Episode #141 Tim Larkin

Episode #141 Tim Larkin

Author: Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces September 24, 2025 Duration: 1:11:31

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, composer and sound designer Tim Larkin, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Tim Larkin trumpet interview"

 

About Tim Larkin:

Tim Larkin is a composer, trumpet player, and sound designer whose work spans decades across the gaming, jazz, and film industries.

His credits include Portal, Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, and HBO's The Rat Pack, with past live performances alongside legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Sheila E., and Huey Lewis.

Tim won an Academy Award creating sound design for Best Animated Short at the 75th Academy Awards for his work on The ChubbChubbs!

Setting Standards is his long-awaited debut jazz album, and was released on August 1, 2025 on all major platforms.

The album is a curated collection of reimagined classics and one original composition that captures the emotional breadth, musical depth, and cinematic storytelling that have defined Larkin's career across jazz, film, and video games.

Setting Standards includes interpretations of songs by Bobby Caldwell, David Foster, Jimmy Webb, and more anchored by his own original composition, "Gumshoes."

"This album isn't about chasing trends," says Larkin. "It's about honoring the songs that stuck with me and reimagining them in a way that feels honest keeping the soul intact but letting them breathe in a new space."

Setting Standards blends cinematic jazz, soulful arrangements, and live instrumentation into a cohesive listening experience that's both nostalgic and forward thinking. With contributions from longtime collaborators including John Paris (Earth, Wind & Fire) and renowned arrangers Maurizio Metalli, Lennie Moore and Joris Hoogsteder, the album is a modern take on the classic jazz experience.

 

Episode Links:

 

Upcoming Events:

 

Podcast Credits:

  • "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
  • Podcast Host - John Snell
  • Cover Photo Credit - Tim Larkin
  • Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

 


There's a whole world of sound that happens before the music reaches the audience, a space filled with the clatter of valves, the whisper of breath, and the shared stories of a unique community. The Other Side Of The Bell-A Trumpet Podcast invites you into that world, offering a backstage pass to the realities of brass life. Hosted by the team at Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces, this series goes far beyond simple gear talk. Each episode feels like a conversation in the practice room, blending practical trumpet tips that address the daily hurdles players face with deep-dive interviews featuring the musicians themselves. You'll hear firsthand stories about the craft, the unexpected challenges of performance, and the personal journeys that shape an artist's sound. This podcast is built on decades of specialized knowledge, translating the nuanced experiences of embouchure, articulation, and endurance into accessible insights. Whether you're a student navigating your first orchestral audition or a seasoned professional refining your approach, the discussions here are grounded in real-world application. It’s about the person behind the instrument as much as the instrument itself, creating a genuine resource for anyone passionate about the trumpet. Tune in for a blend of technical wisdom and personal narrative that only comes from a lifetime spent listening from the other side of the bell.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast
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