Book Review: Trombone Shorty

Author: Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews Illustrator: Bryan Collier Abrams Books For Young Readers Apr 2015

“People didn’t have a lot in Treme, but we always had a lot of music”

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Synopsis (From Publisher):

“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 onstage ever since.

Hailing from the Tremé 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.

 Today, Troy Andrews is a Grammy-nominated musician who tours the world with his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. He continues to inspire hope for the next generation in New Orleans and for music lovers everywhere.

CWR Review:

Troy “Trombone shorty” Andrews takes the reader into the world of the music of New Orleans. As a young boy with very little means, he started with simply his imagination but then eventually graduated to a real instrument when he found an old trombone in the trash. The music scene of New Orleans greatly influenced and inspired him, as did the musicians in his family. Trombone Shorty shares how he got his nickname, his start in music, and the amazing opportunity to perform on stage with the infamous Bo Diddley as a young boy. This was an event that eventually led to him starting his own band: Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. His love for music and his gift and talent have opened doors for him to perform around the world with popular bands and music artists. But his heart is home where he plays at the same New Orleans Jazz Festival (where he first played with Bo Diddley), keeping his eyes out for young aspiring music artists to help them make their music dreams come true as well.

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews uses colloquial langauge to tell his life story, introducing all of us non-Lousiannians to a local expression: “Where y’ at” which means “hello”. Readers will be introduced to this unique musical culture through the eyes of a boy who had a dream…that he made happen. This story is motivating and inspiring, and can be a source of encouragement to young musical artists.

Bryan Collier uses watercolor and collage to bring this story to life through colorful illustrations. The pictures of Troy are so real, and the culture is captured beautifully.

Having two young violinists and pianist here at home, it is helpful to find books that show children falling in love with their instruments, and who are caught up in the joy of making music. I love that Trombone Shorty did not need to be told to practice because, well, who needs to be told to do what they love? I would encourage any reader of this book to look up youtube videos of Trombone Shorty performing and learn about New Orleans Jazz music. It is an uncommon and overlooked genre that deserves more attention.

Inspiring, Moving, and Gorgeously illustrated, get yours here and here.

Themes- African American history, jazz music, New Orleans history, children and music