It’s not often a support act receives a standing ovation, but such is the ability of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
If you have been to the Byron Bay Bluesfest over the last couple of years, chances are you are aware of the band’s ability to win over audiences that may be unfamiliar with their work.
Combining old school New Orleans jazz with a decent amount of heavy guitar riffs and hip-hop, the band’s live performance is high energy with even higher levels of bravado.
They made their way through a tight set playing songs from their debut 2010 album Backatown and 2011 follow up album For True.
Their set also paid tribute to their musical influences such as Ray Charles, James Brown, and Louis Armstrong with covers such as “On The Sunny Side Of The Street,” and “I Got A Woman.”
With extended guitar solos, impressive trombone playing, skillful drumming and the inclusion of a baritone sax, the talent of the entire band is undeniable. However, one can’t help but pay special attention to front man Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews and his notable circular breathing on the trumpet, which allows him to hold a note for well over two minutes.
While it was clear the talent of the band was appreciated, the formality of Hamer Hall stifled the usual audience interaction during songs such as “Hurricane Season.” While Andrews encouraged the audience to dance and sing along, people appeared unwilling to shift from their seats. The few brave enough to get up and dance became part of the show.
After a half hour interval the Tedeschi Trucks band made their way on stage. What ensued was roughly two hours of awe-inspiring slide guitar, improv, soulful music and strong vocals.
Making their way through songs from their 2011 debut album Revelator and 2012’s Everybody’s Talkin’ the band were near faultless with highlights including the popular “Road To Glory,” the Derek Trucks Band’s “Get What You Deserve,” and a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright).”
One of the most notable things about the husband and wife duo, is their overwhelming humble nature and how much band members appeared to be enjoying themselves. Both Tedeschi and Trucks are virtuosos in their own right, and it would be very easy for them to take centre stage.
Instead Tedeschi stands beaming as each musician is given the chance to perform and the stage is treated as a space to show off the talent of each member of the eleven strong band. This pays off, as each musician appears to be sharing a moment of pure joy and passion while on stage.
Vocalists Mike Mattison and Mark Rivers and trombonist Saunders Sermons shared laughs between belting out tunes and trombone solos. The good spirits continued despite the evening being unfortunately marred by sound issues.
The night was a celebration of incredibly talented blues and jazz musicians that most likely left the majority of the crowd wishing they’d learnt to play an instrument.
