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| New Jazz Album from Trumpeter/Composer Jeff Lofton Austin, Texas-based trumpeter/composer Jeff Lofton recently released his new album, Jericho, to rave reviews. "Lofton's dedication to finding the right textures is a joy to listen to, " said Jim Olin, critic for All About Jazz, "His trumpet playing on Jericho is sensational." Stacey Zering of INK 19 added that "Jericho is among the year's finest jazz releases. I could listen to his trumpet all day." A Grammy member and two-time SXSW Austin Music Awards winner, Lofton offers a diverse style, impressing audiences and critics with his ability to easily swing from styles as eclectic as neo-soul, jazz, urban, and R&B. On this LP, Lofton gives the audience a sample of his creativity and dynamic trumpet style throughout the nine studio recordings. He reveals the more mellow side of his playing, and showcases a really high degree of articulation with his performances. Because of these stunning dynamics, Lofton's trumpet playing is as expressive as a human voice, with a unique story to tell from the candle-lit vibes of "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" to the sensuality of tracks like "Rose." The album features Jeff Lofton, trumpeter and producer, and includes Dr. James Polk (pianos, organ), Carolyn Wonderland (vocals, guitar), Murali Coryell (vocals, guitar), Glenn Schuetz (bass), Ryan Bowen (bass), Steven Mankenberg (drums), Terrence McDaniel (drums) and Ernie Durawa (drums). Lofton was featured in Japanese Airlines magazine, and as an American Icon in a national ad campaign for Macy's. He opened TEDxAustin in 2012 accompanied by pianist and composer Graham Reynolds, and was voted Best Horn Player 2013 - 2014 and Best Jazz Band 2010 - 2011 at the Austin Music Awards during SXSW. January 15, 2009, was named "Jeff Lofton Day" by the City of Austin; and he was inducted into the Texas Music Museum. Dr. Polk is the former musical director for Ray Charles, and is associated with the Dr. James Polk Academy of Arts and Technology and the Austin Jazz Workshop. He is also the organist for the award winning jazz blues ensemble, Church on Monday. Wonderland is touring with John Mayall, while continuing to write songs that have gained the attention of such notables as Bob Dylan. She appeared on Austin City Limits, played with Bonnie Raitt, and toured with Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter. Son of jazz-rock fusion guitar legend Larry Coryell and author/actress Julie Coryell, contemporary soul blues artist Coryell grew up surrounded by great music - by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis and Carlos Santana. In addition to performing with his own group, Coryell has toured as a featured artist with award-winning blues artist Joe Louis Walker, saxophonist Bill Evans and his father. write your comments about the article :: © 2019 Jazz News :: home page |