On March 28, 2025, at The Jazz Gallery, alto saxophonist Steve Lehman, along with his trio—bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Damion Reid—was joined by tenor saxophonist Mark Turner to celebrate the 80th birthday of their mentor, Anthony Braxton. This performance honored Braxton's legacy through a fresh interpretation of his compositions, as captured on their recent release, The Music of Anthony Braxton. Lehman, who was a core member of Braxton's ensembles from 1999 to 2007, brought a new perspective to the music by collaborating with musicians outside of Braxton's orbit. (glidemagazine.com)
The set featured selections from Braxton's small group repertoire of the 1970s and 1980s, with the ensemble's dynamic interplay breathing new life into these works. The performance was electrifying, showcasing the juxtaposition of Lehman's searing, emotionally charged playing with Turner's cool articulation, all backed by the nimble precision of Brewer and the thrilling dexterity of Reid. (stevelehman.bandcamp.com)
This concert was part of a series of performances celebrating Braxton's 80th birthday, with the ensemble's live recording at ETA in Los Angeles capturing the essence of their tribute. (stevelehman.bandcamp.com)