Lin Rountree

Lin Rountree, the Detroit-based trumpeter, brings a soulful approach to performances shaped by smooth jazz and R&B. Born in New York City in 1971, he spent his formative years in Alexandria, Virginia, where he first took up the trumpet near age 11. As a skilled high school musician, he took part in programs connected to the Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts. He refined his abilities at Florida A&M, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration while performing in the school’s acclaimed marching band. His engagement with jazz grew through close study of recordings by Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Tom Browne, and additional artists. After completing his degree, he moved to Detroit and began leading his own band on a consistent basis. His first outing as a leader arrived in 2005 with the album Groovetree. Further independent releases followed, including the 2008 project Sumthin’ Good and 2011’s Soul-Tree: The Soul-Jazz Experience. After signing with Trippin’ N’ Rhythm records, he issued Serendipitous in 2013 and Soulfunky in 2015. February 2018 brought Stronger Still, which contained the chart-topping smooth jazz single “Pass the Groove.”