Trombone Shorty honors his birthplace, New Orleans, in his latest record release

In the heart of New Orleans, where moments festive and somber are celebrated with music and dance, Trombone Shorty is set to release an album titled Second Line Sunday on Aug. 29, 2021. This album is a poignant tribute to his mother, Lois Andrews, and the rich musical culture of the city that was nearly lost 20 years ago due to Hurricane Katrina.

Troy Andrews, better known as Trombone Shorty, was a 19-year-old professional musician touring with Lenny Kravitz when the hurricane struck. Evacuating to Dallas, Texas, never felt like home for Trombone Shorty due to his constant touring. Yet, New Orleans, with its unique music culture, always called him back.

Growing up in the historic neighbourhood of Tremé, a centre of Black and Creole life, Trombone Shorty was raised amidst the joyous sounds of New Orleans. His mother, a cultural icon, played a significant role in nurturing his love for music, particularly the trombone. She often pulled him out of school to join second line parades, immersing him in the city's vibrant music scene.

Second Line Sunday captures the raucous, joyous sound of the New Orleans streets. A track like "Under The Bridge" is a moment of collective excitement for Trombone Shorty and his band. The song culminates in a bugle call, signalling thousands of people to jump in the air in unison. For Trombone Shorty, it's a moment of closeness with his audience.

The album is a collaboration with Trombone Shorty's cousins and nephews, who make up the Grammy-nominated New Breed Brass Band. During performances, they play louder due to the echo under bridges, creating a sound that resonates with the city's resilient spirit.

Trombone Shorty describes the music culture in New Orleans as joyous, even in the saddest moments. His music tells stories from his soul, with notes that can be sad but are still on top of happiness. The music carries undercurrents of joy, even when expressing sadness.

In funerals, Trombone Shorty and others "second-line," which involves dancing inside a funeral home. This tradition, born out of the city's unique culture, is a testament to the power of music to bring people together, even in times of grief.

The release of Second Line Sunday means much more to Trombone Shorty because it celebrates the music that they thought would be lost 20 years ago. It's a celebration of the city's resilience and a reminder of the power of music to heal and unite.

Copyright for this article is owned by NPR in 2025. The interview audio for this article was produced by Lilly Quiroz and digitally produced by Majd Al-Waheidi.

Trombone Shorty honors his birthplace, New Orleans, in his latest record release