Trombone Shorty’s Backatown became one of year’s most anticipated major-label debut releases by a newcomer, thanks to the HBO hit show Treme. New Orleans-born and -bred and part of a family of musicians, Trombone Shorty (aka Troy Andrews) had probably soaked up more Big Easy music in his first 24 years than many talented NOLA-attuned musicians have in a lifetime.
That local flavor merely serves as a starting point, however, for Shorty’s idiosyncratic audial gumbo of jazz, funk, R&B, rock and maybe a smattering of other styles. The resulting composite has the distinction of feeling something just unfamiliar enough to sound fresh, but just familiar enough to give it instant crossover appeal.
Although the jazz element is mostly decorative, even Wynton Marsalis was endorsing this kid; maybe it’s because Backatown arrived on April 20, 2010 as something transcendent of genres. A multi-talented fellow who can play trumpet, trombone (natch), sing and compose, Trombone Shorty also already had a good handle on commanding a stage, too.
The album’s many highlights included “Right to Complain,” “Hurricane Season,” and “One Night Only.” Even back then, I could see this guy becoming the city’s main music ambassador for decades to come. Trombone Shorty’s legend begins right here.
This review is dedicated to our dear friend, George Boudreaux.
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