Keep Your Circle Small in Bloomington, MN

Trumpeter
Brian Lynch
helped to kick off the brand new
Sharp Nine
label in 1995 with the release of this stunning CD. Familiar to
jazz
devotees for his work with
Art Blakey
, and also
Phil Woods
,
Lynch
is accompanied by pianist
David Hazeltine
, bassist
Peter Washington
, and veteran drummer
Louis Hayes
. His confidence is apparent in a lively arrangement of
"I'm Getting Sentimental Over You,"
while he captures the bittersweet essence of
"My Old Flame"
without needing a vocalist.
Hayes
helps power
through a brisk reading of
John Coltrane
's infrequently performed
"Straight Street."
He plays both muted and open horn in the attractive
samba
"Bolero de Sata."
also contributed four strong originals, including the tense
post-bop
vehicle
"The Trifle,"
showcasing some fine unison playing and chases between the leader and the pianist, as well as a brilliant solo by
. This engaging release will especially appeal to
hard bop
fans. ~ Ken Dryden