Anticipation is in the air as the vibrant notes of Trombone Shorty’s music prepare to resonate within the hallowed walls of The Egg once again. The illustrious trombonist, trumpeter, singer, and bandleader will grace the stage on Friday, September 1st, marking a jubilant return to this cherished venue.
While New Orleans basks in the glory of Trombone Shorty as the embodiment of soulful funk invigorated by the resonance of hometown horns, The Egg has also become a space that electrifies his presence. From the effervescent energy of Mountain Jam in 2012 to a compelling showcase at The Egg in 2014 and numerous other captivating performances, his musical charisma has enthralled audiences far and wide. His presence at renowned events like the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival and his recurring summer tour, Voodoo Threauxdown, has left an indelible mark, akin to the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s iconic Wheels of Soul.
Reflecting on his initial encounter with Trombone Shorty’s musical prowess at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, it became evident that he was a magnet for collaboration. His performance on the Congo Square stage saw a veritable parade of musical guests, showcasing a resplendent fusion of horn-driven melodies. The vibrant soundscape resonated with the harmonious collaboration of esteemed brass band luminaries and fellow musicians, including those from the Neville Brothers.
Notably, Trombone Shorty has attained the esteemed privilege of occupying Jazz Fest’s most illustrious slot – the closing set on the final day, on the grandest of stages. This coveted honor, akin to the headlining act at the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, underscores his remarkable journey. A moment shared backstage at The Egg in 2014 revealed his humble nature and his ongoing sense of auditioning for success. He expressed, “I feel like I’m still auditioning for it!”
Beyond his musical accolades, Trombone Shorty’s influence has permeated various realms. His image now graces Sesame Street as a Muppet, and his autobiographical children’s book “Trombone Shorty” earned both the Coretta Scott King Award and the Randolph Caldecott Medal. He has even become the centerpiece of his own Mardi Gras parade. Through his Trombone Shorty Foundation, he champions the cause of youth music education, reinforcing his commitment to fostering musical talent in the next generation.
Trombone Shorty’s musical journey began with a prodigious start, with a guest appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest alongside Bo Diddley at the tender age of four. His formative years were steeped in the rich heritage of brass bands in his Treme neighborhood, and he further honed his craft as part of Lenny Kravitz’s band. This foundation eventually led him to form Orleans Avenue, a dynamic ensemble that evolved into a formidable unit featuring multiple drums, guitars, horns, keyboards, bass, and vocals. The collective’s prowess, coupled with Trombone Shorty’s mastery, creates a sonic force that enraptures audiences for a nonstop, jubilant musical ride.
His latest album, “Lifted,” serves as a testament to his versatility, traversing a spectrum of genres, from Mardi Gras fervor to jazzy innovation and hip-hop vitality. The album mirrors the dynamism of his live performances while embracing technical precision.
As Trombone Shorty himself aptly articulates, “The whole time we were making ‘Lifted,’ I couldn’t help but think about how much fun it would be to get onstage and play it for an audience.” This anticipation, this connection between artist and audience, is sure to ignite the atmosphere at The Egg once more as Trombone Shorty embarks on a musical journey that is bound to uplift the spirits of all fortunate enough to be in attendance.
