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Marcus Lewis

Marcus Lewis is a musician on a love filled journey in music.....

About Me

Marcus Lewis is a musician creating Jazz/Improvised music in the now with integrity and passion that resonates with the human experience. His melodies are lyrical, expressive and will have you singing after hearing them. Described as soulful, fiery and intuitive, Marcus focuses on the musical journey and conversational aspects of the jazz/improvised music genre.

Marcus is currently celebrating the April release of “Facing East” which features a world class line-up including Logan Richardson on Alto Sax, Adam Larson on Tenor Sax, Pablo Masis on Trumpet, Andrea Kester on Vocals, Sam Harris on Piano, Aidan Carroll on Bass, and Tommy Crane on Drums. Aside from touring with the Marcus Lewis Band, Marcus is currently touring with Janelle Monae and Sugarfoot's Ohio Players.

Marcus Lewis was born in Augusta Georgia in 1978. He began playing trombone at the age of 12 and shortly after decided that music was his calling. In 2001, Marcus graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance and continued on to receive a Master’s Degree in Trombone Performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Notable Performances include the Birthday of St. Petersburg Russia in 2001, the Klipieda Jazz Festival in 2003, and the Jimmy Carter Summer Concert Series in 2008. As a member of Janelle Monae's ArchOrchestra, Marcus Lewis performed at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, the 2011 Glastonbury Festival, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Concert and the 2010 North Sea Jazz Festival. Marcus has also played at the 2010 New Orleans Jazz Fest while touring with the Ohio Players. Marcus was awarded the 2008 Betty Carter Jazz Residency and Outstanding Soloist at the Wichita Jazz Festival in 2003.

Marcus currently lives in Atlanta where he leads his own quintet and pocket big band. He has performed and/or recorded with Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, Musiqsoulchid, B.o.B, Avery Sunshine, The Jazzwholes, The Barkays, Confunkshun, and Erik Veil.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because of the Creative Expression, freedom, rhythm. I was first exposed to jazz my Junior Year of High School. The best show I ever attended was Wanye Shorter Quintet at Spivey Hall. The first jazz record I bought was The Eminent Vol.1 by J.J. Johnson. My advice to new listeners is to have an open mind and heart.