For XPN Artist To Watch, Trombone Shorty, measuring success doesn’t necessary seem like it equates to album sales or tangible assets. For Shorty it appears more about creation, collaboration and the excitement of the music he plays. It’s a veteran like perspective, but that’s not surprising coming from the 24 year old virtuoso. He’s been leading bands since the age of 6, long before he arms could even extend the length of his instrument, and even less surprising from Shorty is his inspiring debut album for Verve, Backatown.
For years, Shorty was been sought after for his energetic on-stage personality. In his native New Orleans, his talents have long been championed. Yet, translating his charisma to the studio coupled with the fact that the primary ‘voice’ is the horn which he plays didn’t necessary seem like it would add up to a breakthrough type experience. We learn pretty quickly while listening to Backatown not to bet against Shorty. Talent can’t be denied, and from the start of the album songs like the rousing instrumental "Hurricane Season" are undeniable.
Backatown. Kravitz appears on the seductive "Something Beautiful." Fellow Bayou twenty-something Marc Broussard is on the rock-leaning "Right To Complain" and the legendary Allen Toussaint tickles the keys on the version of his own song "On Your Way Down."
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