Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews boasts that distinctive and somewhat elusive signature sound that most musicians pursue. It was initially recognized in his forward-motion trombone work that was heard on the streets of his hometown of New Orleans and carried through when he moved onto stages leading his own bands. Andrews kept expanding his prowess as a vocalist, trumpeter and songwriter, as well as a multi-instrumentalist. As heard on Lifted, his second release on the prestigious Blue Note label, the always identifiable “Shorty sound” prevails musically as well as in the, yes, uplifting attitude he brings to any endeavor.

There’s a party going on as “Come Back” opens the album and kicks in, sounding like there’s a full orchestra is in the room. The illusion is provided by Brandon Butler’s Hammond B-3 and the drums of Alvin Ford that give the song a contemporary soul vibe. Andrews’ upper-register vocals just stun and are finely supported, as they are throughout the album, with an abundance of background vocalists.

The album of all original material cowritten by Andrews, moves naturally from funk and soul to brass band and swing. “I’m Standing Here,” brings on a taste of rock provided by the stinging guitar of guest Gary Clark. Andrews, who never neglects his trombone in lieu of other instruments, pulls off another one of his signature solos. Yeah, that’s Shorty.

The swaying “What It Takes” features guest vocalist Lauren Daigle whose soulfulness teams well with Andrews, the spirit of the lyrics and the overall album. Andrews steps up to center stage with his trumpet on this one.

Things start swinging big band-style but change to street beats with the entrance of a hometown favorite, the New Breed Brass Band, and in particular the sousaphone blasts from Paul Robertson and the rhythm team of drummer Jenard and bass drummer Tyreek, both Andrews family members. Mixing it up is the name of the game.

It’s easy to imagine a crowd full of fans with their hands in the air as Andrews sings “I want to go high” on the album’s title track, “Lifted.” Shorty does go “high” vocally on “Forgiveness,” a song that really displays his range—wow. In keeping with the thoughtful lyrics throughout the album, here understanding is at its heart: “Forgiving is easy, forgetting takes a long, long time.”

Lifted sounds like Trombone Shorty and that’s a good thing. 

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will close out the Festival Stage at Jazz Fest on Sunday, May 8, at 5:45 p.m.