The Jefferson website describes The Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue band as a “funk/rock/jazz/hip-hop band.” But even that description fails to capture the true spirit of their concert: party.
The entire crowd danced to the music Thursday night — fans as young as high school students and as old as grandparents were busting a move to the New Orleans sound. Since the majority of the band’s songs lack lyrics — understandable, as the lead singer alternates between the trombone, trumpet and vocals — the crowd reacted by bouncing in unison to the music’s compelling rhythms and beats.
During one song, the group had the entire theater — band members included — doing a synchronized line dance. The bassist was rocking during every song, and Shorty routinely singled out members of the crowd, inviting them to a one-on-one dance party.
The band leader’s talent is remarkable; Trombone Shorty has lungs that just won’t quit. Each song includes such a strong trombone riff that sustaining each note seems impossible. Shorty transitions effortlessly between his instrumental and vocal performances. He never misses a beat or looks the least bit tired, and this talent and dedication is obvious in all members of the band.
Song after song, every solo performance outshone the one before it.
The band was not the only source of notable talent at the Jefferson that night. One audience member also stunned the crowd with her trombone abilities. Part way through the show, a lull in the music allowed Trombone Shorty to reach out to the audience where one particular group of spectators caught his attention. Shorty asked one girl if she played trombone and invited her onstage. The girl nervously attached a mouthpiece onto Shorty’s horn, took a breath and started to play. Her incredible performance was met with an eruption of applause from the audience and continued until Shorty politely nudged her, indicating it was his turn to return to his instrument.
The excitement continued to build throughout the set. As the night drew on, the musicians grew looser in their dance moves, letting the culmination of tunes overtake them. The Jefferson theater no longer felt like a concert in Charlottesville, but a street party in New Orleans. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue was a transporting and transforming performance that any audience would be lucky to experience.
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