Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Brian Lynch: Tribute to the Trumpet Masters

Brian Lynch: Tribute to the Trumpet Masters

By David A. Orthmann
October 1, 2000
Sign in to view read count

Brian Lynch: Tribute to the Trumpet Masters

On his third release for Sharp Nine, Brian Lynch pays tribute to several influential trumpet stylists, and in the process proves that he also belongs in this elite circle. With two exceptions, the short list of his favorites is connected with the two progenitors of the hard bop genre, Art Blakey and Horace Silver, both of whom Lynch played with extensively. Utilizing a responsive rhythm section of pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Carl Allen, he plays original compositions celebrating Woody Shaw, Kenny Dorham, Tom Harrell, Blue Mitchell, and Charles Tolliver, as well as material by Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard, Thad Jones, and Lee Morgan.

It’s a pleasure to listen to Lynch acknowledge yet ultimately transcend the effect of these giants on his music. The success can be attributed in part to flawless technique on a notoriously obdurate instrument, producing a clear, full sound in all registers. Closely connected to this mastery is his ability to articulate idea after idea in a seemingly effortless, relaxed swing. For example, Lynch’s solo on the opening cut, the sprightly “Woody Shaw,” is pure forward motion, creating excitement without ever sounding hurried or strained. The same kind of feeling applies to “Tribute to Blue (Mitchell),” where his horn sings through two complete solos.

Lynch’s harder side can be heard on his own “Charles Tolliver,” and Morgan’s “Search for the New Land.” Without compromising his overall style, his playing on these tracks has a blues-tinged, restless quality which stands in stark contrast to the near-perfection of his other work.

Track List:Woody Shaw; Eclipse; Bus Stop Serenade (for K.D.); Tom Harrell; Elusive; Search for the New Land; Tribute to Blue (Mitchell); Charles Tolliver; Opening Statement.

Track Listing

Woody Shaw, Eclipse, Bus Stop Serenade (For K. D.), Tom Harrell, Elusive, Search For the New Land, Tribute to Blue (Mitchell), Charles Tolliver, Opening Statement

Personnel

Brian Lynch

trumpet

Brian Lynch- trumpet, Mulgrew Miller- piano, Essiet Essiet- bass, Carl Allen- drums

Album information

Title: Tribute to the Trumpet Masters | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Sharp Nine Records

< Previous
Meet Lynne Arriale

Next >
Charles Lloyd: Crossing the Waters Wide

Comments

About Brian Lynch

Instrument: Trumpet

Concerts

May 8 Wed

Brian Lynch Quintet

Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Fort Lauderdale, FL

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.