"Backatown" - Trombone Shorty

“Backatown” (PDF) from the Trombone Shorty album, Backatown.

I believe this transcription is my quickest turnaround so far, transcribed and uploaded within a 15 hour period. That goes to show how simple great tunes can be. While "Backatown" doesn't push the theoretical envelope, its greatness lies in Shorty's performance.

The opening melody is meant to serve as the bass line. I heard a radio interview with Shorty in which he specified that this melody came from his need to play bass lines when accompanying his trumpet-playing brother. So learn how to play bass lines on the trombone. It will help you learn form and harmony, for instance, try it with the blues in all twelve keys.

SPECIAL THANKS to Unknown, Kevin, Bill, and lee for your comments!

Here's a YouTube video from Deborah “Big Red” Cotton of Trombone Shorty playing this song, notice how little slide movement he uses during the solo.

Recommended Reading: Building Jazz Bass Lines by Ron Carter.  Published by Hal Leonard.