contemporary jazz
Lumina Way is an album about friendship formed through music.
Tom Zygmont – Drummer, Producer, Composer
Lumina Way
An extraordinary, multi-faceted, and brilliantly performed debut album
Lumina Way has impacted me like few contemporary jazz albums in recent memory. Using the term “contemporary jazz” to describe this dynamic 10-track collection is significant, as it harkens back to a time before “smooth jazz” became a radio-driven genre.
This music had funky grooves and infectious melodies but was driven by intuitive musicians who created vibrant musical conversations and soloed with fire and abandon. That era sparked my passion and 30-year career as a music journalist, so it’s no surprise I felt deep excitement and gratitude when I heard Zygmont and his group put a modern twist on that sound in Lumina Way.
Jonathan Widran, The JW Vibe
It's Complicated
A soul-tugging, whimsical, and effortlessly swinging first single
The first single from the album, It’s Complicated, is here. A dynamic blend of rhythm and melody, it was composed by Jon Hartmann and features Brandon Fields on soprano sax, Terry Wollman on guitar, Ron Walters Jr. on piano, Abraham Laboriel Sr. on bass, Tom Zygmont on drums, and Luis Conte on percussion.
Zygmont’s drumming is the heartbeat of the track—sometimes explosive, sometimes delicate, always driving the groove. He thrives in the ensemble, letting his bandmates take the spotlight while he shapes the pulse beneath them.
Contusion - featuring Jennifer Batten
A throwback to the scorching, incendiary free-for-alls of jazz fusion’s golden era
Much more than a Hybrid Jazz/Rock/R&B-driven cover song of a classic Stevie Wonder instrumental from Songs in the Key of Life, “Contusion” is a fascinating throwback to the scorching, incendiary free-for-alls of jazz fusion’s golden era.
Slamming on the blistering lead originally played by future “Maniac” Michael Sembello, guitar electric guitar legend Jennifer Batten overwhelms the senses with all guns blazing, reminding her colleagues here (and those of us who remember) of her heyday in the 90s and 2000s touring with Michael Jackson and Jeff Beck. Reaching the heavens with the guitarist. Melanie Taylor’s transcendent harmony vocals are a splendid touch. The groove pops nonstop with Zygmont, Laboriel and Conte, the trio that brings every groove of Lumina Way to life.
Pacifica
A Graceful Ride Through Global Jazz with a Brazilian Heart
A splendid, easy-rolling slice of Brazilian/Global Jazz. Ruben Ramos’ “Pacifica” spotlights Terry Wollman’s graceful, breezy acoustic guitar melody. Bergeron adds sensual trumpet harmonies. Luis Conte drives the track with bustling percussion and hypnotic natural soundscape interludes.
Wordless vocals by Wollman, Laboriel, and Walters sweep through it all — infectious and uplifting. “Pacifica” takes Lumina Way into the fun zone of Brazilian Heaven.
Tom Zygmont, Abraham Laboriel Sr., Terry Wollman, Melanie Taylor, Luis Conte, James Zota Baker, Alex Miller, Ron Walters Jr., Kenji Nakai
THE MUSICIANS
The guest list – once in lifetime historic gathering of L.A. greats
Zygmont’s career has naturally led to having an incredibly talented and diverse bench of musicians and fellow artists to invite to the party he and Wollman were throwing at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, where most of the album was recorded live by Kenji Nakai.
In addition to the aforementioned Brandon Fields and Terry Wollman, includes guitarists James Zota Baker, Jennifer Batten and Sid Jacobs; percussionists Leon Mobley, Luis Conte and MB Gordy; pianist Ron Walters, Jr.; bassist Abraham Laboriel Sr.; trumpeter/flugelhornist Wayne Bergeron; harmonica virtuoso Tollak Ollestad; harpist Stephanie Bennet; and vocalist Melanie Taylor. The album was mixed by Peter Kelsey, whose credits including Elton John, Jean-Luc Ponty and Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward.