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Eye of I Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The latest full-length release for jazz tenor saxophonist/composer James Brandon Lewis features a guest appearance from The Messthetics.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Feb 8, 2023
    80
    Eye of I showcases the immediacy and range in Lewis' musical imagination in composition, improvisation, and communication with a freer, more immediately instinctive persona on full display. All killer, no filler.
  2. Feb 6, 2023
    80
    An inspired listen, it stands as a wonderful achievement not only in jazz, but in African-American improvisatory arts more generally.
  3. Mojo
    Feb 6, 2023
    80
    Lewis hits peak saxophone artistry here. [Mar 2023, p.89]
  4. Feb 6, 2023
    80
    “Even the Sparrow,” however, leans more directly into gospel, with the unison lines of the sax and electric violin creating blissful harmonics. Yes, even this one explodes into shrill, combustible sequences as it evolves. These ten pieces are a preamble of sorts to the explosive closer, “Fear Not.” ... Yet the six sound seekers find an anthemic melody, after a beginning of restless chaos, reaching a surprisingly peaceful resolution.
  5. Uncut
    Feb 6, 2023
    70
    His playing can be free and fiery but it's also deeply soulful and sometimes almost aggressively melodic. [Mar 2023, p.29]
  6. The Wire
    Mar 21, 2023
    70
    For most of the album, the core group explore Lewis’s own compositions, with the leader and Hoffman engaging in thoughtful conversation as Jaffe conveys pulse rather than time. [Apr 2023, p.56]
  7. 70
    Once the tempos settle and some semblance of rational order is retained, Eye of I proves a less gnarly companion.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of