Music Monday: Lewis, Mason, and Sanders

I’m traveling this week, so there might be some interruptions in the ole blog, but I’ll try to keep them to a minimum. I’ve also cued up some tunes to enjoy on my flights and while I try to contend with jet lag. First, I’m super excited about the new James Brandon Lewis and Red Lily album, Calling Antonín which is a celebration of the music of Antonín Dvořák. Needless to say, this wasn’t on my bingo card, especially has his Red Lily offerings had tended to focus so deeply on the African American roots of blues, jazz, and improvised music. That said, I very much like it as it highlights Lewis’s ability to play with passionate fervor as well as restrained and melodic subtlety. Red Lily, of course, is more than a backup band, featuring Kirk Knuffke on cornet, Melanie Dyer on violin, Tomeka Reid on cello, Joshua Abrams on bass, and Chad Taylor on drums. One wonders what William Parker would have brought to this album. Next, I’ve been really enjoying Sean Mason’s album State of the Art…