Originally Published on February 7th, 2026

Tim Larkin

~ About the Artist ~

To date, I don’t know if I’ve ever had the privilege of recognizing such an accomplished musician on this platform. Tim Larkin is an independent solo musician; a globally recognized musician, composer, and sound designer. This Academy award-winning sound designer (for the short film, The ChubbChubbs!) has shared stages with Natalie Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and James Brown. This is an elite list of collaborators, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

As a trumpeter, Larkin has engrossed his unique composition style with a blend of contemporary jazz and pop instrumental work, fusing soul and blues as well.

Larkin collaborated with Earth, Wind, and Fire, as well as other top studio players for his latest release, Setting Standards, a 30-minute, 7 song EP that showcases explosive, genre-defying compositions from start to finish.

Setting Standards is an album of covers, with the exception of the original song, Gumshoes. There isn’t a note or beat missed on this album. The compositions are all expertly arranged and performed. I particularly love the original, Gumshoes. It is a mid to slow tempo groove, that is anchored by a smooth swing percussion. With solo performance on the trumpet by Larkin, as well as a piano solo, it is supported by strings, piano, double bass and additional percussion instruments like the xylophone. At the 3:15 mark, the strings sneak in behind Larkin’s trumpet for a slow and steady build that carries throughout, all the way to the end of the piece.

Larkin’s reputation as an elite musician is represented in every single moment of this album. It is completely above standard and a celebration for those who choose to devote their lives to artistic performance.

Tim Larkin has reminded us that, in a world where an industry feels that musicians are expendable and can be replaced by a program on a laptop, there are a multitude of things that can’t be done without experience and emotion.

“Rather than chasing trends, Setting Standards focuses on feel, tone, and storytelling. Each track is built around authentic musicianship, warm arrangements, and performances that breathe.”