PDX Jazz is honored to premiere Even the Sparrow on April 1st,
a new piece by James Brandon Lewis
in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month
Even the Sparrow
A JAZZ COALITION Commission Award composition
Bill Frisell guitar
Gerald Cleaver drums
Kirk Knuffke cornet
James Brandon Lewis tenor saxophone, composition
A Video collaboration with Michael Lucio Sternbach / Moon Lasso
Band Video footage & Audio recording — Scholes Studios / Rene Pierre Alain.
Look at the sparrow; they do not know what they will do in the next moment. Let us literally live from moment to moment. — Mahatma Gandhi
“During this time of COVID there has been much confusion, disparity, uncertainty and death. I offer this piece as uplift, a timely mediation to focus on the good and possibilities of the future with the glimmer of hope peaking through cracks of what may feel like infinite darkness. Let us be resilient in this moment and look forward.
I present “Even the Sparrow” I hope that it reaches you wherever you are and that you share it with those who are also in need of uplift through the medium of music. The musicians I selected embody the values of integrity, honesty and push for a greater good via music. Their sensibilities speak to a sensitivity to the music that brings about a collective meditation focused on us rather than I.” James Brandon Lewis
Tune in Tuesday March 30th 6-7pm PDT to PDX JAZZ RADIO HOUR on KMHD.ORG to hear a James Brandon Lewis special episode on his inspirations, the new piece Even the Sparrow, a preview track from Jesup Wagon (out May 7th), selections from his Divine Travels, Molecular, Unruly Manifesto, Radiant Imprints, Heroes as Gang Leaders and music of William Parker and Bill Frisell.
THIS EPISODE is Available NOW on our MIXCLOUD CHANNEL, as well as all other PDX JAZZ RADIO HOUR Episodes.
James Brandon Lewis is a critically acclaimed saxophonist and composer who has received accolades from New York Times, NPR, ASCAP Foundation, Robert Rauchenberger Foundation.
Jazz great Sonny Rollins stated this about Lewis “Promising Young Player with the Potential to do great things having listened to the Elders” — Jazz Magazine (France) and most recently voted Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist by Downbeat Magazine‘s 2020 Critics Poll.
James Brandon Lewis has released several critically acclaimed albums, leads numerous ensembles and is the Co-Founder of American Book Award winning poetry and music ensemble Heroes Are Gang Leaders. Lewis attended Howard University, and received his M.F.A from California Institute of the Arts.
