Andre Williams returns to Detroit

photo by Drew Reynolds

There's a new Andre Williams album called That's All I Need being released by Bloodshot on May 18 but it's not his new recording with The Sadies overseen by Jon Spencer. Evidently Andre's much-anticipated Sadies reunion set is finished and ready to go but they're still looking for a suitable label home for it. So while the backroom wheeling and dealing continues, the other Andre studio set, which the fabulous Mr. Rhythm put down in his old Motor City stomping grounds, is being issued by Bloodshot to placate Andre addicts jonesing for new joints.

That's All I Need was produced by Outrageous Cherry singer/guitarist Matt Smith who enlisted his regular crew of D-Town delinquents including drummers Dave Shettler (The Sights) and Michael Alonso (Electric Six), bassist Troy Gregory (Flotsam and Jetsam, Prong) and guitarist Eric Villa (Valentinos). If some of those names sound familiar it's because Smith used largely the same cast to cut Nathaniel Mayer's two not-so-hot albums for Alive. That's certainly cause for concern but we can only hope that Smith and company have learned something from the mistakes made on Mayer's albums. Hey, it could happen.
To his credit, Smith had the good sense to hire certified Detroit guitar ace Dennis Coffey to play the tricky parts so that's a big plus although it's unfortunate Smith couldn't manage to get Coffey's fellow Funk Brothers Bob Babbitt and Ray Monette in on the action. Those interested in picking up That's All I Need should note that Bloodshot's limited edition vinyl version of the album includes a digital download option and two bonus tracks. And if you pre-order now through Bloodshot's site (see link below) you get a free 11"x17" colour poster!

LINKS
Andre Williams myspace
Bloodshot Records http://www.bloodshotrecords.com/album/thats-all-i-need
Outrageous Cherry myspace