Say That to Say This cover

Say That to Say This

Trombone Shorty · 2013

35 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and soul that captures the spirit of New Orleans through infectious grooves.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Say That to Say This — The title track encapsulates Shorty's signature sound, blending brass-heavy arrangements with energetic rhythms that invite listeners to dance.
  • →
    Get the Picture — This track features a catchy hook and showcases Shorty’s ability to merge funk vibes with jazzy improvisation, making it a standout.
  • →
    Fire and Brimstone — With its powerful brass section and driving beat, this song illustrates the high-energy performance style that defines Shorty’s live shows.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and vibrant arrangements that reflect its New Orleans roots.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between instruments, creating an interactive feel typical of New Orleans music.
  • The use of varied instrumentation, including trombone, trumpet, and percussion, adds layers to the sound without overwhelming the core melodies.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove enjoyment
  • vibrant energy for gatherings
  • feel-good tunes for sunny days
  • easy listening on short drives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer intense, fast-paced music
  • seek deep lyrical introspection

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2013, Trombone Shorty had solidified his status as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, following his breakthrough album 'For True' in 2010. 'Say That to Say This' marks his third studio effort and reflects his artistic evolution and growing influence on both jazz and popular music scenes.
Stylistic neighbors
Snarky Puppy· Rebirth Brass Band· Galactic

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Say That to Say This 2:56
  • 2 You and I (Outta This Place) 3:51
  • 3 Get the Picture 2:43
  • 4 Vieux Carré 2:45
  • 5 Be My Lady 3:31
  • 6 Long Weekend 4:07
  • 7 Fire and Brimstone 3:26
  • 8 Sunrise 3:16
  • 9 Dream On 4:20
  • 10 Shortyville 4:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata