James Brandon Lewis Quartet

This tenacity and creative drive, this determination to explore uncharted territory, this spiritual depth that drives and inspires James Brandon Lewis... the essence of this Brooklyn-based musician, originally from Buffalo, New York, is having an ever-greater impact: in this year’s Down Beat Critics Poll, he was named Artist of the Year and also won the tenor saxophone category. He outshone legends in his field. Now JBL—as he’s sometimes called for simplicity’s sake—is coming to the Unterfahrt with his current all-star quartet.

Together with pianist Aruán Ortiz, bassist Brad Jones, and drummer Chad Taylor, James Brandon Lewis cultivates a raw authenticity that takes your breath away. What this quartet plays is raw and edgy, full of fervor and soul. But in the lyrical passages, there’s also a hint of vulnerability and touching tenderness—as can be heard on the album *Abstraction is Deliverance* (for which star author Teju Cole wrote the liner notes).

Lineup:

James Brandon Lewis (ts)

Aruan Ortiz (p)

Chad Taylor (dr)

Brad Jones (b)