Tribute to the Trumpet Masters

by Steven LoewyBrian Lynch has slowly built an impressive discography, proving that he is one of the leading hard bop trumpeters of his generation. His "Tribute to the Trumpet Masters" includes tunes by Freddie Hubbard, Thad Jones, Lee Morgan, and Booker Little, plus five originals by Lynch that pay homage to Woody Shaw, Kenny Dorham, Blue Mitchell, Charles Tolliver, and Tom Harrell. With strong backing from a rhythm section that includes pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Carl Allen, the trumpeter solos confidently as he launches lengthy lines with a cracked tone sometimes reminiscent of Clifford Brown, who somehow escaped a tribute. One of the most impressive attributes of his playing is his ability to sustain protracted, fiery solos without repeating himself. While the compositions are hit or miss, his "Woody Shaw" attractively captures the essence of the late trumpeter. This album is billed as Volume 2 of the Brian Lynch Quartet, although the players (other than Lynch) are entirely different than on Volume 1.