Jeff Andrews

Bassist Jeff Andrews has died, aged 58.

I remember, decades ago, hearing the word “swunk” (a combination of “swing” and “funk”) for the first time. It was from Jeff Andrews who was describing the feel of Jaco’s playing on The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines from Joni Mitchell’s album Mingus.

I was lucky to have met Jeff a couple of times, at guitar shows where we were giving clinics (not much more than a handshake and “good to meet you”). Luckier still was when he and Mike Stern stole off to a quiet side room and played for over an hour to the handful of us who were fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time. Included were a sprawling, unapologetic version of Giant Steps, and a delicate version of Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise that I’m still unable to forget.

Many already know about Jeff’s incredible playing and musicianship, but I wish it were more.