Conclave

by Evan C. Gutierrez Trumpeter Brian Lynch has often played second fiddle to his Latin jazz A-lister friends. Be it with trombone giant Conrad Herwig, piano luminary Eddie Palmieri, or any of the host of New York Latin jazzers with whom Lynch has collaborated, the most notable records that he has appeared on have him listed after the word "featuring." The Brian Lynch Latin Jazz Sextet features a group of players who are similarly stellar sidemen, who have backed the biggest artists in the genre, but whose names are not often seen in lights. With the release of Conclave, their day in the sun has come. This 2005 release is easily one of the strongest Latin jazz releases of the year. Luis Perdomo is rapidly distinguishing himself as the most important, in-demand pianist on the scene. Conguero Roberto Quintero, a seriously underrated talent, displays blistering technique and taste throughout the record. Relative newcomer Ernesto Simpson shows amazing creativity and unique vision for the drum set's role in Cuban-influenced music. Bass players Boris Koslov and Ruben Rodriguez both prove inventive and smart, as does saxophonist Ralph Bowen. Lynch himself continues to develop into the trumpet's definitive master in his idiom. The writing is consistently hip and intelligent, another credit to Lynch's creative vitality. All over, the most inspired record thus far by one of Latin jazz's best.