New Orleans, LA – Celebrated musician Trombone Shorty, born Troy Andrews, has unveiled “Lifted,” his latest album brimming with original compositions, marking his return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus. Recorded at his own Buckjump Studio, the album is a sonic exploration into the realms of funk, soul, and psychedelic rock. Trombone Shorty and his band, Orleans Avenue, deliver transcendent performances underscored by bold songwriting that delves into themes of resilience and determination in challenging times.
Guided by the skilled hand of producer Chris Seefried (known for his work with Fitz and the Tantrums and Andra Day), “Lifted” boasts special guest appearances by renowned artists such as Gary Clark Jr and Lauren Daigle. The album is further enriched by the contributions of the New Breed Brass Band, resulting in a musical masterpiece that has earned widespread acclaim from notable publications, including American Songwriter, OffBeat, No Depression, and Bluegrass Situation. The latter succinctly declares, “It’s true, it just doesn’t get cooler than Trombone Shorty.”
One of the standout tracks on the album, “Lie To Me,” is a brass-infused, high-energy anthem that brilliantly showcases Trombone Shorty’s exceptional soloing skills on the trombone. The song bursts forth with powerful rhythmic chants, before the band joins in with triumphant horn blasts and a marching band snare. Lyrically, “Lie To Me” explores the theme of a toxic relationship’s demise, with Shorty passionately pleading, “If you don’t want this, lie to me, you don’t even gotta waste your energy.”
Trombone Shorty has already had a remarkable 2022, winning his first Grammy for his work as both a songwriter and featured artist on Jon Batiste’s Album of the Year-winning “We Are.” He graced the stage at the Grammy Salute to Paul Simon alongside music legends Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews, the Jonas Brothers, and Little Big Town. Notably, he is set to host his Treme Threauxdown event for the sixth time on April 30 at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, featuring special guests like Joan Jett, Gary Clark Jr, Tank and the Bangas, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, David Shaw, James Andrews, and more.
Following his April 30 performance, Trombone Shorty will take center stage at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 8, closing out the festival with the prestigious final set, a slot previously occupied by The Neville Brothers and Professor Longhair.
Post-Jazz Fest, Trombone Shorty is poised to embark on a captivating nationwide tour, the “Voodoo Threaxdown,” featuring an extraordinary lineup that includes Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia, Cyril Neville the Uptown Ruler, and The Soul Rebels. The tour will pay homage to the foundational work of funk pioneers The Meters, led by founding bassist George Porter Jr., alongside Dumpstaphunk. The “Voodoo Threauxdown” tour promises to be an educational journey through New Orleans music history, offering insight into the future of this vibrant music tradition in the 21st century. The tour kicks off on June 10 and will travel across the United States, making stops at iconic venues such as NYC’s Central Park Summerstage on June 13, Red Rocks Amphitheater on June 28, and The Hollywood Bowl on August 10.
Trombone Shorty, a native of New Orleans’ Tremé neighborhood, has a musical journey that began at an exceptionally young age. He made his debut performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with the legendary Bo Diddley when he was just four years old. By age six, he was leading his own brass band. Since 2010, Trombone Shorty has released four chart-topping studio albums, collaborating across genres with an array of influential artists, including Pharrell, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, Foo Fighters, ZHU, Zac Brown, Normani, Ringo Starr, and many more. His impressive resume includes appearances at major music festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Newport Folk, Newport Jazz, and countless others. He has also graced numerous television shows and even made a cameo on “The Simpsons.” The New York Times has described him as an “unstoppable force,” and he was honored with his own muppet at the star-studded Sesame Street Gala. Additionally, he has been profiled by Vanity Fair in 2021 and featured in campaigns for Crown Royal and Folgers. Trombone Shorty’s indomitable presence in the world of music continues to shine brightly.
Trombone Shorty’s “Lifted” marks a triumphant return, encapsulating his musical evolution and prowess. With a stellar lineup of guest artists and a nationwide tour on the horizon, it’s clear that Trombone Shorty is poised for another spellbinding chapter in his musical journey.
