The Optimist

Trombonist Ryan Porter has gained exposure with saxophone sensation Kamasi Washington, but The Optimist, his debut, was recorded some years before Washington hit the limelight. The grooves run from sultry to driving and powerful, with open, ecstatic stretches of improvisation, on tracks like “Anaya” and “The Instrumental Hip-Hoppa.” It’s a sound that runs through the blood of West Coast Get Down—through players like pianist Cameron Graves, bassist Miles Mosley, and Washington himself. They acquit themselves well here, buoyed by Porter’s big tone and pliant legato lyricism.