Trombone Shorty & The New Breed Brass Band
Second Line Sunday
**** out of *****
Last year, Trombone Shorty joined New Breed Brass Band for their largest show of the year, opening for The Rolling Stones at Jazzfest. That performance was recorded and released, resulting in a dynamite live album. Now they join forces again for their stunning studio offering Second Line Sunday, which was released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
The pairing have taken the New Orleans tradition of Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs Second Line Sunday's and put that street walking, neighborhood party onto an album. From the opening percussion and big horn hits of "Line Em Up" (which includes a smoking trumpet solo) to the closing "End of the Line" as the marching crowd dissipates around whistles, tambourines, and tuba fading away, there is a real sense of pride.
The sax starts out "Good Time" as the percussion increases and the bright brass supports some fun vocal work. The band is all working well with Troy Andrews “Trombone Shorty” – Trombone, Trumpet, Vocals, Bass Drum, Jenard Andrews – Snare Drum, Rodrick Andrews – Bass Drum, Michael Brooks – Tuba, Revon Andrews – Trombone, Orlando Gilbert – Saxophone, Alijah Jett – Trumpet, Samuel Cyrus – Percussion, Snare Drum, Joseph “Onion” Smith – Percussion, Makena Jenkins – Percussion, Nola Jenkins – Percussion, Henry Green – Guitar, Gregory Harris – Rap, Amari Ansari – Saxophone, Weedie Braimah – Djembe, and Dan Oestreicher – Saxophone.
"Tambourine and Fan" is a bit darker with big horn hits, guitar and a sweet soul chorus. The drummers and percussionists take over for "Party Pack" as the bopping horns support the Mardi Gras Indian chants that propel it while hand claps and tuba get the funky downtown tune "6th Ward" bubbling.
A few guests arrive as the vocals are provided by Gussy Corleone's who does the rhyming/singing on the get down jam "Rock The Boat" that has flashes of The Hues Corporation 70's jam of the same title while Big Chief Romeo Bougere brings back the Mardi Gras Indian chanting with cool repetitive beats on "Way Downtown".
One of the best offerings is the grooving brass work of all involved on "Street Music" that really gets at the heart of what Shorty and New Breed are delivering. "Under The Bridge" continues that celebratory motif as the crowds gather to party under the highway with call and response chants, gorgeously pumped up brass, dexterous percussion and a groove you can't help but shake your hips to.
While the New Orleans second lines should be experienced in-person, for those who don't live in the Crescent City, Trombone Shorty & The New Breed Brass Band's Second Line Sunday is a great replication of an energetic community event.
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