The New York based musician Charles Tolliver has announced his first studio album in 13 years. The self-taught trumpeter has been active since the 1960s – he made his recording debut with Jackie McLean on Blue Note in 1964. His last studio album, 2007’s With Love, was also released by Blue Note.

Now signed to Gearbox Records, Tolliver recorded his new album Connect at RAK Studios last November with a band including Jesse Davis on alto saxophone, Keith Brown on piano, Buster Williams on double bass and Lenny White on drums, as well as Gearbox saxophonist Binker Golding appearing on two of its tracks. It was engineered by Tony Platt.

“With both of our collective recording label expertise,” says Tolliver, “a recording of my touring band could and would be done. I chose to CONNECT consummate artists whose performances represent absolutely THE Real Deal in this artform.”

Charles Tolliver’s Connect will be released this summer.