James Brandon Lewis explores the concept of “Apple Cores” in new project
New York’s own tenor saxophonist and talented composer James Brandon Lewis is a true visionary in the jazz world. In recent years, he has taken audiences on a journey through various genres and styles, from reinterpreting Mahalia Jackson’s gospel classics with a modern jazz twist to pushing the boundaries of free jazz and daring experiments in fusion alongside The Messthetics. While he draws inspiration from his earlier work like 2015’s Days Of FreeMan, his latest project, Apple Cores, represents a continuation of his recent artistic explorations.
Within Apple Cores, Lewis delves into the realm of jazz rock, elucidated beautifully on The Messthetics And James Brandon Lewis collaboration, but with a differentiated essence, integrating punk vigor into a soulful groove. His seasoned companions, Chad Taylor on drums and Josh Werner on electric bass and guitar, adeptly navigate the sonic landscapes, harmonizing seamlessly to kick off the album with an invigorating energy on ‘Apple Cores #1′. The dynamic duo crafts a rhythmic tapestry that oscillates between weighty progressive beats and infectious hip-hop rhythms, providing a robust foundation for Lewis to unfurl his soulful, melodic tenor saxophone lines.
Lewis’ masterful technique and artistry shine through as he juxtaposes Joe Henderson and David S. Ware’s legacies in his expressive playing style, striking a delicate balance between emotive storytelling and electrifying improvisations. While his collaborations with The Messthetics or Hoff Mendoza Revels showcase his ability to deliver sky-soaring solos, in Apple Cores, he opts for a more nuanced approach, embracing the album’s smoother contours and restrained yet impactful phrasings.
Drawing inspiration from the trailblazing works of Amiri Baraka and Don Cherry, Lewis infuses the album with conceptual depth and historical references, paying respects to these jazz icons with tracks like ‘Remember Brooklyn & Moki’ and ‘Five Spots To Caravan’. The record, much like Lewis’ musical ethos, embodies a multiplicity of influences, effortlessly blending divergent strains of thought and musical traditions into a cohesive and original sonic palette. Tracks such as ‘Broken Shadows’ pay homage to Ornette Coleman’s avant-garde jazz, offering a fresh perspective through Lewis’ interpretation and musical storytelling.
Crafted through collective improvisation during two spirited sessions, the compositions on Apple Cores showcase the trio’s remarkable synergy and intuitive connection. ‘Prince Eugene’ exudes a sense of airy freedom, juxtaposed with the rhythmic intricacies of ‘Five Spots To Caravan’, showcasing the trio’s versatility and penchant for dynamic shifts in mood and texture. Tracks like ‘Remember Brooklyn & Moki’ and ‘D.C. Got Pocket’ channel Afrobeat and avant-garde jazz influences, presenting a kaleidoscopic exploration of genres and sonic textures, underscoring Lewis and his cohorts’ virtuosity and musical depth.
As the album unfolds, ‘Dont’ Forget Jayne’ emerges as a poignant ballad dedicated to poet Jayne Cortez, imbued with spiritual jazz sensibilities reminiscent of the Coltranes’ rich musical legacy. Each track on Apple Cores serves as a testament to Lewis’ creative vision and his trio’s symbiotic collaboration, culminating in a cohesive and immersive listening experience that transcends boundaries and genre conventions, marking yet another milestone in James Brandon Lewis’ illustrious career.