Nestled in the beating heart of Amsterdam’s music scene, the Bimhuis played host to an extraordinary musical affair: step into the realm of the James Brandon Lewis Quartet. This American dream team, led by the remarkable tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, delivered a performance that struck a chord with both tradition and innovation.
James Brandon Lewis has garnered acclaim from none other than his role model, the legendary Sonny Rollins. His saxophone sorcery firmly places him squarely in the pantheon of greats. Drawing inspiration from the spiritual depth of Albert Ayler and the cosmic explorations of John Coltrane, Lewis weaves a musical tapestry that transcends time and genre.
But hold your applause, because Lewis isn’t flying solo on this journey. Meet his star-studded crew:
First up, we’ve got Aruán Ortiz tickling the ivories: a Cuban-born maestro whose fingers dance between tradition and the avant-garde, engaging in a captivating dialogue with Lewis’s sax.
Then there’s Brad Jones slappin’ the bass: a seasoned New York groove machine who’s left his mark alongside Jazz legends like Ornette Coleman and Marc Ribot. His basslines? They’re deeper than a philosophical conversation at 3 a.m.
And last but not least, we’ve got Chad Taylor on drums, known for his rhythmic wizardry with the Chicago Underground Duo. Taylor’s beats are like a sonic rollercoaster, taking you on a wild ride through rhythmic twists and turns.
Together, the James Brandon Lewis Quartet embarks on a musical odyssey, guided by Lewis’s Molecular Systematic Music mojo. Their albums, "Code of Being" and "Molecular Systematic Music Live,"? Critics can’t get enough, showering them with stars like it’s a Jazz constellation.
So, brace yourself and prepare for “James Brandon Lewis Quartet · Code Of Being” because you're about to embark on a musical thrill ride. Prepare to be transported by the collective artistry of these exceptional musicians. Let the sax wail, the keys tinkle, the bass thump, and the drums thunder as they whisk you away to a sonic dimension where boundaries vanish, and the music speaks straight to your soul.
Enjoy the journey!