Keystone Trumpet Project - Live at The Keystone Korner (2026)

This project had its origins in 2023, when Sean Jones and Rex Richardson performed together in western Michigan. Feeling the energy, the two wanted to play together again, perhaps in Sean's adopted hometown of Baltimore. Then Richardson recalled that Dave Ballou, whom he'd known and admired since they were together in NYC in the '90s, also lived in Baltimore.

All three were excited at the chance to play together, so they reached out to Todd Barkan, the veteran impresario and owner of the Keystone Korner Baltimore. They recruited a dynamite Baltimore rhythm section and played two nights in June of 2024, and the Keystone Trumpet Project was born.

The experience was so memorable that Ballou suggested they do it again, and this time, record an album! Fast forward to April of 2025. They arranged some of their originals for three trumpets, chose some other favorites, and recorded for two nights. Soon thereafter, they chose a handful of their favorite takes, and an album came together.

The three musicians have varying but overlapping backgrounds, and the mutual respect and enjoyment shone through every track. Add the tremendous artistry of Richard Johnson, Blake Meister, and Eric Kennedy, and you have an incredible collaboration with a tremendous result!