17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quietly Intense and Swinging, January 28, 2005
This review is from: Brian Lynch Meets Bill Charlap (Audio CD)
Quartet recordings led by a trumpeter are not all that common, but this is the third such CD Brian Lynch has made for Sharp Nine. Along with the others, this one is a definite winner.
The title "Brian Lynch Meets Bill Charlap" suggests that this is their first musical meeting, but in fact the trumpeter and pianist have been long-time members of the Phil Woods Quintet, and their musical chemistry is apparent throughout the CD. This is most evident on the duet version of "Come Rain or Come Shine." One may characterize the overall mood of this CD as somewhat reflective, but the music never lacks focus or intensity. The style of the music strongly reflects Charlap's influence. It is quietly intense, never knocking you out with overt technical fireworks (though both Lynch and Charlap are masters of their instruments), but touching your heart and mind with lyrical, well-shaped solos. Six of the CD's nine selections are standards, while three are Lynch originals which fit right in with overall feeling of the date.
The album begins with a 7/4 version of "Green Dolphin Street." Lynch's muted trumpet brings Miles Davis to mind here. Lynch's own personality comes through more strongly on the remaining cuts, beginning with the lyrical ballad "Autumn Nocture" which features Brian on flugelhorn. "Artas de Portas" gets a deeply moving interpretation from Lynch and Charlap. Even when the group turns up the heat on "My Heart Stood Still" (a genuine highlight of the CD), Charlie Parker's "Cheryl", or Lynch's boppish "On the Dot", the mature lyrism remains. The date ends strongly with Lynch's satisfying mid-tempo "Blues for Gilad."
But every track on this CD has much to commend it, drawing you in and holding your attention. Furthermore, this is not just a blowing date. Care has been been taken in the arrangements to ensure variety throughout the 62 minute CD. The rhythm duo of bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Joe Farnsworth is always swinging and tasteful. Farnsworth plays a ear-catching solo with brushes on "Cheryl."
As with all of Sharp Nine's releases, the recording quality, graphics, and liner notes (by Phil Woods, in this case) are top-rate. "Brian Lynch Meets Bill Charlap" is highly recommended to all who enjoy lyrical, thoughtful jazz.
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