The Ubiquitous Andre Berry

Now for a feature on bass player Andre Berry (pictured here with Wayman Tisdale) that originally appeared in my regular column at ABYSSJazz. The 2008 May – June issue is due out anytime now and will include a feature on the excellent Mike Logan. Look out for ABYSSJazz at both Borders and Barnes & Noble. In addition, subscriptions for this top notch smooth jazz magazine, to include nine issues plus a free CD, can be had for as little as $24-95. For more information send an e-mail to mailbox@abyssjazz.com.

If you are one of those lucky enough to frequently watch live smooth jazz, the chances are that you will have seen André Berry. This funky and ultra talented bass player has been with Warren Hill’s touring band for the last nine years and is now an integral part of Mindi Abair’s set up. A sometime member of Down To The Bone’s live incarnation Berry also has the distinction of being one of the few performers to have appeared on every one of the Smooth Jazz Cruises that, over the years, have been variously hosted by Warren Hill, Dave Koz and Wayman Tisdale. Indeed, to the two thousand or so fans that return year after year to these unique events, he has become far more than simply a ‘sideman’. His engaging personality, incredible energy and peerless work ethic combine with his prowess as producer and composer to really make him stand out from the crowd and, if that wasn’t enough, he is also a solo recording artist in his own right. His latest CD, ‘For The Moment’, is brand new for 2008.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, André was influenced in his early days by Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, Larry Graham of Sly & The Family Stone, Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire and of course that mega funkster Bootsy Collins. This amalgam of distinctive styles carry over to the extensive work he now does in contemporary jazz and is well exemplified by his role as co-producer of Warren Hills 2006 album ‘Pop Jazz’ which, for the most part, mirrors the big, in your face and quite often funky style in which Hill typically plays. That said, Berry also has the ability to inject great sensitivity into his music and this is perfectly demonstrated with the tune ‘It Could Happen’ that he composed with Brian Simpson and which appears on Simpson’s breakthrough CD, ‘It’s All Good’. These more subtle skills are also in evidence on the title track of his 2006 solo project ‘Gratitude’ and equally so with ‘Somebody To Love’ from the same recording. This catchy slice of mid tempo smooth jazz makes superb use of backing vocals and in every respect represents a very special piece of buried treasure.

Berry’s brand new CD ‘For The Moment’ was recorded between November 2007 and January 2008 from his home studio in North Hollywood. It takes him to yet another level and the more vibey and turned down approach permeates many of its tracks. The stunning ‘Daydreamin’, where he is joined by long time colleague Randy Jacobs on electric guitar, is a fine example and Jacobs also pops up with the mellow ‘Walk With Me’ and the funk fuelled ‘You Put Me In A Trance’. Mindi Abair graces the album with appearances on ‘Forever This Moment’ where her tender duet with Berry is right on the money and on ‘Shine Like A Diamond’. This textbook example of contemporary jazz is one of nine original compositions from Berry and when he goes back to his roots for the collection’s only cover the result is his re-imagining of the Brothers Johnson ‘I’ll Be Good To You’. It’s a number that is replete with the old school funk appeal that has exited much of today’s black music and indeed it is one of Berry’s stated aims to keep alive that distinctive horns, guitar, bass and vocals combination that populated much of his musical development. André revels in the excitement that can transmit itself from a live audience and given tour dates for 2008 are already scheduled with both Mindi Abair and Norman Brown it is certain he is set to remain as one of the most sought after bass players in the business.

‘For The Moment’ is just one more great reason to connect with the music of Andre Berry so, for all the latest tour dates and news, go to www.andreberry.com.