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Austin-based Jazz Trumpeter Jeff Lofton Releases Single "Compared To What" From Upcoming Album "Jericho"

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A new single produced and arranged by Austin-based jazz trumpeter Jeff Lofton from his new album Jericho releasing in 2014.

A remake of the Les McCann / Eddie Harris hit “Compared to What" by Gene McDaniels.

Featuring vocals and guitar by Carolyn Wonderland; piano and organ by the legendary Dr. James Polk; with Ryan Bowman on bass and Terrence McDaniel on drums

Engineered by Michael Rey de Leon
For consideration for the 56th GRAMMY awards

Artists comments

Jeff Lofton:

I hope the song will make people think and want to listen to more jazz and more of the album. Due to the untimely demise of Janis Joplin, she was not available. So I got the next best thing - Carolyn Wonderland, who also carries on the Austin blues guitar tradition of W. C. Clark and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Dr. James Polk - 'nuff said - it's always an honor to play with a legend who played with the Ray Charles Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Lionel Hampton Orchestra.

I like to work with young lions like bassist Ryan Bowman because they are always hungry. Hungry players make good players because they hunger for the knowledge of the music. Ryan Bowman is probably the most talented bassist of his generation. His association with the BoDeans and Band of Heathens were a good fit because of the song's influence on rock music.

Terrence McDaniel's experience with R&B and funk music made him a great fit for this track. The right drummer makes all the difference and the drums are the engine of this tune. They make it go.

Carolyn Wonderland:

I first heard “Compared to What" live when I was a youngster in Houston, performed by Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit. I looked around and found Roberta Flack's version and eventually landed on the original (and subsequent live versions) from Les McCann and Eddie Harris. Never thought I'd be trying to interpret such a fierce piece, but when Jeff asked, it seemed perfectly natural. I was familiar with Mr. Lofton from catching him blow his horn at gigs in various clubs and benefits around Austin. It was at Turk Pipkin's Nobelity Project fundraiser that we decided this would be a fun romp to record live. I'm glad we did! I hope you dig it, too.

Press for Jeff Lofton

“Austin-based trumpeter, composer and band leader Jeff Lofton is a veritable jazz virtuoso. Comparisons are frequently made to Miles Davis - and rightfully so. Lofton's take on standards frequently astounds, and his originals are equally delicious." —Austin's NPR affiliate KUT 90.5 FM / KUTX 98.9

“...and Austin jazz giant." —Andy Langer (YNN Music Spotlight, Esquire, KGSR)

“...as good as the real thing" —San Antonio Express-News, review of Jeff Lofton's 1950s Miles Davis Tribute

“bop nirvana" —Raoul Hernandez,Austin Chronicle

“Lofton's tribute to Davis like living history lesson." —Austin American-Statesman

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