(Verve Records)

Some critics have said that jazz declined when it lost its emphasis on dance, well New Orleans’ Troy Andrews, a.k.a., Trombone Shorty’s music brings back the dance in a way that is connecting with new and older generation of listeners alike. For True is the follow-up to Shorty’s widely recognized debut, which earned him tremendous praise and a Grammy-nomination. The music here is jazzy, funky, hard-rocking, soulful and even hip-hop-ish at times and sure to his further appeal to a growing audience of loyal fans. As evidence of his broad appeal, Andrews is joined by an equally diverse guest lineup of serious talent appearing on various selections, including the legendary Jeff Beck on guitar, Lenny Kravitz on bass, Ledisi, Ivan and Cyril Neville on vocals, Stanton Moore on drums and Rebirth Brass Band, led by Shorty’s older brother, Glen Andrews on trumpet. All of the tunes of written by Andrew and members of his talented band, Orleans Avenue. The end result of all this energy is a product that will continue to elevate Trombone Shorty as one of the music’s shining lights, whose luminance is reaching well beyond the jazz perimeter.