Linley Hamilton - In Transition (2014)

The title of trumpeter Linley Hamilton's second release for Northern Irish label Lyte Records tells a tale; in the three years since Taylor Made (Lyte Records, 2011) Hamilton has dug deep into the essence of his playing, refining his compositional approach and instilling a greater economy of notes in his playing. His is a discipline that owes more to the modern European tradition exemplified by Till Bronner and Mathias Eick than the beboppers that first inspired Hamilton on his journey. The result then is less technical dazzle and greater emphasis on melody and the honing of a sound— not only his personal sound, but that of the excellent band that he has molded.