Beginning in 1989 as the rhythm section for Gerry Mulligan, the trio of pianist Bill Mays, bassist Dean Johnson and drummer Ron Vincent have since made beautiful music together with countless other artists and as the long-lived Bill Mays Trio. With ""Ray's Hat Trick,"" Vincent looked to this collective to provide the musical foundation for his debut as a bandleader. Originally conceived as a quartet album with Steve Cardenas joining them on guitar, the palette expanded quickly as he heard different voices filtering in, so he pulled in longtime saxophonist friends Dave Brandom, Tim Armacost and Matt Garrison to add multiple woodwinds to the sound. With originals from Vincent, Mays & Cardenas to go along with arrangements of tunes by Ellington, Duke Pearson, and Denzil Best, Ron Vincent creates a joyfully swinging collection of music. ""Ron Vincent's drumming propels with rhythmic precision and flair."" All About Jazz