James Andrews is a vocalist, songwriter and trumpet legend from New Orleans. He hails from a musical family, the grandson of Jesse Hill and the brother of Trombone Shorty. A trumpeter and vocalist with a tone and voice as distinctive as Louis Armstrong, Andrews is one of the primary cultural ambassadors from the cradle of music. 

Raised in the Treme neighborhood, Andrews started out playing in neighborhood brass bands, including the Treme Brass Band, Junior Olympia Brass Band, founded New Birth Brass Band and performed with the legendary Danny Barker, before founding James Andrews and the Crescent City Allstars.

In 1998, he released his debut album Satchmo of the Ghetto, produced by Allen Toussaint and featuring his friend and mentor Dr. John. In 2005, Andrews was one of the first musicians to return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to play Jackson Square with his brother Trombone Shorty. He famously said from New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: "We’re gonna rebuild this city note by note.” Andrews appeared as himself in three episodes of the HBO series Treme: "Do Watcha Wanna," "Smoke My Peace Pipe" and "Yes We Can Can.” 

Known as much for his buoyant personality as his impeccable trumpet tone, Andrews can always be seen leading the second line for elders in the New Orleans music community. His song "Sixth Ward Soul" from the album “People Get Ready NOW” was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine’s four star review for the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund charity download. Most recently, James Andrews and the Crescent City All Stars have a live album from the 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. 

Andrews is an in-demand ambassador for New Orleans touring the world, and headlining local events from Satchmo Festival to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. His family is the backbone of New Orleans culture, and James Andrews carries that flame proudly. 

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