Saxophonist James Brandon Lewis is set to release his latest album, Calling Antonín, a profound exploration inspired by the American period of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák. This new project, helmed by Lewis’s Red Lily ensemble, marks their third release on the TAO Forms label and arrives on October 23rd. The album follows a significant period for Lewis, marked by his win as Tenor Saxophonist of the Year in the DownBeat Critics Poll and a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for Music Composition.
A Deep Dive into Dvorak’s American Influence
Calling Antonín centers on Dvořák’s time in the United States between 1892 and 1895, a period when the composer sought to define a distinctly American musical identity. Lewis has crafted original compositions for the album that either directly reinterpret or draw inspiration from Dvořák’s works from this era. This creative approach aims to bridge historical musical dialogues with contemporary improvisational expression.
The album’s lead single, “Dilemma of Hearts,” offers a compelling example of this fusion. Lewis explains that the piece is inspired by Dvořák’s personal life, specifically his relationship with his wife’s sister. Musically, it transforms a theme from the final movement of Dvořák’s iconic “New World” Symphony, layering it with free improvisation. This choice highlights Lewis’s interest in the emotional and thematic underpinnings of Dvořák’s compositions.
The Red Lily Ensemble and Historical Connections
The Red Lily project, which features prominently on Calling Antonín, is a carefully curated ensemble. Its members include Kirk Knuffke on cornet, Melanie Dyer on violin, Tomeka Reid on cello, William Parker on bass, and Chad Taylor on drums. The ensemble previously released Jesup Wagon in 2021 and For Mahalia, With Love in 2023, establishing a distinctive sound that blends intricate composition with adventurous improvisation.
The genesis of Calling Antonín traces back a decade to a conversation between Lewis and bassist William Parker. Parker proposed a Dvořák-themed project for the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theater Company, an idea that resonated deeply with Lewis. He subsequently took on the role of musical director for the theater project, which provided the impetus for his extensive research into Dvořák’s life and work.
Uncovering a Shared Musical Heritage
During his research, Lewis discovered a significant connection between Dvořák and African-American composer Harry Burleigh. Burleigh, who studied at the National Conservatory of Music of America and served as Dvořák’s assistant, played a crucial role in introducing the composer to African-American spirituals. Notably, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” was among the spirituals that influenced Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, a fact that Lewis finds particularly illuminating.
“It’s a beautiful premise on this lineage of building the American sound,” Lewis remarked, reflecting on this historical confluence. “Dvořák makes a bold assertion in the late 1800s: he’s telling America where their source material is from.” This perspective underscores Lewis’s intention to explore the complex origins of American music and the often-overlooked contributions of various cultural traditions.
Tracklist and Album Details
Calling Antonín features a diverse range of tracks that reflect the album’s thematic focus:
- “Spirit of the Living God”
- “Lento”
- “Dilemma of Hearts”
- “Calling Antonín”
- “Going Home”
- “Ode to P.L.D.”
- “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”
- “Finale – Humoresque”
- “O’ Rebicku”
The album’s release on TAO Forms is poised to offer listeners a rich and thought-provoking musical experience, delving into the intersection of European classical tradition and American vernacular music through the lens of contemporary jazz improvisation.
