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Brian Lynch and Spheres Of Influence: ConClave Vol. 2

By Edward Blanco
August 31, 2011
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Brian Lynch and Spheres Of Influence: ConClave Vol. 2

Long an exponent of Afro-Cuban rhythms and Latin jazz music, trumpeter/educator Brian Lynch presents a fine selection of originals and standards in another Latin-styled album, grounded in a strong modern jazz foundation. ConClave Vol. 2 draws on obvious elements of Latin music and contains the influence within a framework of a jazz project, as opposed to a typical, overtly expressive Latin jazz statement.

On ConClave (Criss Cross, 2004), the majority of the tunes such as the blazing "Tom Harrell," "Awe Shocks," and "La Mulata Rumbera," offer a generally hot session of Latin jazz. This second installment does tone down the tempo a bit without sacrificing the syncopated two-bar rhythm that is the basis of Latin music, known as clav��.

Lynch not only forges a new approach to the percussive genre, he does it with a new incarnation of his Spheres of Influence jazz project, using an entirely new cast of players including alto saxophonist

Yosvany Terry

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Yosvany Terry. pianist

Manuel Valera

piano
b.1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Manuel Valera and percussionist Pedro Martinez,—three Cuban-born players lending a significant cultural element to the music.

The album's fiery pieces start on "With a Single Step" where Lynch and Terry's exchange heats up the music. The Latin rhythms come through brightly on

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis' "Solar," while "One for Armida" rounds out the steamy selections with Lynch's sizzling horn-blowing matched by hard play from Martinez and young drummer

Justin Brown

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Justin Brown

"The Downside of Upspeak" opens the album in the modern jazz tradition, with little to no real Latin flair, while

Charles Tolliver

trumpet
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Charles Tolliver's "Truth" provides the album's only slow and delicate ballad. "Magenta's Return" is one of the highlights of the disc, a stellar piece featuring dazzling moments from Valera, Lynch and Terry. Lynch's "Dance the Way U Want To" has a true Latin beat, invigorated with more Latin flavoring than the trumpeter's original 1991 chart.

Kenny Dorham

trumpet
1924 - 1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Dorham's straight blues, "Blue Friday," bookends a Latin-styled album with the most traditional jazz piece of the set, featuring Terry, Valera and young bass sensation

Luques Curtis

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Luques Curtis, all having superb solo moments. Lynch completes another fascinating Latin jazz session, proving, on ConClave Vol. 2, that an interesting meld of Latin and traditional jazz can be a successful vehicle.

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Track Listing

The Downside Of Upspeak; Truth; With A Single Step; Magenta's Return; Solar; Dance The Way U Want; One For Armida; Blue Friday.

Personnel

Brian Lynch

trumpet

Brian Lynch: trumpet; Yosvany Terry: alto saxophone; Manuel Valera: piano; Luques Curtis: bass; Justin Brown: drums; Pedro Martinez: percussion.

Album information

Title: ConClave Vol. 2 | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Criss Cross

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