To mention jazz in Austin, you must also bring forth a name: Jeff Lofton. A true virtuoso, Lofton's trumpet is unlike any other out there and the man, compared to none other than Miles Davis, jumps effortlessly between straight jazz, rock and jazz-fusion. With a head full of dreadlocks, his eyes closed and his chin tilted down, Lofton is all about the music when he plays and his concentration and passion help him create some truly unforgettable melodies.

Although Lofton is already an Austin institution, his latest record, "Chasing the Voodoo Down," has helped cement him as Davis' heir and a unique, wonderful figure in the jazz landscape. In order to get to know Lofton a little better, I asked him to answer our 10 questions. Here's what he had to say.

1. When and why did you get into music?

I started at home listening to my Mom play piano or organ - not a professional, she just liked playing by ear. I was just drawn to play I guess. I always had a melody brewing.

2. How would you describe your sound to those who have never heard it?

Full open tone with great virtuosic melodic and rhythmic integrity. I like to stretch the possibilities of the horn.

3. Who are your influences and why?

There are too many to list, but the major ones are Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Clifford Brown, Sun Ra, Lester Bowie, John Coltrane, T. Monk, and Dizzy and Bird.

Miles because of his sense of space and melody. Duke because of his capacity to create melody and his great ideas and arrangements. Duke’s trumpet section was always the best, most impressive section to hear. Clifford Brown because of technique and the creative way he approached a solo. Clifford Brown is still the standard for jazz trumpet. Sun Ra because of his immense power and spiritual connection, as well as his writing. Lester because of his new way of thinking and playing trumpet. Trane because of his amazing concepts and skill on the horn. And Monk because he’s Monk, the high priest of Bebop. And I think all jazz players are influenced by Diz and Bird. They created so much of the bop language that it is almost impossible to not be influenced by them.

4. What can you tell me about "Chasing the Voodoo Down"?

Trumpet meets electric guitar... a la "Bitches Brew"... a jazz-funk fusion Miles-ian extravaganza. This CD is a live creative experience that brings the spirit of the early fusion group back.

5. Any favorite songs on the new album?

"Dizzy Pose So Moody" because its a Dizzy dedication and I really like the tabla sound on it.

6. How does it feel to be compared to Miles Davis?

Special ‘fo sho’. I always love Miles sound.

7. What feedback from fans/critics regarding your work has touched you the most?

I had a friend tell me my CD "Jazz Therapy" was what got him through his divorce. I also have a lot of people tell me they can't stop listening to "Jazz to the People."
 
8. How do you manage to switch from jazz with a trio to a quintet to rock and jazz-fusion with a band?

It's really all the same music at its core. So I'm never really "switching."

9. What would you like for people to take from your music? 

That jazz is the music of the people. And jazz is the musical back drop for ALL modern musical forms. It's in everything from hip hop to country.

10- Could you describe the Austin music scene in one word? 

Eclectic

To get some of Lofton's music and to know where he'll be playing next, visit his website here. Lofton is already on his way to being a legend and catching him live now is something you'll tell people about later, so do it now.