Ron King - Triumph (2016)

Trumpeter Ron King displays his warmed tone horn in a wide variety on moods here on his collection of accessible originals. He assembles some of LA’s finest in Tom Ranier-Jeff Lorber/p, Andy Langham/b, Dave Carpenter-Hamilton Price/b, Gary Novak/dr and Bob Sheppard/ts-fl along with a mood creating string section for some of the pieces.

He displays some excellent jazz chops, as he bops over an “Equinox”-inspired bass lick on the bluesy “Atlantic Thoughts” and a “Manteca” riff during the bopping “A Long Way Home.” Upbeat and optimistic grooves serve as warm foundations for “Triumph” and the cheerful “Luv Vibe.” Some synth grooves supply the beat on “Peace and Love” and misty autumnal colors are evoked with strings on ”Celtic Horizons.” Strong and ear friendly.