In the new found sea of Trumpet Players in Contemporary Jazz, there are few who manage to stand out in the crowd with boldness and originality. Lin Rountree is one such player. With seven solo CD's to his credit yielding 17 top 20 Billboard singles (Including TWO #1 hits), as well as over 60 guest features on other artist's recordings, Lin has an innate ability to connect his music to his listener's soul.
The CD F L U I D // out now is Lin Rountree's fresh new post covid effort. The title suggests movement, without fixed shape and ability to yield easily to the outside pressure. That perfectly describes what can be found between the folds here. Already yielding a #1 Billboard single with the title track FLUID, this new set features all of the things that set Rountree apart from his peers; his bright concise tone and his love affair with the funk. Enlisting the help of top line producers, Grammy award winner Michael Broening and Chris "Big Dog" Davis, FLUID is a 10 song set that puts on full display the various sides and edges that are Mr. Rountree and he brings a host of A-List players to the party for support. Lindsey Webster, Selina Albright, Skinny Hightower, Gary Honor, Mel Brown, and Freddie Fox all lend their respective talents. FLUID will move you with its eb and flow and in through your ears, and to your heart, as fluid can do it will refresh your ears and hydrate your soul.
Lin began playing trumpet in Alexandria VA at just 11. He attended The Duke Ellington School in Washington, D.C. and was recruited into the music program at Florida A&M University where he performed with the famed Marching 100. Lin credits his abilities to practice, prepare and perform to the training he received at FAMU. Likewise the school is where he developed a deep appreciation for jazz and where he began studying its masters.
Lin cites Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw and Tom Browne as huge influences styles. After graduation he found his home in Detroit, a city with a rich tradition in R&B, Soul and Jazz. Lin played in several Motown bands but quickly realized that trumpet players were not typical sidemen so he formed 'Up Close' which quickly became one of the most sought after bands in the city.
A chance encounter with accomplished producers, Dana Davis and Billy Meadows led to 'Groovetree' and 'Sumthin' Good', both of which propelled Lin into the new generation of instrumental soloists as an innovative composer/recording artist. Both projects garnered chart topping singles
2011 saw Lin Rountree on the top 30 Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart four times with singles from 'Soul-Tree, The Soul-Jazz Experience' and in 2012, Lin appeared in the hit film 'Sparkle' starring Whitney Houston which boosted his international profile. A 2013 headline show at the Dubai International Jazz Festival was next, hence his subsequent signing to Trippin 'N' Rhythm Records and the release of ā??Serendipitous' and four more titles to date which 2 Billboard #1 singles "Pass The Groove" and "Fluid."
Lin has played and recorded with music's elite including George Duke, Marcus Miller, Darren Rahn, U-Nam, Elan Trotman, Tim Bowman, Kem, and Dwele among others.
"His hip vibe and soulful sound find a perfect fit here and is sure to assist in bringing the cool factor back to this genre....the future looks bright for contemporary jazz as we continue to attract fresh young artists of this caliber and Lin's star will surely help light the way."
- TRIPPIN N RHYTHM RECORDS
In the small pool of trumpets players in the smooth jazz genre Lin Rountree has carved out a fresh and unique sound all his own and is a stand-alone when it comes to boldly bringing out the funk and soul as his flavors of choice ~ Amazon Editorial Review
Lin Rountree's signature sound continues to impress many, if not most contemporary jazz listener's across the globe.
- The Urban Music Scene
Music lovers were on the 8th of October 2016, treated to a spectacular musical event at the Lugogo cricket oval in Kampala. Coincidentally, the 9th annual Jazz and soul safari was held on the eve of Uganda's 54 Independence day.......The highlight of the night form me was the jazz session which was culminated by performances by Jackiem Joyner and Lin Rountree. The jazz duo gave a jaw dropping performance as they shared their mastery and ingenuity of their musical instruments with the audience. They performed music from their own composition and renditions of various popular songs.
- The Jazz Symphonic, Uganda
The 9th Annual Nile Gold Jazz & Soul Safari, Uganda review. "The trumpet is a physically demanding instrument," American jazz trumpeter Lin Rountree told press earlier in the week, and he blew the crowd away with a powerful exhibition of original compositions, visibly exerting himself for those high, sustained notes.
- MALCOLM BIGYEMANO of The Pearl Guide, Uganda
Rountree has, with 'Stronger Still', come up with a real gem. Indeed with ten original tunes, either written or co-written by him, this is a work of real quality from a performer making his mark in the under populated niche of smooth jazz trumpet.
- Chris Godber, Smooth Jazz Therapy
Nothing is for eternity, but when Lin supplies his soul with musical power, then Stronger Still might have these unique, irretrievable moments of eternity....Lin Rountree has the certain feeling for reļ¬nement and the love for the sonic groove. Stronger Still mirrors his creative flair and the ability to ļ¬nd the touching notes.
- Hans-Bernd Hulsmann, smooth-jazz.de, First View
If there's one thing you can count on with Rountree's music, it's that it can gratify, romance, and transport you with such ease. There is that smoooothness, that silkiness, and meticulous manner in which he delivers his trumpet, all with a thick layer of soul/R&B as an added ingredient......All in all, this album will not disappoint, and Rountree fans will surely delight in the completeness of this project. So, nestle into that comfy sofa or rock back in that recliner, press "play" on this one, and just go there. The trip is surely worth your while.
- Ronald Jackson, Smooth Jazz Ride
One of the highlights of the night was the session by soul trumpeter Lin Rountree and pop/R&B chanteuse Beth Grifļ¬th. The duo delivered a fantastic show performing music from original compositions to renditions of various popular songs. Without a doubt, these two multitalented artists were great together.
- Buzztales, Dubai
One listen to this muscular production and you'll be inclined to agree that he has reached that distinction as one of today's premier C-jazz trumpeters
- Ronald Jackson, The Smooth Jazz Ride
Lin Rountree, takes on a new way of seeing things where trumpet playing is concerned. With Soulfunky, Lin Rountree redefines the term groove.
- Hans-Bernd Hulsmann, Smooth-Jazz.de
Lin HAS taken a new direction with this soulful & funky album. I dig it!
- Patrick Van de Wiele (4 1/2 out of 5 stars), Keys and Chords
Trumpeter Lin Rountree has steadily built a reputation with a series of strong albums, "Soul Funky" is probably his BEST to date. Whilst still having a smooth backdrop (production wise), Soul Funky is modern Jazz Funk.......In tone and soulfulness, his approach to the trumpet echoes that of the legendary Freddie Hubbard on this excellent album.
- Soul Brothers Records