Brian Lynch
Few performers in the world of jazz music have such a rich and varied career palette as trumpeter Brian Lynch. Born September 12, 1956 in Urbana,Illinois, Brian grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and there had his initial playing experiences with such local residents as pianist Buddy Montgomery and organist Melvin Rhyne while earning a degree from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Briefly moving to San Diego in 1980-81, he gained further valuable experience in the group of master altoist Charles McPherson. Brian moved to New York in late 1981 and rapidly made inroads on the New York music scene and the international music world. One of his major gigs in this period was with the Horace Silver Quintet (1982-1985) , as well as garnering big band experience with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra (1982-1988). At the same time, Brian was playing and recording on the Latinmusic scene with such renowned salsa artists as Angel Canales and the great cantante Hector La Voe (1983-87). After many record dates as a sideman, Brian recorded his first album as a leader, Peer Pressure, on the CrissCross label in 1986.
The late 80s found Brian making important and enduring association with two musical giants. In 1987, he began playing in the groups of legendary Latin master Eddie Palmieri, starting a fruitful musical relationship that has endured to the present day, as featured performer with Palmieri's various projects including the acclaimed Afro-Caribbean Jazz Octet, as well as collaborating as arranger and musical director for Palmieri.
A most important and seminal experience for Brian was his tenure as trumpeter and composer/arranger in what turned out to be the final edition of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, from Dec. 1988 until Art's passing in October of 1990. This tenure was documented in three CDs recorded for the Timeless, A&M, and In N' Out labels, featuring Brian's compositions and arrangements.
Brian's position as a Messenger alumnus and his continuing collaboration with other graduates of the Blakey "University of Jazz" underscores his significance as a figure in his own right, leading his own groups and being in demand as a featured artist all over the world. He is also an integral part of the acclaimed Phil Woods Quintet, in which he has been a contributing force since 1992.
Featuring his own compositions and arrangements and all-star line up, Brian's sixth album, Spheres of Influence on the Sharp Nine record label received a four and one half star rating from Downbeat magazine. His previous five CDs on the Sharp Nine, Criss Cross and Ken labels have also received critical acclaim. Brian's latest release on Sharp Nine, Tribute To The Trumpet Masters is considered by many critics and fans to be his best yet, paying homage to the jazz trumpet lineage of which he is a worthy heir to.
Besides all his jazz and Latin music activities, Brian has also recorded and performed with such pop music luminaries as Maxwell and (the artist formerly known and once again known as) Prince. He continues to indulge his love of being involved with a wide range of music by performing and recording with such diverse artists as Cuban emigre songwriter Juan Carlos Formell, Buena Vista alumnus Barbarito Torres, Brazillian songwriter/performer Lenine, and the new Latin alternative group Yerba Buena.