Brian Lynch: 7X7BY7

The number seven, which for reasons shrouded in mystery, has long been considered a symbol of good luck, lies at the core of trumpeter Brian Lynch's latest album, 7X7BY7, which consists of seven themes performed by seven musicians with each number clocking in at precisely six seconds past seven minutes. Furthermore, it is said, "the...process [of creating the album] was designed to facilitate the smooth reassembly of elements...into new pieces. Shaped by these attributes along with their constraints, the music of 7X7BY7 has the potential for endless variations...through selection, juxtaposition and even chance."

If that were not an inherent part of Lynch's master plan, it might seem rather weird. On listening, however, one finds that Lynch's music (he wrote and arranged everything) is more straight-ahead than strange, more scrupulously designed than occasionally surprising. In other words, once the blowing starts, "seven" becomes more immaterial than essential, and what remains is about fifty minutes of basically pleasing contemporary jazz, ably performed by Lynch's dexterous septet, in most of whose quarters his eloquent trumpet is the decisive solo voice.

Although Lynch writes well, there is nothing here that is likely to become a jazz standard; the charts are more plainspoken than memorable, serving for the most part as dependable launching pads for the soloists. While Lynch, as noted, has the key improvisational role, there are perceptive statements along the way by tenor saxophonist Craig Handy, guitarist Alex Wintz, pianist Luis Perdomo and bassist Boris Kozlov. Rhythmic duties are in the capable hands of Wintz, Perdomo, Kozlov, drummer Kyle Swan and percussionist Murph Aucamp.

Albeit well-written and well-played, Lynch's salute to the number seven, heartfelt as it surely is, does not translate musically into a more than average blowing session, overseen by a septet of talented musicians who do everything they can to define and enrich its purpose. A well-earned "e" for effort but no more than that.