Tony Lujan
Miles Away

Bella 369

Deep Mist I Miles Away / On Green Dolphin Street No Te Preocupes / Waltz for Frank / Don't Stutter around / Child, 65:53

Lujan, tpt,flgh; Buggy Braune, Piano; Frank Della, Tenor Sax; Martin Wind, Bass; Darren Beckett, Drums; Joe Gallardo Trombone. April 28 1995 Hamburg,Germany.

After hearing Clark Terry at a master clinic. Tony Lujan knew he wanted to be a Jazz musician. Today, his resume includes that piece of information, As Lujan continues the practice of appearing as guest for master clinics here and there. His rapport with younger players parallels the lifelong impression that Terry made on him many years ago. Naturally, a straight--ahead environment has supplied the New Mexico, native with plenty of FIRE. Besides Terry, the forty-something trumpeter has studied privately with Cat Anderson, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Shew, Carl Saunders and Woody Shaw. What's been handed down shows up in a handful of albums as a leader through the emphasis of melody and tone over all other elements. The beauty of his attack and the seamless phrasing he employs make standards such as "Green Dolphin Street" settle down considerably. As Lujan combines the gentleness of a ballad with the quick motion dictated by the song's natural rhythm. Tenor saxophonist and pianist share the front line with the trumpeter. Bassist Martin Wind wrote the title track, which appears as a dreamy Mainstream foray into the best years on Miles Davis. Whether intentional or not, the session's double entendre on 'miles" works convincingly. Here you have a European quintet working in Northern Germany that espouses the full tone quality and accuracy of pitch that the Davis and Terry have exhibited so well through a lifetime of dedication. Della, Wind, Braune and Beckett have each paid their Jam dues with Peter Herbolzheimer's BundessJazzorchestra. When Lujan gets them together, the forces take a natural turn for high quality. The album contains great improvising, an excellent ensemble balance, and should prove a welcome addition to every Jazz lover's Collection.

Jim Santella