Saxophone phenom James Brandon Lewis returns with his Red Lily project, whose albums are homages to or celebrations of historical figures who have been major inspirations. Red Lily’s third album, Calling Antonin, is a tribute to the often folk-inspired Czech composer Antonín Dvorak and a dedication to trumpeter Roy Campbell Jr., following up on the indispensable Jesup Wagon (2021) and For Mahalia, with Love (2023). On this one, the quintet is augmented to a sextet and some alterations to the original lineup are noticeable: violist Melanie Dyer extends the color palette, while cellist Tomeka Reid and bassist Joshua Abrams replace Christopher Hoffmann and William Parker, respectively. Firm in their chairs are cornetist Kirk Knuffke and drummer Chad Taylor.

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