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Trombone Shorty: WXPN's July 2010 Artist to Watch

A product of New Orleans' historical and musical Treme neighborhood, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews has been a musician since he was smaller than the trombone he plays. A bandleader by the age of 16, Andrews attracts both older and younger generations of fans with his virtuosity and energy.

He attended the prestigious New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (graduates including Harry Connick Jr. and Irvin Mayfield). In 2006, Andrews entered the national spotlight by performing "The Saints are Coming" on Monday Night Football in his native New Orleans with superstars U2 and Green Day. He has also appeared on several television shows, including a Christmas episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. The resulting singles from both performances were unexpected hits, bringing him more exposure.

Mixing a blend of funk, hip hop and jazz he dubbed 'supafunkrock', Andrews and his band blur the lines of contemporary music, earning praise from fans, critics, and even some of the biggest names in music. Despite his age, Andrews has proven himself a force to be reckoned with. Although only in his early 20s, Andrews has made a name for himself by performing with acts like Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz, and the Marsalis brothers. By 2009, Andrews had assembled a band. His new group, Orleans Avenue, mixes funk and hip-hop aesthetics with his traditional brass instrumentation. Excelling at trumpet and trombone, he brings his youthful energy and expertise to both.

Trombone Shorty's latest, Backatown, was released in April to enthusiastic reviews.

Backatown is a mix of energetic influences, true to Shorty's reputation. Trombone Shorty goes from the easiest funk to hard fusion and then to smart hip-hop without a hitch. Perhaps the Rolling Stone review puts it best with "Backatown is both deeply rooted and culturally omnivorous."



Facebook: Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews & Orleans Avenue
Website: tromboneshorty.com
MySpace: myspace.com/trumboneshorty
Recent Release: Backatown
Release Date: April 20, 2010
Label: Verve Forecast
Band Origin: New Orleans


Listen to a Full Performance - Archived from the 2010 NonCOMM