Jazz man brings blended sound to the Valley

McALLEN — Critics in Austin give trumpeteer Jeff Lofton serious kudos for his blend of the old school and new styles of jazz, comparing him to the likes of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane.

That’s quite the accolade to earn in a place revered as the “live music capital of the world” and even more so among countless musicians working to make a name for themselves there.

But now that Lofton is an Austinite, his biggest goal is to boost the city’s jazz scene 10-fold.

For the last 30 years he has spent time honing his talent and performing in premier jazz hubs across the country and says Austin is the perfect place for a musician.

The jazz musician is set to make his Rio Grande Valley debut tonight at España bar in McAllen.

In the Texas capital, Jazz somehow has played second fiddle to blues, rock and indie music, most noticeable through the lack of venues for jazz artists.

“It’s a good city in general but as far as jazz, we’re working on it,” said Lofton in a phone interview. “The good thing is you can always find somewhere, anywhere to play.”

Throughout his career, Lofton has spent time on the road in Chicago and New York and studied music composition and jazz at the University of South Carolina.

When family obligations sent him to the Lone Star State he found himself in an ideal place to share his music with a whole new breed of audiences.

In 2005, Lofton released his self-produced album, “Jazz Therapy” which includes Roland Haynes on piano, Reggie Sullivan on bass and Kenneth Salters on drums.

Since moving to Texas Lofton has performed in some of the most popular Austin jazz clubs alongside the Marc Devine Trio at Reed’s Jazz and Supper Club, the Sean Hopper Quartet at Central Market North.

“When you hear jazz music you like it,” he said. “People don’t know they will but they do.”

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JEFF LOFTON GROUP will perform at 9 p.m. today and Saturday at España Mediterranean Cuisine, 701 N. Main, McAllen. Free. www.myspace.com/jeffloftonquartet