Trumpeter Kevin Louis makes a strong opening statement on his recording debut as leader. The New Orleans native and New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts graduate who attended Oberlin Conservatory is presently making a name for himself in New York. He returned to his hometown to record Loved Ones with the strong local rhythm section of pianist Victor “Red” Atkins, bassist Roland Guerin and drummer James Alsanders. Louis pens all but one tune on the disc that that begins with the straight-ahead purity of “For Sundown and Poppy.” It builds with intensity provided by his brightly stirring trumpet and Atkins’ huge piano—good teaming. The trumpeter has a penchant for successful transitions, often moving from quietude to power. He proves himself a fine balladeer on the beautiful “My Chocolate Love” that he blushes with soft slurs. Humor finds a home on “Sagitarian Fire,” a tune that places Guerin’s bass on center stage. Everybody’s swingin’ on the sunny “You Got Me” and the disc ends in the groove of “Docta Kuntry Funk.”