Jake Andrews: Time to Burn

On the rockier side of the blues, newcomer Jake Andrews weighs in with some sizzling fretboard virtuosity on Time to Burn (Jericho 90002-2; 50:25). Part of the Jimi Hendrix-Stevie Ray Vaughan continuum, Andrews is a natural contender for the blues rock throne currently being occupied by Jonny Lang. But for my money, this kid cuts young Jonny both vocally and instrumentally, and with far less affectation. His take on Mike Kindred’s cool shuffle “Cry Baby” is in the mode of SRV’s “Cold Shot” (which Kindred also wrote) while both the title track and “Moment to Love” ring with obvious Hendrixisms. The heavy duty “Hard Way” is Andrews’ freshest, most original statement on the album, though he doesn’t shy away from digging in on his ax in this more pop flavored context. Andrews rocks hard with his very solid, driving band on “Just You And Me” and cops a suitably funky attitude on the organ-fueled second line groove of “I Don’t Wanna Go Home.” Andrews exudes a natural confidence and rhythmic assuredness on the jazzy shuffle “Lover To Cry,” a hip, big production number pumped up by Hammond B-3 organ and the punchy presence of the Texacali Horns. And his raunchy take on Roosevelt Sykes’ classic “Drivin’ Wheel” is highly respectful of that old school Chicago tradition while taking it to more visceral territory. Nice feel, real deal.

Originally Published July 1, 1999