JAMES BRANDON LEWIS QUARTET

VILLAGE VANGUARD / JUNE 30 - JULY 5

Lewis opens July at the Vanguard, leading a quartet with pianist Aruan Ortiz, bassist Brad Jones, and drummer Chad Taylor. His tenor work draws from the post-Coltrane avant-garde without being beholden to it—the sound is his own, built on a foundation of gospel, blues, and serious compositional intent. Aruan brings a harmonic language shaped by Afro-Cuban tradition and European contemporary music; the combination with James produces performances that don't resolve easily. Chad and Brad have worked together extensively, and the rhythm section anchors what can be turbulent upper-register territory. No stated thematic program—this is a working quartet presenting original material. Five nights gives the music room to develop across the run.