Trombone Shorty’s Treme’ Threauxdown has evolved into one of the “Must See” Jazz Fest after parties for music fans, and with the amazing amount of guest stars who joined him onstage, it seems like even the musicians want in on the party. The Saenger Theatre was packed with funk junkies ready to take the first Saturday night of Jazz Fest with the artist, actor and band leader of Orleans Avenue, Troy Andrews, Aka Trombone Shorty.
After a recurring role on HBO’s Treme, in which he played himself (A part he was born to play!) his multi media star rose to the point where he found himself playing for presidents, kings and commoners, and with childhood heroes, local legends and street buskers. It’s been a wild ride, but he’s kept himself humble, and his raw enthusiasm for being in front of his hometown crowd was palpable.
“We at home,” Shorty said, “We can go all night!” He wasn’t kidding, but luckily he didn’t have to go it alone. Guitarist Pete Muran was on fire, providing a cutting, crunchy tone that balanced Dan Oestreicher’s baritone and BK Jackson’s tenor sax work, while a rhythm section of drummer Joey Peebles and bassist Michael Ballard and special guest Weedie Braimah laid down a thick foundation for the star studded parade of guests.
Returning to the Saenger after last years fiery showing, Gov’t Mule’s guitar hero Warren Haynes came in to lay down some soulful lines, while legendary pianist and Nawlins royalty Allen Toussaint tickled the ivories while an obviously humbled Shorty paid homage to his guests with much reverence. Rapper Mystikal popped up for a couple of tunes, quickly whipping the already exuberant crowd into a true frenzy. Trumpeteer Kermit Ruffins blew his horn, causing the entire crowd to rise as one and dance joyously in the aisles.
It’s almost impossible to relay with words or pictures the spirit of celebration and energy in the Saenger that night. People of all ages, genders, races and creeds saw any divisions fall away as the music united them, a funky mass of love and joy, all under the loving guidance of a man and his horn.
Words and photography by Rex Thomson
Video by Leo Getz
