Back to the Roots

 Back to the Roots



I’m taking jazz back to its New Orleans roots by introducing Troy Andrews, better known as “Trombone Shorty.”  Trombone Shorty,  a New Orleans native, is the real deal, a child prodigy, playing his first gig with the Bo Didley, the legendary rock & roll, blues and funk guitar player.  Trombone Shorty is a multi-genre, multi-instrumentalist, and has risen to fame as a trumpeter, vocalist, keyboardist, and trombonist.  He creates amazing combonations of traditional big band New Orleans jazz with a modern twist of rock, R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop.  


Trombone Shorty playing his trombone


Trombone Shorty’s breakout album Backatown dropped in 2010.  To get your fandom started, I am providing a review and sample of some of tracks, but the entire album is 100% fire. The first track, Hurricane Season, comes in literally like a hurricane – strong and big.  It is an instrumental featuring  brass sounds, drums, a strong bass, and  heavy, funky guitar riffs. Hurricane Season pays homage to the sounds and traditions of the City of New Orleans and its big marching band tradition.  The song effortlessly and effectively combines elements of marching band music, big band jazz, hip hop, pop, and rock. Check it out below.



Moving on to the fourth track, Something Beautiful, is a tribute to R&B and soul, with a cool rock guitar solo featuring guest guitarist Lenny Kravitz  and his signature fuzzy, heavily distorted guitar riffs. Trombone Shorty plays keyboards  and provides pretty cool lead vocals on this track. Check it out below.


On the 6th track, A Right to Complain, Trombone Shorty leans into the rock fusion.  The song  features heavy distorted rock guitar riff by Peter Murano, a powerful horn section, and Trombone Shorty grooving the lead vocals.  This track is a perfect combination of  elements of hard rock, blues, big band jazz, and deep funk.    Click the link below to listen.


Lastly, the album ends with the 14th track, 928 Horn Jam, which returns to the  basics - extraordinary New Orleans jazz.  Unlike the first track, Hurricane Season, Horn Jam is not infused with different musical elements and is pure and simply a New Orleans jazz, Mardi Gras party sound. Click the link below to here the song.


The future of New Orleans jazz is in great hands with Trombone Shorty.


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Comments

  1. EllaOctober 29, 2023 at 6:08 PM

    I absolutely love this blog article. You really took it back to its roots. I was unfamiliar with this artist and delighted that you included the you tube videos of him. My favorite selection is Hurricane Season. Also, an artist I think you would appreciate is Christian Scott. My favorite piece by him is Twins. You can check him out on https://www.google.com/search?q=christian+scott+tiny+desk

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