Born Rik Mol in Goes in 1985, Dutch trumpeter Ryan Ricks first picked up his instrument of choice aged eight and after studying at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, developed a love of jazz thanks to a series of lessons with New Orleans composer Wynton Marsalis. Touring the city's jazz clubs, he then released his debut album, What's On Tonight?!, under his original name in 2008, scored a hit collaboration with Frans Bauer under the guise of Angelo ("Dat Kind Met Zijn Trompet"), and performed with the likes of Michael Bolton, Candy Dulfer, and Basement Jaxx. After venturing into funk-soul territory with 2010 sophomore album Funk On Me (still using the Rik Mol moniker), he released his self-titled third studio effort, Ryan Ricks, two years later. ~ Jon O'Brien