe, Oliver Wood, Count M’Butu, Tinsley Ellis, Derek St. Homes, Chuck Rainey, John Schwenke, Charlie Wooten, Zack Brown, Coy Bowles, Mo from Mothers Finest, Caroline Aiken, Bill Sheffield, Wayne "Bear” Sauls, Donnie McCormick, Sean Costello, Joe “Lex” Luther to name a few. In addition to performing solo shows throughout the southeast, Andrew tours with the Andrew Black Band.
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