Andrew White, The Fire Breathing Tenor Saxist

A man with a remarkable legacy

There has never been a jazz musician quite like Andrew White.

Mr. White, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and jazz scholar ran a one-man music-publishing shop from the basement of his D.C. home with idiosyncratic verve.

Unknown to most, White reigned supreme in the hearts of jazz musicians and those truly in the know. In Washington, his presence carried an almost mystical aura.

For over 60 years, he built his reputation as a performer, complementing his robust, slightly coarse tone on both alto and tenor saxophones with a garish wardrobe, extraordinary stamina — he was renowned for his marathon 12- and 24-hour concerts from the 1970s through the ‘90s — and a boisterous persona, especially when it came to self-promotion.

For example, in his 1980 book Trane ‘n Me, an idiosyncratic but serious treatise on the music of John Coltrane, a casual drop of the phrase “Who Got de Funk?” yields a footnote: “‘Who Got de Funk?’ —That’s my fourth album … Git it todaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!”

White’s outsize character masked a fierce musical intellect. In the larger jazz world, he was best known for his scholarship on Coltrane, having transcribed and published 840 of his saxophone solos. White was a formidable Coltrane interpreter himself. Andrew White also worked in musical settings at far ends of the formal spectrum.

A maestro of musical versatility, he soared through genres with the ease of a jazz virtuoso and the precision of a classical maestro. Not just content with mastering the tenor saxophone, he plucked the bass strings alongside legends like Stevie Wonder and Weather Report. His musical journey traversed the vibrant landscapes of jazz, the structured elegance of classical, and the groovy beats of funk.

Photo: Andrew Propp/Washingtonian

One of White's most notable contributions to jazz was his extensive transcription of John Coltrane's saxophone solos. These transcriptions are considered a valuable resource for jazz musicians and scholars, offering insight into Coltrane's complex and innovative playing style. They have been used for educational purposes and to preserve the legacy of Coltrane's music. The fact that he was able to transcribe Trane’s later work is a something of miracle in itself.

Andrew White was an accomplished educator and scholar. He shared his knowledge and passion for music through teaching and lecturing, influencing many young musicians. His scholarly work in music, particularly in jazz history and theory, added a significant depth to the academic study of jazz.

His innovative approach to playing and composing, along with his dedication to the study and preservation of jazz, has had a lasting impact on the genre. He pushed the boundaries of jazz and inspired a new generation of musicians.

White's own recordings and live performances were highly regarded in the jazz community. His ability to blend different styles and his exceptional skill as a performer made his music both unique and influential.

Andrew White's importance in jazz stems from his multifaceted talents as a musician, his scholarly contributions, and his role in preserving and advancing the art form.

On June 23, 1975, Andrew White and his Quartet played a gig as part of WRVR’s Live at the Village Gate series.

Andrew White, tenor saxophone; Steve Novosel, bass; Donald Waters, piano and Bernard Sweetney on drums.