Best of 2018

All about Jazz Gives An Unruly Manifesto 4 1/2 stars !

All about Jazz Gives An Unruly Manifesto 4 1/2 stars !

The revolution will not be televised. Those words by Gil Scott-Heron from 1970 are more relevant to today's jazz revolution than any time since the mid-1990s, when conservatively-dressed youngsters mimicked the post-bop of the 1960s and were promoted as liberators. More recently, the touted saviors rehash a quasi-spiritual fusion that stands in for à la mode jazz. But dig a little deeper, and look past the hype, and the true champions can be found. One great example is the saxophonist James Brandon Lewis who has quietly (too quietly) and steadily produced commendable recordings. His release, An Unruly Manifesto demands attention for its fearlessness and self-assurance. - All About Jazz|MARK CORROTO

Full Article -  https://www.allaboutjazz.com/an-unruly-manifesto-james-brandon-lewis-relative-pitch-records-review-by-mark-corroto.php?width=414

New York Times Names "Radiant Imprints" One of The Best Jazz Albums of 2018

8. James Brandon Lewis/Chad Taylor, ‘Radiant Imprints’On this duo album, James Brandon Lewis honors John Coltrane by isolating parts of his compositions, diving into the source material with strident, ennobled conviction. Whether charging on the dru…

8. James Brandon Lewis/Chad Taylor, ‘Radiant Imprints’

On this duo album, James Brandon Lewis honors John Coltrane by isolating parts of his compositions, diving into the source material with strident, ennobled conviction. Whether charging on the drum set or playing the hypnotic mbira, Chad Taylor knows where to find Mr. Lewis at his best.