The sweetest thing at the market today

Photos by Stan Rolfsrud

Were there justice in this world, Loran Cox wouldn't need his day job.
The sweet and gentle sound of his jazz flugelhorn wafted over the savories at the Farmer's Market this morning, as patrons perused and sampled the sweet pea leaves, kimchi, barbecue sauces, breads, juices and such. He stood alone under his sun shade, surrounded by a modest array of electronic gear and an open trumpet case. We casually added our wadded donation to the padded case and then straightened up for a chat with this tall jazz guy in the cowboy hat who took up the trumpet long ago in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa.
Now there are bills to pay, and a family of five for this 4-year Phoenix resident, so a weekend gig and a night job here and there will have to do. The CD comes out this spring. Maybe sooner.
We thought he sounded as much like Charlie Haden as we've ever heard in person, but we didn't say so.
He's been around. His web site says:

As bandleader of the acclaimed Dallas-based 7-piece Latin jazz group “Mambo Combo”, performances have included South-by-Southwest Music Conference (SXSW) and National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) “Grammy Sessions Live”.

As a jazz trumpeter based in Miami, Loran has performed with Grammy, Latin Grammy and international recording artists including Luis Enrique, Lefty Perez, Marlow Rosado, Tito Puente, Jr., Lalo Rodriguez, “Cachao” Lopez, Nestor Torres and Desmond Child. Loran has appeared on television shows including "Sabado Gigante", "In Control" and “La Katimba".

He's available for $250 to $2500 a performance, the site says. Doesn't travel more than 10 miles. He does have a day job and a family, you know.