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 Kelly Rossum: Trumpeter, Innovator, EducatorBy Don Berryman January 5, 2005 This week we are lucky to have a chance to hear a much too rare performance of Kelly Rossum Quintet January 6th at the Dakota. Formed at the turn of the millennium, Kelly's quintet features top local musicians including pianist Chris Lomheim, tenor saxophonist Chris Thomson, bassist Michael O'Brien and drummer J.T. Bates. While Lomheim's sensitivity on the piano and funk on the Fender Rhodes evokes the great works 60's and 70's (Bill Evans, Keith Jarret, Herbie Hancock, etc.), J.T. Bates pushes the groove into the 21st century with rhythmic explorations that vivisect the beat without killing the groove. Over it all Kelly blows sweet and true with an intense passion for the music. His 2004 release Renovations was chose as the #12 in the best local CD of the year by the Minneapolis Star and Tribune and in the top 10 Cd's by City Pages. Personally, it made it into my top 3 with its' engaging, edgy sound that expands the genre without 'dumbing' it down (click here to read my review). Kelly Rossum is a master performer of jazz trumpet, although all of his university studies have focused on classical trumpet playing. Kelly said, “Since the trumpet is such a difficult instrument to master, classical training will give you the technical ability to play anything you want. Once you thoroughly understand the instrument, stylistic choices become just that, choices. Not limitations.” You can hear his theories and musical choices put into practice when his Quintet performs at the Dakota (612) 332-1010, Thursday January 6th starting at 7 PM. You can also hear Kelly Rossum:
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