JAMES BRANDON LEWIS
Genres: 21st Century Modern, Eclectic Fusion, Avant-Garde Jazz, Third Stream, Jazz Related Gospel, Classic Fusion • United States

Saxophonist and composer James Brandon-Lewis has earned a reputation as a rock-solid sideman and soloist among musicians in gospel, R&B, and jazz. Lewis was born in Buffalo, New York in 1983. Raised in the church -- whose influence upon his spiritual outlook is central -- he was exposed to the aforementioned genres early, and studied music with Carol McLaughlin. He attended the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts. Upon graduation, he continued his studies with Charlie Young at Howard University. While at Howard, Lewis was able to perform with jazz artists including Geri Allen, Benny Golson, Wallace Roney, and Bill Pierce. He was a member of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble that toured Japan under the direction of Fred Irby, and performed at the Kennedy Center Honors backing John Legend, k.d. lang, and Vanessa Williams. After graduating from Howard in 2006, Lewis moved to Colorado where he became active in the read more...