Bandleader Troy Andrews, also known as Trombone Shorty, has already established a reputation in U.S. and international jazz circles at the young age of nineteen.
Troy grew up in the historic Treme´ neighborhood of New Orleans, famous for its role in nurturing the earliest New Orleans jazz musicians. From the time he could walk, Troy literally followed in the footsteps of some of the greatest pioneers of Jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton and Kid Ory, all of whom grew up around or played in the streets of the Treme´ neighborhood. By the time he began grade school, Troy was recognized as a junior virtuoso and popular entertainer and was honored when he was only eight years old by having a Treme´ neighborhood club named “Trombone Shorty's.”
Tutored by older brother and popular recording artist James Andrews, who in turn was mentored and initiated into the world of New Orleans jazz musicians by legendary banjo player and guitarist Danny Barker, Trombone Shorty has performed all over the world.
 Tutored by older brother and popular recording artist James Andrews, who in turn was mentored and initiated into the world of New Orleans jazz musicians by legendary banjo player and guitarist Danny Barker, Trombone Shorty has performed all over the world. He has played in far away places such as Havana, Cuba; Paris, France; Vittoria, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey and played well-known venues such as the Vienna Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Istanbul Jazz Festival, as well as a New Orleans music festival in Dubai (the United Arab Emirates).
Troy attended the prestigious New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, a high-school level fine arts institution that has produced such alumni as Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr, and Nicholas Payton. Troy appeared on PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis, Troy was a featured artist in a centennial tribute to Louis Armstrong. One of his earlier recording projects was for a Japanese label, entitled “ Global Song of Kids”, a collection of children’s songs played in the traditional New Orleans brass band style.
Troy’s recordings include, “Trombone Shorty’s Swingin’ Gate”, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue "Orleans & Claiborne”, Troy & James Andrews - "12 & Shorty" Featuring Dr. John, Cyril Neville, Donald Harrison, and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux Troy Andrews Quintet “The End of the Beginning” - guest artists Ellis Marsalis, Irvin Mayfield, Kermit Ruffins and John Boutte.
In the early ’90 Bono and The Edge visited a small New Orleans Club. There, the pair saw a 12-year-old trombone player named Trombone Shorty. "On one of our band's first tours of the United States, Bono and myself ended up in some small little club in New Orleans”. "We walked in and the place was jumping. There was this little funk band, but they were all playing brass instruments, which is something I’d never heard or seen before,” he recalled. “ It was a truly mind-blowing experience to see this unbelievably hip, powerful music going on that no one knew about other than the people of that area. It was stumbling onto some kind of hidden treasure." "We were just mesmerized by him," The Edge said. "I ended up with Bono, after a few tequilas, and we ended up dancing with a bunch of girls on the top of the bar. It was one of those sort of nights."
Sources:- www.u2station.com, www.atu2.com
Lenny Kravitz
Troy has been playing on Lenny Kravitz’s tour and in part of the show performs what has been described as a jazz odyssey. Lenny paid tribute to victims of Hurricane Katrina, which affected "Trombone Shorty," - "He's one of the people who lost everything in New Orleans, so I have so much respect for him," Kravitz said. "He's one of the main people who is keeping the culture and tradition alive."
Dr John at the House of Blues in New Orleans - Katrina Aftermath Benefit Concert. Review by Pat Kauchick
Dr John is such a legend. He worked with Phil Spector as a session player and in production. Most notable projects included Sonny and Cher and Sam Cooke. Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton became huge fans and played on some of his early records. The Doctor gave some great commentary during the show.
He particularly let the politicians have it:
"I have been in the psych ward with Napoleon and Geraldine and I am qualified to say that politicians are the ones that belong in the psych ward. I don't give a damn about politicians." He went on to praise Trombone Shorty Andrews who came from the 9th Ward hardest hit by Katrina. Saying "People like him are the backbone of New Orleans." Shorty sat in on several numbers.
Wynton Marsalis
“Troy possesses the rarest combination of talent, technical capability and down-home soul. I’m his biggest fan.”
Caller on a US radio show:
Over the last year I have lived down in New Orleans. The city comes alive every night with music and people come from every corner of the USA to partake in the tradition of this city. However, I am worried that jazz and blues music is losing its appeal, especially on the younger musicians of the city. There doesn't seem to be people who want to be the next Armstrong or Marsalis, but rather they wish to become the next 50-cent or the like.
However, one night as I came upon the Funky Butt, I heard something that just asked me to come in. The music of Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews ... keep an eye on this kid, because he gives me hope that he will keep jazz alive. As Mr. Armstrong used to say, "Red beans and ricely yours." |
