Saxophonist/composer James Brandon Lewis born in Buffalo New York was exposed to jazz, gospel, and R&B at an early age , and began studying with local great Carol Mclaughlin. He attended Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts located in Buffalo NY. Upon graduating James would continue his musical pursuit At Howard University studying with Charlie Young .While attending Howard James was blessed to have played with some of the finest musicians in the world Benny Golson, Geri Allen, Wallace Roney, Bill Pierce, and many others. Under the Direction of Fred Irby James would tour Japan with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble Performing Concerts to raise money for the tsunami victims.James played at the Kennedy Center Honors with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble backing John Legend, KD lang, and Vanessa Williams . James Brandon Lewis Holds a B.M. from Howard University, a Master of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts working with Charlie Haden, Wadada Leo Smith,Alphonso Johnson,and others . James is an alumnus of the Banff Jazz Residency in Canada working with Joshua Redman, Dave Douglas, Tony Malaby, Don Byron, and Hank Roberts.He has played with Alphonso Johnson ,William Parker, Gerald Cleaver and countless others. He has also been a featured artist on The Word Network, which boast about 30 million viewers and a participant and winner of best instrumentalist in Dorinda Clark Coles Singers and Musicians conference in 2007 . James was selected by pianist Matthew Shipp to participate in the Atlantic Center for the Arts 141st residency. James Recorded debut CD Moments 2010 with CD release held at the Unknown Theater in Los Angeles CA . The release also featured a commission of original dance work to Moments " I want jesus to walk with me" by dancer and choreographer Mersiha Mesihovic. Moments received stellar views and featured on jazzreviews.com & revivalist/okayplayer .James is currently working on his second Album "Divine Travels " Featuring William Parker , Gerald Cleaver ,and poet Thomas Sayers Ellis