Saxophonist James Brandon Lewis; Letting the Melody Drive Innovation

James Brandon Lewis is at the top of the international jazz world. He stands in the tradition of saxophonists such as Sonny Rollins, Albert Ayler and John Coltrane. 

With his powerful, direct and rich tenor saxophone sound and a lyrical quality that unfolds in both his solos and his compositions, he is causing a sensation. 

In 2021, the saxophonist and composer James Brandon Lewis had a career breakthrough with his tenth album, The Jesup Wagon. Inspired by the mobile agricultural education efforts of inventor George Washington Carver, the song cycle was hailed by critics for its dreamlike mosaic of gospel, folk-blues and catcalling brass bands. It was named Album of the Year at Jazz Times and Downbeat and a bunch of international jazz magazines, and it established Lewis as one of the provocative musical voices of his generation. 

Lewis has drawn the attention of many improvising artists, most notably the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins, who doesn’t offer effusive praise very often. Moved by Lewis’ deep, spirit-seeking sound, Rollins said “When I listen to you, I listen to Buddha, I listen to Confucius … I listen to the deeper meaning of life. You are keeping the world in balance.” 

More recent albums include For Mahalia With Love, Eye of I, and Transfiguration. 

Lewis’ quartet was honored with the German Jazz Award as Band of the Year 2023. 

You can catch his Bio, and all of his links on our website.

In this episode, we talked about:

• What James means by a ‘Parallel Continuum
• How to get better at Bebop
• Not being exactly like the masters
• What people should do to study improvisation
• Is melody just passe`?
• And much more!

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