Guitarist, songwriter and singer Andrew "Jr. Boy" Jones began working professionally at age 16 with Freddie King's backing band, the Thunderbirds. He got his first guitar from his uncle, jazz musician Adolphus Sneed. Jones cites an eclectic array of influences: Freddie King, Cornell Dupree and Larry Carlton. For many years, he's backed various Dallas-area vocalists on guitar, but in the mid-1990s, he came into his own as a vocalist with an album for JSP Records, I Need Time (1997), which showcases his crafty songwriting, great guitar playing, and powerful singing.
In 1967, Jones joined Dallas-area vocalist Bobby Patterson's outfit, the Mustangs. Through most of the 1970s, Jones backed various artists, including Patterson, Johnnie Taylor and Charlie Robertson. In late 1987, he went to California and joined the Silent Partners with bassist Russell Jackson and drummer Tony Coleman, the latter of whom is best known for his work with B.B. King's orchestra. Jones recorded with Bay-area piano player and singer Katie Webster on her critically praised Alligator Records album, Swamp Boogie Queen.
Jones met harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite at a Sonny Rhodes recording session, and Musselwhite persuaded him to stay in California and join his band. Jones played guitar on Musselwhite's three late-1980s/early-1990s albums for Alligator Records (Ace of Harps, In My Time, and Signature). He also had the chance to do some extensive world touring with the harmonica master.
Jones left Musselwhite's band amicably in the mid-1990s and is now back in Dallas, where he accompanies Dallas-area blues singers like R.L. Griffin, Hal Harris and the Lowlifers, and others.
In early 2005, Andrew and 43rd Big Idea Records began planning for Jr Boy’s 4th CD a live recording that captures the true essence of Andrew’s sound, enthusiasm and the spirit that led to Jr Boy’s previous WC Handy nomination and will no doubt catapult him back into the blues limelight as one of this countries living blues legends.
New songs include; Noises in the Backroom, a song that characterizes why you cant always believe what you hear. A stirring rendition of a classic made famous by Ray Charles, Georgia on my Mind. And She’s Fine, an anthem to the crowded beaches and beautiful women that create that once in a lifetime experience known as Spring Break.
~ Richard Skelly, All Music Guide and John Harris, 43rd Big Idea Records.
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