Kiku Collins - Red Light (2011)

According to the Jazz Journal International, Kiku Collins "plays the trumpet like a twenty-first century Miles Davis". Her trumpet skills were on full display during her time with iconic artists Beyonce and Michael Bolton and many other A-list performers, but with her sophomore album "Red Light", Ms. Collins flexes her composer/producer/bandleader muscles with plenty of melody and groove.

Kiku Collins is the kind of trumpeter you don't forget. Not only does she have a sweet, dark tone, but her ideas are musical, and this album is danceable, with an R&B flavor. You will want to play this music in your car, or when on a date, time and time again. Kiku is souful in the finest sense of the word, and with "Red Light" she has collaborated with some of the finest musicians in the business to bring a unique sound. The driving big-band sound of the first track soon gives way to a pleasing set of grooves that are sure to delight you and have you tapping your foot to the music. Kiku plays Getzen trumpets and it is clear to see why she has been sponsored by Getzen, as she evokes deep emotional currents with her tasteful soloing style, while keeping it light and danceable when the song calls for it. This CD is highly recommended, and is sure to yield many hours of listening pleasure. The production values on the CD are also excellent, and if that were not enough, the cover art clearly marks Kiku as one of the best looking trumpeters in the business. It will be exciting to see what we will hear from this artist in the future, as she is off to an excellent start with this album, her second CD effort. Five Stars! ~ Glendon M. Gross