5 O'Clock Band
1 Hardcover/1 CD (see all formats)

Dion Graham's skilled narration and singing, along with lively music and vibrant sounds of the city, transport listeners to the neighborhood of Tremé in New Orleans. A young Trombone Shorty ponders what it takes to be a good bandleader of his 5 O'Clock Band. Graham creates a high and youthful voice for Shorty. Listeners will discover valuable universal messages as Shorty seeks support from mentors in his community. Tuba Tremé's booming voice intones the importance of honoring tradition, while a sweet-voiced Queen Lola proclaims we must love the work we do. The elaborately dressed Big Chief sings proudly and describes the dedication it takes to lead the Mardi Gras Indians. A live performance by Trombone Shorty and notes from the author and illustrator complete the production.

Starred Review WHERE Y' AT? This companion to the award-winning Trombone Shorty (2015) offers another captivating look at the childhood of the celebrated contemporary jazz musician. With great fondness, Andrews (with co-author Bill Taylor) shows how the music and people of his beloved Treme´ neighborhood shaped him as a bandleader. A brass band playing "When the Saints Go Marching In" kicks off the production, which is just as engaging and beautifully produced as the award-winning recording of the first title. Shorty loves playing tunes with the other boys making up the 5 0'Clock Band. One day he becomes so lost practicing solo that he misses their regularly scheduled appointment. Evocative sound effects and zesty music fill the air as he runs through the streets of New Orleans searching for his bandmates. Listeners hear musical instruments boom, singers chant, steamboat whistles blow, and Shorty's shoes clack as he makes his trek. Feeling self-doubt, he seeks advice from three caring elders he meets along the way: a street musician named Tuba Treme´, master chef Lola, and Mardi Gras Indian tribe leader Big Chief. Invaluable narrator Dion Graham gives each person a distinct, robust speaking voice and brings energy to the story's third-person narration. He also reads the informative author's and illustrator's notes. In a splendid touch, the CD includes a rousing live performance of the song "St. James Infirmary," performed by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. A must for all children's audiobook collections.