Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue have teamed up with Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminal for an eclectic co-headlining summer tour. Trombone Shorty is on tour in support of his 11th studio release, Parking Lot Symphony. This is a tour that fans of both artists have been raving about, and a live musical experience no music lover will want to miss. Continue reading below for full concert review. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson.
Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews & his band Orleans Avenue took the stage at MECU Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland on August 20, 2019 and launched directly into a high-energy set that brought the crowd to their feet. The fans had a blast and it appeared the band was loving it too!
If you don’t know Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is a top-notch multi-instrumentalist deeply rooted in the New Orleans music scene. His band consists of nine incredibly talented musicians including, two guitar players, two saxophone players, two backup singers, and a bassist. Andrews (aka Trombone Shorty) takes on many roles during his live musical performances. He sings, dances, and plays trombone and trumpet all while directing a full band and looking super cool in the process. He’s a true showman and real rocker.
I have been fortunate enough to photograph Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue three times this year. Since being introduced to their unique style, my impression of jazz, funk, R&B has changed dramatically. Not being too familiar with their music until recently, I was once again blown away by their performance in Baltimore. The band is much heavier and more progressive than what I originally remember, and I definitely love horns more than I thought. The blending of horns, rock guitar, and elements of a Mardi Gras-esque marching band sounds brilliant.
The most exciting parts of the show were when Andrews improvised along with saxophonists BK Jackson and Dan Oestreicher for a song, and when he mimicked rocking along with guitarist Joshua Connelly during a couple of his guitar solos. The entire performance and all the musicians were top-notch to be honest. No lull in this show.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue’s current lineup consists of Troy Andrews (trombone, trumpet, vocals), Pete Murano (lead guitar), BK Jackson (alto saxophone), Dan Oestreicher (baritone saxophone), Joshua Connelly (guitar, vocals), Mike Bass-Bailey (bass guitar), Tracci Lee (backing vocals), Chrishira Perrier (backing vocals), and drummers Alvin Ford Jr. and Joey Peebles.
Luckily for concert-goers, the band still has several shows remaining on this tour. I would strongly suggest checking out one of these performances. This band kicks ass! The bands next performance is on September 10, 2019 at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall, Pennsylvania. The tour will wrap up on November 10, 2019 at Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA. Check out Trombone Shorty’s Official Website for all remaining tour dates and other info about the band.
Here are some more photos of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue performing at MECU Pavilion in Baltimore, MD on August 20, 2019. These photos were originally taken while on assignment for These Subtle Sounds. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson/Hazy Eye Music Media.
