Trombone Shorty

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Abrams Books for Young Readers

(pub. 4.14.2015) 40 pages

A True Tale with A Cherry On Top

A uthor: Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews

           and Illustrator: Bryan Collier

    

C haracter: Trombone Shorty

O verview from the jacket flap: 

    "'Who's that playing out there?,' Bo Diddley asked the New Orleans crowd. It was a small child who'd been nicknamed 'Trombone Shorty' because his trombone was twice as large as he was. Trombone Shorty was lifted in the air and carried through the audience until he reached the stage with Bo Diddley. He has been on stage ever since.
     Hailing from the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, where music always floated in the air. Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews didn't always have the money to buy an instrument, but he did have the dream to play music. This is the story of how he made his dream take flight."

T antalizing taste:  

     "All day long I could see brass bands parade by my house while my neighbors danced along. I loved these parades during Mardi Gras because they made everyone forget about their troubles for a little while. People didn't have a lot of money in Treme, but we always had a lot of music.
     I listened to all these sounds and mixed them together, just like how we make our food. We take one big pot and throw in sausage, crab, shrimp, chicken, vegetables, rice - whatever's in the kitchen - and stir it all together and let it cook. When it's done, it's the most delicious taste you've ever tried. We call it gumbo, and that's what I wanted my music to sound like - different styles combined to create my own musical gumbo!"

and something more:  Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I showed this picture book biography to my son who lived in New Orleans for a few years. And he responded, "Oh yeah! I've heard Trombone Shorty play. He's good!" 

     Of course, that inspired me to listen to Trombone Shorty's music again on his website, and my son's right. Trombone Shorty's good. Really good! And his music reminds me of the incredible vibe in New Orleans of amazing music heard everywhere from clubs to street corners to park benches. I actually first saw this book at a wonderful New Orleans' indie bookstore, Blue Cypress Books, down the street from a favorite restaurant and bar (where we met a fellow writer).

     I was interested to read about the Trombone Shorty Foundation, partnered with Tulane University, whose mission is "to preserve the rich musical history of New Orleans" by providing "music and business education, instruction and a mentorship experience to New Orleans high school students who are gifted in music. Experienced instructors help young underserved musicians express themselves and pursue their dreams while also supporting their community." Terrific!