Featuring Brian Lynch (trumpet), Miguel Zenon (alto saxophone), Rick Germanson (piano), Hans Glawischnig (bass), Neal Smith (drums). 11 Tracks. Recorded at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, New York, on December 16 and 17, 2002. Brian Lynch's 1st outing for Nagel Heyer finds him in the fine company of Marsalis Music recording artist Miguel Zenon and three of NYC's first-call musicians, pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Neal Smith. This CD presents the heat of Lynch's signature fiery, hardbop chops displayed alongside the heart of his stunning, lush-toned lyrical conception - further affirming his stature among the very top rank of modern trumpet players. "There may be more famous players than my man but there are no better ones. Brian is at the top of his game and is playing and writing overtime! Makes an old bebopper proud" (Phil Woods). "As I always say, if you have half the enjoyment listening to this CD that we had making it, then I'll feel we've done our job well. Enjoy!" (Brian Lynch). There's nothing like having a group out on the road playing every night, then coming back home and going right into the studio while you're still hot. The music is rehearsed and tight, and you're able to play freely on it, distilling the numerous encounters you've had with it in all the varied performance situations into an unforced, yet finely honed recorded statement. That's the feeling we had going into to the studio to make this recording. You're listening to a working group here, hot from a three week tour of Europe where the new material I had brought in was thoroughly assimilated by the cats in the quartet and made their own. This is the first recording I have made in years that documents how my working group really sounds, and I'm quite proud of it. I think you'll be pleased too. A bit about the group: Miguel Zenon - alto sax: Miguel was the fifth piece in this group for New York club engagements in the summer of '02, and again in the time preceding the recording dates. I am very proud to have been associated with this important musician in my groups over the last three years, including this one as well as my other group project "Spheres Of Influence". Miguel is one of the most superbly equipped players on the scene today, and is now the leader of his own group. He has also played with David Sanchez and Charlie Haden's Liberation Music among others, and has CDs out as a leader on Fresh Sound and Marsalis Music. Rick Germanson - piano: Rick is one of the most in demand young players on the New York scene today, as well as one of my closest friends. He's most known for his tenure as the pianist in the Louis Hayes Quintet, but he's with or has been with the groups of Donald Harrison, Rene Marie, and Elvin Jones as well. Rick has two CDs out on the Fresh Sound label. Rick's playing combines clarity, taste, and hipness to consistently delight. Hans Glawischnig - bass: Another one of the top young players on his instrument today, versatile and eloquent in many different styles and forms. Hans is a part of the groups of David Sanchez and Miguel Zenon, and has played with Ray Baretto, Dafnis Prieto's group, and Antonio Sanchez among many others. Hans is also a member of my "Spheres Of Influence" project. His debut CD, "Common Ground", is on Fresh Sound. Neal Smith - drums: A most swinging drummer and another good friend. Neal is a longtime member of Cyrus Chestnut's trio, recording and touring the world. He's also been a part of the groups of Tom Harrell and Rufus Reid, and leads his own group, with two CDs out. (Brian Lynch, Dec. 2004)