To many people, music is just something to listen to in the car or to play as background noise when doing homework. To me, music is more than that, music is art, it is expression, it’s awesome. I’ve been playing and listening to music for as long as I can remember especially having grown up listening to heavy metal and classic rock. I play a few instruments: trombone, euphonium, piano, and bass guitar, but I hope to expand that list in the future. Playing music has taught me to appreciate all kinds of music from death metal to smooth jazz, music can’t be defined by genre. My favorite bands and artists are Iron Maiden, Cheap Trick, Alice in Chains, The Presidents of the United States of America, Thelonious Monk, Gorillaz, and many more.

As I said before, I believe that music can’t just be defined by genre, and that’s why I appreciate the music by Trombone Shorty. His music walks the line between jazz and pop. The New Orleans born jazz musician released his most recent album ‘Parking Lot Symphony’ on Friday, April 28. The album features twelve tracks that feature Trombone Shorty on vocals, trombone, or trumpet.

The first single released off the album titled ‘Here Come The Girls’ presents a funky beat and groovy lyrics that make me want to bob my head and sing along. This song perfectly embodies what Trombone Shorty is about: fun lyrics, a cool beat, and most importantly, a killer trombone solo a little over two minutes into the song.

The second single, ‘Dirty Water’, differs from the previous single by being more overtly pop. ‘Dirty Water’ is set at a slower tempo led by a funky drum beat and piano. The song features uplifting lyrics and a killer trumpet solo. In my opinion it , is reminiscent of old school R&B.

In all my time listening to music, nothing can compare to the song ‘No Good Time’. I get an almost gospel vibe from ‘No Good Time’. Featuring a big band, and two solos by Trombone Shorty on trumpet and trombone set up a unique song. The feel good lyrics pared with the choir and the big band add layers to the tune. If you enjoy jazz or you want to try something new, Trombone Shorty’s “Parking Lot Symphony’ is a great album to jam out to.