HI ALL,

A couple of months into 2008, the relative calm of the beginning of the year is just a memory as I immerse myself in the new projects and music making of the new year. As I look back on 2007, I have a lot of great moments and satisfying accomplishments to reflect on:

- Taking the stage at the Staples Center in LA to accept my Grammy award for best Latin Jazz Album of 2006 (The Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project – “Simpático”). Congratulations to this year’s winners ! Other plaudits and awards for “Simpático” included an award for Best Latin Jazz Album of the year by the Jazz Journalists Association.

- Top Ten placings in the Downbeat Readers Poll in the Trumpet and Jazz Album of the Year categories, as well as a top ten placing in the Trumpet category in the Downbeat Critics Poll.

- Directing and leading a critically acclaimed concert at the 92nd St. Y presenting music from Simpático, as well as the debut of the Eddie Palmieri/Brian Lynch Quartet this last August in Japan. The Quartet will be making its NY debut at Iridium in April.

- Recording activity with the Phil Woods Quintet (American Songbook Vol. 2), Cuban pianist Paquito Hechavarria, and Conrad Herwig’s “Latin Side Of Wayne Shorter”.

- Touring the world with Eddie Palmieri and Phil Woods. Notable gigs included Istanbul and Athens with Phil, and many bright moments with Eddie in Europe and the US. Eddie’s tribute at Harvard in April, which I was a integral part of, was a special highlight.

My own group activities included a Midwest tour in July, NY appearances with my quintet, and quartet hits at Denver’s Dazzle and in Southern California. Other featured activities included an appearance at the Carolina Jazz Festival in Puerto Rico (sponsored by Putumayo) and many concerts with college bands, including UT San Marcos and New Jersey City University. I also had a lot of fun touring all over as featured artist with Conrad Herwig’s “Latin Side” group.

The teaching scene was very active in 2007. I finished my 4th year teaching at the Prinz Klaus Conservatory in Gronigen, Netherlands, after which I regretfully had to resign my position due to lack of time to go over on a regular basis. Alex Sipiagin is ably taking my place. PKC students, I miss you! The main reason I needed to cut PKC loose was that my teaching schedule at New York University has expanded greatly over the last year. I have a lot of great students there, and a hot student group that has been performing on the NY club scene. We will be at the Blue Note this coming April. Other educational activities included being on the faculty of the Tonica Brass Camp in Jalisco, Mexico. I had a gas hanging with the faculty and students there and am looking forward to being back this coming June!

For the upcoming year, I’ve got some new projects in mind admidst a fulfilling schedule. I intend to be going into the studio at least once this year, and I have a feeling it’ll be more than that. I’ve got some exciting plans for the expansion of my recorded output that I hope to share with you soon!

I’m also intending to get a working group really in gear for touring and recorded documentation this year. I’ve been rehearsing with some great young musicians, and now I’m preparing to get into the shed to write a new book of music tailored for the band. I think you’re going to be surprised at some of the new things I’m working on!

I’m also currently involved with an exciting project, co-producing and arranging for the upcoming recording of one of my favorites, Lila Downs, who was such a great part of the success of Simpático. Working on the music with Lila and her musical director Paul Cohen has been a mind-expanding experience –I’m learning more about the myriad riches of the music of Mexico and other parts of non-Caribbean Latin America.

Here’s wishing health, joy, and success to each and everyone in 2008!