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Jul 02, 2014 By Laura Studarus Photography by Laura Studarus Festival International de Jazz de Montréal 2014

Despite modern music’s determination to popularize any instrument not traditionally used in pop (See: Beirut’s trumpet, Owen Pallett’s violin, or Joanna Newsom’s harp), the trombone hasn’t seen much resurgence. It isn’t naturally a sexy instrument. However, Trombone Shorty would beg to differ. His set on Monday night at Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (alongside backing band Orleans Avenue) made a strong argument for the oft over-looked band class staple.

The ebullient show (largely culled from last year’s album, Say That to Say This), played like a tribute to the power genre mash-ups, Shorty (ne Troy Andrews) dipping into big band riffs, R&B funk, and rap. Downbeat magazine may have called him one of the most exciting things currently happening in jazz, but by the time the hour and a half-long performance came to a close, it was difficult not to call him one of the most exciting undiscovered acts in music—full stop. Down with apathy, up with brass.

Check out a full gallery of images here.

(www.facebook.com/montrealjazzfest)

(www.facebook.com/TromboneShorty)