I’ve noticed that one of the curses of being a technically proficient trumpet player is the temptation or tendency to resorts on tricks, high notes and gimmicks to impress listeners. Ryan Kisor is technically proficient on the trumpet but he is NOT guilty of this practice. His ability is amazing and his style/approach to playing is drenched in the foundation of the master musicians of the past.

On the album “Awakening,” Ryan uses his abilities to craft fantastic and expressive solos. On this album he rejoins Sam Yahel (Hammond B3) and Peter Bernstein (guitar) from the very popular “Battle Cry” quartet. This is definitely one of his best albums to date (and can a trumpet player look any cooler on an album cover??). Not to be over looked are fantastic performances by Grant Stewart on Tenor and Willie Jones III on drums.

All the tunes were written by Ryan Kisor who says in his liner notes – “Just let the music speak for itself.” I like what it’s saying to me… great stuff.