Horn Section Partners
MIKE RINTA—Trombone • I have been fortunate to have been making live and recorded music with my incredibly talented friend, Mr. Rinta since 1994. He taught me everything I know about arranging and section playing, but he didn’t teach me everything that he knows!
This multi-talented, Grammy Award winning trombone/tuba player & arranger is native to the San Francisco Bay Area and has been making soulful music with hundreds of artists for over 30 years. He has toured the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia with many bands such as Sly & The Family Stone, Michelle Shocked, Santana, Howard Tate & John Lee Hooker Jr. Currently a member of Jimmie Vaughan’s Tilt-A-Whirl Band and The Pacific Mambo Orchestra (Grammy Winners). Mike Rinta is my first call for that exceptional horn-section magic. We have developed a signature sound as a section whether it is a 3-5 piece section with high & low ends covered by trumpet & baritone saxophone or just the two of us on tenor saxophone & trombone.
DANNY ARMSTRONG—Trombone • I have been playing with my soulful, swinging friend since 1995. Danny always brings his magic to the music. He has performed & recorded with many greats including Johnny Otis, Ann Peebles, Rufus Thomas. Archie Bell and The Drells, Elvin Bishop, The Coasters, Pete Escovedo, and Lee Oskar. Danny was one third of The Horns of Dilemma with the Sy Klopps Blues Band. Sy was Mega-Manager Herbie Herbert’s alter-ego after his days of managing Journey, Steve Miller, Mr. Big, and Europe. Herbie was also Santana’s first road manager.
TOM POOLE—Trumpet • I met Tom in the 80s when he was playing with Pacific Brass & Electric. Tom understands R&B/Soul trumpet like nobody else (and can tell a joke like nobody else!) Tom Poole drops the mic on a name dropping list (with a Grammy or two to boot): Etta James, Bobby Womack, Billy Preston, Percy Sledge, Malo, Carla Thomas. Elvin Bishop, The Drifters. Tom was the lead voice of The Horns of Dilemma with the Sy Klopps Blues Band.
MIKE ROSE—Trumpet • Mike and I met in the 90s and are still playing in numerous live and recording projects together. Mike is a master at leading an R&B/Soul/Pop horn section. He has toured the US & worldwide with artists such as Lydia Pense & Cold Blood, Otis Clay, Lenny Williams (Tower Of Power), Jimmy McCracklin, Syl Johnson, The Coasters, Tommy Castro & The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, Bernard Purdie, Sir Mack Rice, The Coasters, Little Anthony &The Imperials, The Shirelles, The Drifters, Mighty Sam McClain. Mike is also a good friend of Michael Peloquin’s…
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
