Trombone Shorty - Say That to Say This

Trombone Shorty

Say That To Say This

2013

I came to Trombone Shorty through the Dave Grohl/Foo Fighters Documentary “Sonic Highways”. He was featured in the New Orleans episode and after hearing a few of his tracks I was hooked on the super clean horn sections and the all out funkiness of his solo offerings. Needless to say I was super pumped to listen and review “Say That To Say This”. This album however is a bit different from the other things I’ve heard from Shorty.

Where most of his music is funk driven, this album seems to pay more homage to a 70s rock and roll feel. The aggressive bass line is still there, the incredible horn section still cooks but the electric guitar is more grungy, the drums less crisp. This album seems to be Shorty venturing into his grunge period taking a risk on music that is out of his comfort zone while still holding on to his roots. My favorite track on the album is “Shortyville” which is classic New Orleans style completely grounded in a modern feel. You would have an easier time finding a style of music that isn’t represented in the track than naming all the ones that are. The track however isn’t as unapproachable as Jazz, it still lets you move to it.

While this album is a bit of a departure for Trombone Shorty it is still really excellent. I would suggest going back and checking out his entire catalogue because his music is superb. Be warned dancing and head banging may ensure.

7 out of 10 🍕