Verve Forecast

Albums that feature this many guests – including Jeff Beck, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, Ledisi, Warren Haynes, Rebirth Brass Band and more than one Neville – often lack cohesion. That’s not the case here. Following the NOLA greats that came before him, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews calls on the vast influences that pour through his city to create something unique. Shorty likes to call the form of party music on For True “supafunkrock,” though he now may have to update that description to include the word “hip-hop.” Produced by Galactic’s Ben Ellman, For True not only finds Shorty on trombone and vocals, but also on trumpet, drums, organ, piano, percussion and more – he’s a true virtuoso and impressive bandleader. In a city that has, at times, struggled to evolve musically, Trombone Shorty has established himself as the bayou’s brightest young star, pushing New Orleans into the future.