this recording captures a trumpeter already playing at a high level.
Hollistic Musicworks
Jason Charos – trumpet; David Mason – alto saxophone (except 2&6); Melvin Butler – tenor saxophone (1.3.5); Kevin McCallister – tenor saxophone (2.6,8); Connor Rohrer – piano; Carlo de Rosa – double bass; Ludwig Alfonso – drums (except 5); Guests: Brian Lynch – trumpet (2); Dafnis Pietro, drum (5)
When Grammy-winning trumpeter Brian Lynch releases an album on his own Hollistic MusicWorks label, it’s worth attention. When that album is the debut of his former University of Miami student Jason Charos, and Lynch himself guests on one track, it suggests real confidence in the younger player. That confidence proves justified—Charos plays at a level that puts him in the same league as his mentor.
The album opens with ‘Winged Words,’ built on Carlo De Rosa’s woody, melodic bass and Ludwig Afonso’s crisp drumming. Tenor saxophonist Melvin Butler delivers a fine solo, but what stands out is how the horn players trade short solo phrases like they’re having a conversation—there’s a sense of fun and spontaneity in their exchanges. Connor Rohrer’s piano work shines throughout, whether comping quietly in sync with the soloists or stepping forward for his own melodic statements. Charos’ trumpet is warm and controlled, never forcing the moment but always engaging.
B.L.’s Bag,’ a tribute to mentor Brian Lynch, brings a hard bop sensibility with Lynch himself guest soloing, along with Charos. Lynch’s crystalline trumpet tone contrasts nicely with Kevin McCallister’s smooth tenor saxophone work. Rohrer delivers a short but terrific straight-ahead solo, while the great walking bass lines and snappy drumming from Afonso push the music along with plenty of energy.
The album’s emotional centerpiece, ‘Love and Loss,’ reveals Charos’ lyrical side. His trumpet takes on a conversational quality, with a touch of breathiness that shows he’s comfortable with different approaches. The saxophone solo is laidback, almost sleepy, perfectly matching the ballad’s mood.
The album picks up the pace with ‘Athens By Night’ that has the swing of a big band, with Charos plying his solos with bent notes and melodic slurs, while David Mason’s slinky alto saxophone work is particularly noteworthy. Guest Dafnis Prieto’s drumming on ‘The Crown’ brings infectious Latin energy, his percussion work perfectly complementing the tune’s dance groove as Charos seamlessly transitions between Latin and straight-ahead.
The album’s most beautiful moment arrives with ‘This, Tonight.’ Butler’s tenor saxophone sounds like Ben Webster with that big open tone and that lovely touch of vibrato. Charos responds with equally gorgeous trumpet work, hanging out in the upper register with playful twists and glissando effects.
The uptempo tracks ‘Pacing’ and ‘George’s Place’ showcase the band’s hard bop credentials with fast walking bass lines and the way they toss solo phrases back and forth, even the drummer gets in on it.
Charos has assembled an impressive supporting cast, largely drawn from his work with Grammy-winning vocalist Samara Joy. The rhythm section of Rohrer, De Rosa, and Afonso keep the grooves tight and unpredictable.
Charos composed all eight tracks, crafting songs with catchy melodies and chord progressions that go where you might not expect them. While he acknowledges that he “definitely plays differently now,” this recording from 2022 captures a trumpeter already playing at a high level. If this is just his opening statement, it’ll be fun to hear how the rest of the story unfolds.
