Steve Loza Sextet: Red Car Blues

On Red Car Blues Loza is heard on trumpet and vocals and is backed by Reggie Waddell, tenor; Dwight Dickerson, piano; Simeon Pillich, bass; and Aaron Ballesteros and Alfonso Smith, drums and congas, respectively. The vocals sound dated, due to Loza’s continued penchant for recitations, the two minute “The Hands,” being the most obvious example. Overall, though, the eleven tunes display excellent ensemble work and are mature in conception and execution, a solid mix of straightahead and Latin numbers. Six compositions are by Lozano. Other tunes include Benny Carter’s “When Lights Are Low” and “Rumba en el Casbah” by Mario Ruiz Armengol.

Originally Published July 1, 1999