Jeff Michael Andrews obit

JEFF ANDREWS Obituary

 

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ANDREWS--Jeff Michael, jazz bassist, 59, died unexpectedly on March 14, 2019 of a cardiac event at home in New York City. He grew up in Baltimore, MD, the son of Ellsworth and Harriet Grempler Andrews. Jeff's passion for music began at 12 when he learned electric bass. After graduating from Dulaney High and studying at Peabody Conservatory, Jeff continued studies at Berklee College of Music, and with several private teachers. He influenced the jazz fusion scene in the early 1980s, playing bass with notable bands including Blood, Sweat & Tears, Special EFX, Michael Brecker Band, Steps Ahead, Wayne Shorter Quintet, Vital Information, Mike Stern Trio, and Jeff Andrews & New Standards Band. Known for his ensemble work, Jeff was a top-choice for such groups. He taught bass at Manhattan School of Music, The New School, and City College, at clinics all over the world, and to private students. His Discography includes many recordings (two Grammy winners); some album work is yet to be released. Jeff's talent was noted early on by Jaco Pastorius, and many other musicians and devotees worldwide laud his virtuosic technique, musical language, and fluid sound. Jeff is survived by his mother, Harriet Grempler Andrews, of Winston-Salem, NC, brother Mark Andrews, MD and wife Susan, of Winston-Salem, NC, brother Scott Andrews, PhD and wife Yvonne, of Fitchburg, MA, four nieces and nephews, and longtime friends Kirk Driscoll, Mike Stern, Brian Jarvis, Sri Viswanath, and Dr. Pam Call. Memorial services celebrating Jeff ' s life and work are in the planning stages.

A cause of death has not been announced; however, Andrews was admitted to Manhattan’s Lenox Hill Hospital on January 14 and was diagnosed with double pneumonia, remaining in the hospital for at least two weeks.

Andrews was an in-demand bassist, building a long and productive career within the fusion genre. He was probably best known for his late 1980s tenure with saxophonist Michael Brecker and for his work in the 1990s with guitarist Mike Stern and drummer Steve Smith’s Vital Information ensemble. Andrews also led his own bands, including the New Standards band in the late 1990s and an eponymous trio that he had led since 2000.