The Messthetics And James Brandon Lewis
The Messthetics consists of former Fugazi members Brendan Canty (drummer) and Joe Lally (bassist), as well as jazz guitarist Anthony Pirog. Since 2016, these three men have been making music. Their debut came out in 2019 through Fugazi’s label Dischord. The musicians from Washington D.C. make instrumental music that sees them experimenting with jazz, progressive rock, post hardcore and punk. Tonight, the band is joined on stage by saxophonist James Brandon Lewis.
James Brandon Lewis is one of the leading, most relevant jazz musicians of the moment. The playing style of this tenor saxophonist is edge, loud and very direct. His preference for depth and renewal makes him a good match with the Messthetics. They became friends in recent years and in 2022 they released the song ‘Fear Not’, which strengthened their resolve to collaborate more. March 24, their collaborative debut album is set to come out through legendary jazz label Impulse!
The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis offer narrative melodies and loud free jazz with a deeper spiritual jazz dimension linking it all together. They manage to expand the reach of instrumental music in the process. Their mix of jazz, punk and funk is played with a healthy dose of aggression and innovation.
