Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
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.
Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Feb 27, 2024 1:40 PM
“I might not have felt this way 30 to 40 years ago, but I’ve reached a point where I can hear value in what people…
Apr 5, 2024 10:28 AM
Albert “Tootie” Heath, a drummer of impeccable taste and time who was the youngest of three jazz-legend brothers…
Mar 12, 2024 11:42 AM
“There are a few musicians you hear where, as somebody once said, the molecules in the room change. Geri was one of…
Feb 21, 2024 10:45 AM
Are you having any fun? Larry Goldings certainly is. Consider just two recent examples:
Scene 1: “If anyone had…