Lynch Explores Woody Shaw’s Music through Latin Lens

By DownBeat I Sep. 27, 2016

Brian Lynch will release *Madera Latino*, which explores the music of Woody Shaw through a Latin filter, on Sept. 25.
(Photo: Tomoji Hirakata)

Trumpeter Brian Lynch has never been shy about his affinity for Woody Shaw, the innovative brass man whose unique harmonic vocabulary inspired a generation of jazz musicians. Lynch is also a scholar and advocate of Afro-Caribbean music, as evidenced by his tenures in groups led by Eddie Palmieri and Barbarito Torres. Lynch’s latest project is a confluence of both passions, and after a four-year wait, it’s finally ready for release.

Madera Latino (Latin Wood), which explores Shaw’s in a Latin Jazz format, will be released by Holistic MusicWorks on Sept. 26.

Lynch, who won a Latin Grammy for Simpático (a collaboration with Palmieri), assembled an all-star lineup of top trumpeters for his latest project. Guest artists include Dave Douglas, Sean Jones, Diego Urcola, Michael Rodriguez, Etienne Charles, Josh Evans and Philip Dizack.

In configurations from duo to quartet, these trumpeters explore Shaw classics such as “In A Capricornian Way,” “Tomorrow’s Destiny,” “Zoltan,” “Song Of Songs,” “Sweet Love Of Mine” and more, along with two original pieces, one of which is an extended suite.

Other collaborators on the album include percussionists Pedrito Martinez and Little Johnny Rivero, as well as bassist Luques Curtus—all of whom contributed to Simpático. Drummer Obed Calvaire, percussionist Anthony Carrillo and pianist Zaccai Curtis round out the rhythm section.

For Lynch, this homage to a personal hero has been long in the making.

“The combination of Woody’s music and the Afro-Caribbean clave concept was always a natural to me” he said in a press statement. “I’m very happy, after many years of thinking about this idea, to finally be able to actualize this tribute to my musical hero, Woody Shaw, in the distinguished company of these amazing trumpeters and my musical family.”

Shaw’s son, Woody Shaw III, was equally appreciative, citing Lynch’s new album as an extension of his father’s legacy: “My respect and gratitude go out to the musicians on this recording for keeping the spirit of this music—and of one of its last great innovators—alive and strong in the 21st century.”

Madera Latino will be available on Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes and at select music retailers. To stream a track from the album, click here.

For more information, visit the Holistic MusicWorks website.