Andy Bey on the Charlie Parker Jazz Competition in 2015.
Jonathan Chimene
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Jonathan Chimene
This interview with vocalist and pianist Andy Bey initially aired on Oct. 25, 2019, on the event of Bey’s eightieth birthday. The episode has been up to date following Bey’s demise.
Up to date in 2025 by Sarah Geledi.
Listed here are a number of indeniable truths about Andy Bey. First issues first: Bey, who died on April 26, 2025, on the age of 85, occupied the highest rank of jazz singers. He led a circuitous profession, beginning out as a prodigy, slipping into obscurity and experiencing a late renaissance. And he was an authentic: No person else ever sounded fairly like him, and it is virtually sure no one else ever will.
“I’ve all the time been a loner, and I used to be on the lookout for no one’s approval,” Bey mirrored in a 2019 interview. “I by no means tried to comply with anyone, musically or in any other case.” On this episode of Jazz Evening in America, we have a good time his distinctive artistry and revisit his story.
We’ll eavesdrop on an illuminating dialog between Bey and his producer, Herb Jordan. We’ll hear tributes from collaborators, like guitarist Paul Meyers, and longtime admirers, like jazz-vocal guru Dominique Eade. And naturally, we’ll hear loads of music — an beautiful, beforehand unissued live performance recorded on the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse on the Lincoln Middle in New York in 2002.
Musicians: Andy Bey, voice, piano; Paul Meyers, guitar; Joe Martin, bass; Mark McLean, drums.
Set Record:
“Choose Your self Up” (Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields)”Invitation” (Bronisław Kaper, Paul Francis Webster)”Tuesdays in Chinatown” (Herb Jordan, Dorian Elliot)”River Man” (Nick Drake) “All of the Issues You Are” (Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II)”Saídas e Bandeiras” (Milton Nascimento)
Credit:
Host: Christian McBride; Author and Producer: Alex Ariff; Senior Producer: Katie Simon; Music Recorded by Ed Haber and George Wellington; Extra manufacturing for this tribute version: Sarah Geledi. Due to: Ashley Kahn, Jane Gilvin, Olivia Meyer, Kay Wolff, Joseph Fridman and James Crawford.
