Andy Summers Albums (16)
'First You Build a Cloud'
Release Date 8/27/2007
Tracks 12
Label Rare
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What The Critics Say
After two albums exploring the boundaries of jazz via the music of Thelonious Monk (Green Chimneys) and Charles Mingus (Peggy's Blue Skylight), ex-Police guitarist Andy Summers returns to original compositions with a new band that moves forward through a swarm of genres on Earth + Sky. Employing two keyboard players, John Novello and John Beasley, as well as drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, saxophonist Katisse Buckingham, and bassist Abraham Laboriel, Summers creates a body of work that looks through jazz, rock, and folk forms and is technology based while also using organic rhythms and atmospherics. While some might see this as retrenchment, Summers, unlike so many of the superchopper guitarists out there, is a melodist whose lyricism is inescapable in virtually everything he plays. Hence the effect of these tunes is chimeric, whether they begin with gorgeous, simple harmonic lines that are reminiscent of nursery rhymes (such as "Now I'm Free"), feature complex hypnotic guitar lines that are fully charged both modally and rhythmically (as in the title track), or are atmospheric pieces that could be serial selections in a film noir soundtrack (such as "I Choose You"). Summers has utilized his jazz chops to stunning effect here, in that he allows his guitar to be an architectural focal point of an ensemble rather than as the centerpiece of the music itself. Hence, whether he is engaging the trappings of fusion or acoustic balladry ("Roseville"), he weaves something complex, soulful, and memorable from the elements. Earth + Sky is another solid effort from a guitarist who is forever reinventing himself. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In a similar vein as his 1999 release Green Chimneys: The Music of Thelonious Monk, guitarist Summers now offers tribute to jazz pioneer Charles Mingus. The collection is a little cobbled together, with an ill-conceived rap from Q-Tip over "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and a sparse, unfunky reading of "Cumbia Jazz Fusion," but the former Policeman's bright guitar work works hard at tying it all together. Making more admirable guest spots are Randy Brecker bringing his crossover jazz trumpet to "Boogie Stop Shuffle," Deborah Harry singing on "Weird Nightmare," and the genre-bending Kronos Quartet performing a string arrangement of the final track "Myself." While at times overproduced and slick, Summers must be commended for approaching Mingus' daunting music head on and adapting it as his own. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide
'Green Chimneys: The Music of Thelonious Monk'
Release Date 5/18/1999
Tracks 13
Label RCA Victor
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What The Critics Say
Guitarist Andy Summers long ago shed his Police-man's uniform to take a stab at being a jazz fusion guitarist, and this is his toughest test, tackling 13 of Thelonious Monk's most well known pieces. His backing band has some considerable talent; drummer Peter Erskine, organist Joey DeFrancesco, trumpeter Walt Fowler and cellist Hank Roberts are outstanding jazz musicians, and prove their mettle throughout. The CD overall is inconsistent, starting with an out-of-tune bass and an inaccurate reading of the title track. But it gets much better with horn charts, the precise Erskine and searing DeFrancesco saving grace on "Hackensack." Then they really get down with Monk's stealth Misterioso feel on "Brilliant Corners," and an economical Summers works effectively on "Monk's Dream." Sting sings "'Round Midnight" and botches the lyrics, but they come back strong for most of the remainder of the disc, especially with a pristine take on "Ugly Beauty," a moderately raucous "Think of One," a free-for-all "Light Blue/Rhythm-A-Ning," with Erskine cutting loose, and Summers' courteous solo acoustic finale on "Ruby My Dear." Summers is rather noodle prone, though a sharp-edged John Abercrombie-type tone creeps in occasionally. You do hear considerable riffing, and less improvisation, so if you're more into Jeff Beck than, say, Larry Coryell, bon appétit. There's a fluid ease in Summers' playing that suggests a real comfort zone and genuine love for this music. Sometimes that can go a long way, but still, this is for special tastes outside mainstream jazz. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Andy Summers (former member of the Police) and Brazilian guitarist Victor Biglione teamed for the first time to record this acoustic album. In this context, Biglione sounds a lot more acceptable than in his regular electric pop act. The repertoire is the strongest point here, with compositions by Egberto Gismonti, Jobim, Brubeck, Gillespie, and other great composers. They fortunately recognize the importance of including some delicate arrangements that surpass in expression any empty attempt of virtuosity, which nevertheless shows its face here and there. In spite of the choice of jazz standards, the solos are not jazz solos, rigorously speaking, but jazz-inspired solos. Jazz fans may have limited interest in this release, which may appeal to those who like good, non-abusive commercially instrumental pop music. Not revolutionary music, but interesting as it is. Some Brazilian rhythms, like Egberto's frevo and the samba rendition for Gillespie's "Night in Tunisia" (simplified as 4/4 time signature). ~ Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide
'The Last Dance of Mr. X'
Release Date 10/14/1997
Tracks 11
Label RCA
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What The Critics Say
Though perhaps best (or at least better) known for his work with the Police, guitarist Andy Summers seems to be doing rather well for himself. He may not be filling arenas and attracting screaming teenage girls, but their mothers can scream pretty loud as well, and as it is to them that Summers now appears to be playing, his maturity and ability to look forward work in his favor. Backed by bassist Tony Levin and drummer Gregg Bissonette (except on "Big Thing," which features the touring band of Jerry Watts on basses and Bernie Dresel on cymbal-laden drum set), Summers works well as a frontman. In fact, the lack of single-named eco-conscious smoothies and relatives of famous composers allows Summers to spread out and explore his music. Summers puts his "Soul-O" amp to good use in the original tracks "Big Thing," "Strange Earth," "Mr. X," "Rumplestiltskin," and "The Somnambulist." However, through the predominance of covers of tunes such as Horace Silver's cleanly swaying "Lonely Woman," the sprightly swing of Thelonious Monk's "We See," the samba tinge of Wayne Shorter's "Footprints," and an easy-going take on Charles Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," Mr. X demonstrates a solid grasp not only of jazz (albeit 'smooth jazz"), but also of a number of other streams as well. This is especially evident on the title track, which repeatedly rolls in like an ambient Latin tide, then flashes sharply and smoothly to such diverse styles as polka and surf (Mr. X must be quite a dancer indeed!), in addition to a sampling of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love." Whether Summers was underappreciated in the '80s remains to be seen, but his solo work definitely deserves attention. ~ Matthew Robinson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
During his post-Police musical career, guitarist Andy Summers has compiled a series of altogether distinctive, fusion-based solo outings marked by his shrewd compositional pen and laudable technical acumen. Moreover, Summers displays a somewhat lyrically driven guitar sound, teeming with animated lines, a rubato-like methodology, and bone-crushing crunch chords, as evidenced on this 1995 release. Here, the artist garners strong support from ex-Cream drummer Ginger Baker, along with notable session musicians Mitchell Forman (keyboards), Jerry Watts (bass), and Greg Bissonette (drums). More importantly, the guitarist integrates strings (the Trouserfly String Quartet) into this rather vibrant mix, consisting of Afro-Cuban rhythms, wailing lead soloing, East Indian modalities, and more. Otherwise, many of these works convey an eerie or foreboding musical environment, largely due to a potpourri of discordant themes and portentous musings. ~ Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide
'World Gone Strange'
Release Date 8/27/1991
Tracks 10
Label Private Music
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What The Critics Say
Not really standard jazz, but some fine playing. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
