If you have a good ear, you will have been aware of Ambrose Akinmusire for quite some time. The young trumpeter (1982) was a guest soloist on alto saxophonist Ben van Gelder's album Frame of Reference, he played on Esperanza Spalding's successful album and on Criss Cross albums recorded by David Binney. In 2010 he was picked up by Bruce Lundvall, the main man at Blue Note. In short: a rising star. After the release of his debut album When The Heart Emerges Glistening, The Los Angeles Times named him as one of the 'Faces To Watch'. This young man from Oakland is worth keeping an eye on as he gives his fellow musicians from the old guard a run for their money. The late Clifford Brown is one of Akinmusire's idols, and this is a good sign for genuine jazz lovers. Akinmusire will be taking to the stage with several talents from within the new guard, including saxophonist Walter Smith III and pianist Sam Harris.
