Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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.
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
