Tom Zygmont - Lumina Way (2025)

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.

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 Terry 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 include Elton John, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward.---Jonathan Widran, The JW Vibe