Andrew Cheshire: Water Street Revival

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: August 1, 1999

Mainstream jazz guitar has a universal appeal because of its natural timbre and the graceful articulation that can be achieved through practiced dexterity. Andrew Cheshire incorporates those elements plus a melodic sense that lends itself to smoother ballads ripe for a wider radio market. Recorded in 1990-92 with three different units, Water Street Revival draws together the various roots that make up the guitarist's unique sound. This is Cheshire's third album as a leader; a fourth, Relax, Keep The Tension, Please , was released in 1998 on the CIMP label.

Except for Cole Porter's "I Love You," Water Street Revival features the guitarist's original compositions. Cheshire's brief melodies are wrapped in interesting arrangements that change meter and tempo frequently. The system allows for much improvisation by each of the artists. The three drummers are tasteful in their choice of accompaniments, while the respective bassists pulse clearly and with variety. The pairing of vibes with guitar on the first four tracks produces a pleasant and distinctive sound. Cheshire's guitar gives us a vocal quality with which we can feel comfortable through both the lyrical ballad and the up-tempo burner.

Track Listing: Water Street Revival; Our World; Search for Truth; Sanashi; Jet; Thunder and Rain; Portrait of Ellsworth; June Song; Dock Street Blues; I Love You; Morning Song; Odessa; When I'm With You.Collective

Personnel: Andrew Cheshire- guitar; Bryan Carrott- vibes; James Weidman- piano; Lonnie Plaxico, Marcus McLaurine, Tyler Mitchell- bass; Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Greg Bandy, Yoron Israel- drums.

Record Label: Joule Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream