Label: TAO Forms, 2026
Personnel - James Brandon Lewis: tenor saxophone, voice (#6); Kirk Knuffke: cornet; Melanie Dyer: viola; Tomeka Reid: cello; Joshua Abrams: bass; Chad Taylor: drums.
Saxophone phenom James Brandon Lewis returns with his Red Lily project, whose albums are homages to or celebrations of historical figures who have been major inspirations. Red Lily’s third album, Calling Antonin, is a tribute to the often folk-inspired Czech composer Antonín Dvorak and a dedication to trumpeter Roy Campbell Jr., following up on the indispensable Jesup Wagon (2021) and For Mahalia, With Love (2023). On this one, the quintet is augmented to a sextet and some alterations to the original lineup are noticeable: violist Melanie Dyer extends the color palette, while cellist Tomeka Reid and bassist Joshua Abrams replace Christopher Hoffmann and William Parker, respectively. Firm in their chairs are cornetist Kirk Knuffke and drummer Chad Taylor.
Based on a spiritual, “Spirit of the Living God”—a dedication to Lewis’ preacher father—displays a solemn, chamber-like quality in its aperture, with as much reverence as humility. Knuffke’s range reaches the sky; Dyer’s mellow tones enchant, and Lewis’ intonation and dynamic expression are remarkable. Another piece based on a spiritual is “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”, delivered in freestyle mode with a disarmingly honest fervor.
Dvorak’s influence appears in a few compositions. “Lento” borrows a quote from the composer’s String Quartet No. 12, known as the “American” quartet, showcasing a forward-looking groove and bright ensemble sound over which a moving thematic melody is followed by Lewis’ agile inside/outside moves and intervallic expertise. Knuffke and Dyer join him on the final vamp. “Dilemma of Hearts”, which was inspired by Dvorak’s relationship with his wife’s sister and influenced by James Brown, waltzes under the pulsating hi-hat of Taylor, who is more than up to the task. His crisp snare pairs up with Abrams’ propulsive bass groove on “Going Home”, an elated tune that incorporates Dvorak’s famous theme from “Largo”.
While the improvisation-less “O’ Rebicku” is based on a Czech folk song, “Ode to P.L.D.” thrives on layered vocals before growing conversational with Knuffke and Lewis exchanging ideas. This one is a dedication to poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and includes a fragment of his poem “The Colored Soldiers”.
Though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the previous two albums, this stylized set still has plenty to offer, with Lewis blending challenging improvisation and layered, accessible sounds in a voice that is entirely his own.
Favorite Tracks:
02 - Lento ► 03 - Dilemma Of The Hearts ► 07 - I Want Jesus to Walk With Me