Heflin, Thomas
Blue Canoe, 2022, CD
Instrument: Trumpet
Issue: 28.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 93
O’s Notes: Trumpeter Thomas Heflin blends modern jazz with touches of R&B and soulful singing to make Morning Star a winner. The vocal style of Mavis “Swan” Poole matches the mood of “Self Esteem” as well as on the title track. Helfin’s DJ Brandon Robertson speaks from the extremes ends of the FM radio dial with rich jazz on the left (87.5) and urban funk on the right (107.9), characterizing the performance. Greg Tardy makes a notable appearance on sax and bass clarinet. If you are not familiar with Heflin, now is the time to make an acquaintance.
Publicist: Blue Canoe