Andy Just

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 playing, and touring. Andy is very well known in Europe and Australia, where he often entertains thousands at large blues festivals. He is notorious for rockin’ blues, which really brings the house down at music venues far and wide.

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 playing, and touring. Andy is very well known in Europe and Australia, where he often entertains thousands at large blues festivals. He is notorious for rockin’ blues, which 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 --- and you can tell by his thousand-watt smile that he’s having a blast too. 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 shining reviews, which were altogether 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 from near and far gather to learn from the best of the best in this field.

Andy is currently recording harmonica sessions for the Harmonica Master Class, and Mel Bay’s music instructional CD’s. 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 letters and emails from all over the world. As a 28-year blues veteran, Andy has had an opportunity to play with some of the greats. He has shared the stage with the likes of: B.B.

King, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Paul Butterfield, Al Kooper, Nick Gravenites, 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, Maria Muldaur, Angela Strehli, Joe Lewis Walker, Fenton Robinson and many others. Andy currently tours nationally and abroad with “The Ford Blues Band”, which he has been the front man for over a decade. The Ford Blues Band’s recent releases have been getting great reviews across the media gamut. The three most recent CD’s “Another Fine Day”, “The Ford Blues Band - In Memory of Michael Bloomfield with Robben Ford & Chris Cain”, and “Robben Ford & The Ford Blues Band - A Tribute to Paul Butterfield” -- all which have received widespread acclaim.

Other artists and bands that Andy lends his talents to are Robben Ford, Chris Cain and Gary Smith. 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, and 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, Chrysler Corporation, and most recently he has played for a major film to be released in France. 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 still remains an original, an innovator, and not to mention down right enthralling to catch live or on disc.

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. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License and may also be available under the GNU FDL..