Transfiguration
James Brandon Lewis (Intakt)
James Brandon Lewis’s “Transfiguration” is a musical odyssey that takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, showcasing the saxophonist’s extraordinary musical prowess and his ability to honor the legacy of Jazz legends while carving out his own unique path. This album, released under Intakt Records, is like a turbulent sea of emotions, a symphony that echoes in the heart long after the last note has faded.
The journey begins with the title track, “Transfiguration,” a bold exploration of 12-tone music that pulsates with polyrhythmic energy and a modal urgency. Lewis’s saxophone prowess is immediately apparent, delivering fervent yet melodious solos that seize the listener’s attention like a captivating siren’s call. His compositions, ranging from the ominous and potent “Transfiguration” to the propulsive syncopation of “Triptych,” testify to his ability to craft music that is both intricate and accessible, like a puzzle that delights in its complexity.
The emotional depth of the album is further enriched by the stellar performances of his sidemen. Ortiz’s piano playing is like a painter splashing modal bluesy abstractions onto a canvas, demanding attention and admiration. Jones’s dynamic bass lines, punctuated by explosive upper register plucks, add layers of intensity, like a Jazz heartbeat that adds rhythm to the melody. Taylor’s deft drumming, marked by precise rim shots and cymbal work, enhances the thematic motifs and funky grooves woven throughout the compositions, like a maestro conducting a symphony of sounds.
While Lewis’s music echoes the spirit of Jazz luminaries like John Coltrane and Albert Ayler, he transcends mere emulation to carve out a distinct identity of his own. His sound is a fusion of rhythmic complexity and harmonic exploration, creating a dynamic sonic landscape that is both angular and explosive. Each composition teeters on the brink of dissonance, yet finds cathartic release in moments of musical resolution, like a phoenix rising from the ashes of discord.
From the haunting rubato of “Trinity of Creative Self” to the chaotic energy of “Empirical Perception,” Lewis challenges listeners while offering moments of transcendence and catharsis. Tracks like “Élan Vital” showcase Lewis’s vibrant saxophone leads, solidifying his status as a preeminent instrumentalist of his generation, a virtuoso who plays the saxophone like a poet wields a pen.
In conclusion, “Transfiguration” is a testament to James Brandon Lewis’s musical ingenuity and his willingness to push the boundaries of Jazz. It is a captivating listening experience that will resonate with enthusiasts and newcomers alike, a masterpiece that serves as a celebration of the transformative power of music and an essential addition to any discerning listener's collection. This is one musical journey you won’t want to miss. It is, in essence, an adventure of the highest order.
“You should never be comfortable, man. Being comfortable fouled up a lot of musicians”
— Miles Davis