Radiant Imprints

Radiant Imprints by James Brandon Lewis and Chad Taylor.
Label Website: Radiant Imprints

While I’ve recently listened to a few Sax/Drum duos by Binker and Moses, the record this reminds me the most of isn’t one of theirs, but, “Another Kind of Groove”, by Kahil El’Zabar’s Ritual trio. Not just because of Mr Taylor’s use of Mbira (or Thumb Piano) as an instrument on a couple tracks, but also because Mr Lewis is surprisingly lyrical and melodic in his playing, as Billy Bang is on the violin on the Ritual Trio album. (Though, I do especially like the sound of the really low pitched Mbira that is deployed on some of the tracks.) Another point of comparison might be the Kahil El’Zabar and David Murray’s duo album, “Golden Sea”. Like Mr El’Zabars music, this is wonderfully atmospheric, groove based Jazz. Not easy listening, but a pleasure to listen to.

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2017-07-27 The Avant Garde I Ams of the Gal Luxury

The Avant Garde I Ams of the Gal Luxury by Heroes Are Gang Leaders.

Smokingly topical poetry delivered over funky bass, slithering sax, and rapid fire trumpet.

What’s not to like?

This album, recorded in 2015, is a tribute to Beat poet Bob Kaufman.

Favorite track, “Secret Heroes R U A”. Whets my appetite to hear them take on the topics of our new dark age.

#TodaysCommuteSoundtrack #ThomasSayersEllis #MargaretMorris #JamesBrandonLewis #RandallHorton #HeruShabakaRa #LukeStewart #LydiaLunch #ThurstonMoore #DevinBrahja #DerekeClements #AmbroseBye #MaxDavies #HeroesAreGangLeaders

2015-05-17 No Filter

No Filter by the James Brandon Lewis Trio.

Music with its roots in the Jazz tradition is always moving forward, always incorporating new influences. Mr Lewis’ group brings a rap inflenced groove to the music formerly known as Jazz. While I enjoy individual tracks on this album, listening to the whole thing at once, it gets a little “samey”. Mr Lewis’ emulates the rhythmic cadences of a rapper with his Sax, but without lyrical variation, it ends up a bit like finding the backing tracks from a great lost rap album.

#TodaysCommuteSoundtrack #WarrenGCrudupIII #NicholasRyanGrant #JamesBrandonLewis #AnthonyPirog #LukeStewart #NoFilter #JamesBrandonLewisTrio