Artpark in Lewiston, NY was the venue for the “Voodoo Threauxdown” show featuring Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Orleans Ave, Galactic, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and New Breed Brass Band last Tuesday night. Andrews is no Stranger to the area (This is his 3rd appearance in less than 2 years) and there was a large crowd waiting to party with him. Openers “New Breed” are a group of young musicians playing New Orleans street style jazz and warmed up the crowd as they were filing in. Next up was “The Preservation Hall Jazz Band” who played a variety of rollicking and rolling tunes that really had the crowd jumping. Trumpeter Branden Lewis and trombonist Ronell Johnson led the way. Funksters “Galactic” were up next and got the crowd on their feet very an extended set of originals that had the crowd dancing in the aisles. A highlight of there set was a sit-in by Walter “Wolfman” Washington who dug deep into his New Orleans songbook.
Headliner Trombone Shorty then took the stage through smoke and lights to great fanfare. A top notch talent with New Orleans musical roots, Andrews is a slick performer who dances, sings and plays his way across the stage. The one element of a Trombone Shorty show that separates it from the rest is the energy he brings to the stage. A Trombone Shorty show is full of upbeat music played by the most energetic musicians. His willingness to share the spotlight with his band mates shows how humble he is. Songs like “The Craziest Things” and “One Night Only” featured guitarist Pete Murrano and Bassist Mike Bass-Bailey who were on their game all night long. The star of the show is Andrews. His Michael Jackson-like moves show the flashy side of his talent but the playing is the real strength of his show. Whether he’s holding a trumpet note for 5 minutes using a circular breathing technique or encouraging his backup singers to step into the spotlight, Andrews is driving force behind it bringing the show to dizzying heights. Shorty shared the stage with Cyril Neville to close the show. Again it showed his humility while paying homage to his roots. A three song encore ending with the most raucous version of “When the Saints Go Marching In” left everyone a hot mess.
If the Voodoo Threauxdown comes anywhere near your city, get there as fast as you can. This show will stick with you long after the last notes are played.
Trombone Shorty setlist:
BuckJump
The Craziest Things
On The Way Down (Allen Toussaint cover)
Here Come the Girls (Ernie K-Doe cover)
One Night Only (The March)
Lose My Mind
Something Beautiful
No More Okedoke (w/Cyril Neville – The Meters cover)
Fiya on the Bayou (w/Cyril Neville – The Meters Cover)
Encore:
Hurricane
Do To Me
When The Saints Go Marching In (With the New Brass Band)
We would like to thank Dave Wedekindt for the credentials to review the show.
