James Brandon

Lewis / Red Lily

Quintet

In no time, saxophonist James Brandon Lewis has become one of the most lauded and prolific voices of his generation. His steadily expanding discography is characterised by a unique intensity and an instantly recognisable sound. Lewis' approach unites old and new, inside and outside, church and street. The son of a minister, Lewis grew up with gospel tradition, which he seamlessly blends with glowing, soulful passion that recalls predecessors like David Murray, Sonny Rollins and the great John Coltrane, but also betrays the influence of contemporary hip-hop. Live, he always leaves a crushing impression.

Of all his projects, the Red Lily Quintet is the one with which he dives deepest into his roots. If Jesup Wagon (2021) was yet another inspired tribute to black inventor George Washington Carver, the acclaimed For Mahalia, with Love (2023) is a musical portrait of gospel singer and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson, whose music Lewis heard every day as a child. In the process, the familiar melodies are not blindly repeated, but are the raw material for improvisation, creative re-arranging and spiritual intensity. This is not just warm and compelling music with a loud beating heart, but a swirling connection between the historical past and contemporary life with all its conflicts and victories.