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Mel Lewis
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Lewis, best known for his small group approach to big band drumming, was one of the first drummers to vary the ride cymbal beat, giving the music a loose and swinging feel. His commanding presence never dominated the spotlight and always stressed the interplay between the band members. "How much you stick in depends on how much you can hear," Lewis explained, "and if you're really hearing, you'll put in only what's necessary." Mel Lewis was born Melvin Sokoloff in Buffalo, New York to Russian immigrant parents. His father was a drummer in the Buffalo area who inspired his son to follow in his footsteps from an early age. Still in his mid-teens, young Lewis played with nationally known jazz musicians Harold Austin and Lenny Lewis. Early credits also include stints with Bernie Burns (1946), Boyd Raeburn (1948), Alvino Rey (1948-9), Ray Anthony (1949-50, 1953-54), and Tex Beneke (1950-53). In 1954 he joined Stan Kenton's band, playing alongside such musicians as Jimmy Giuffre, Maynard Ferguson, Laurindo Almeida, Vido Musso, and vocalist June Christy. During his three-year tenure with Kenton, Lewis also worked and recorded with the Frank Rosolino quintet and the Hampton Hawes Trio. In 1957, Lewis settled in Los Angeles where he led a quintet with another ex-Kenton sideman, saxophonist Bill Holman. He worked with the big bands of Gerald Wilson and Terry Gibbs, recording with the latter between 1959-62. The early 1960's saw Lewis in New York with the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band, in Europe with Dizzy Gillespie, and in Russia with Benny Goodman. Lewis moved to New York in 1963 and formed a big band with trumpeter Thad Jones two years later. The Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra performed and recorded extensively, garnering rave reviews and awards. Their performance on the album “Live in Munich” earned them a Grammy Award in 1979. The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, played some of the most progressive big band charts since the swing era. The band had its own unique style, along the lines of big band swing, bebop, and hardbop. The sound was powerful, fast, intellectual, and fun. After twelve productive years, Jones left for Europe and Lewis assumed sole leadership of the band. With the departure of Jones, the Kansas City-born trombonist / pianist / arranger Bob Brookmeyer assisted in the musical direction of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. Lewis established a residency at the prestigious Village Vanguard in New York City which spanned over two decades. He performed there until one month prior to his death in 1990. Mel Lewis was the recipient of numerous awards, including fourteen Grammy nominations from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, with one win in '79. Lewis authored a drumming method book It's Time for the Big Band Drummer (Kendor Music Co., 1978) and taught workshops on jazz drumming at William Patterson State College in New Jersey.
Fuchsthone Orchestra featuring Evi Filippou & UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra featuring Jazzmeia Horn at Jazzfest Bonn 2026
by Artur Moral
Fuchsthone Orchestra featuring Evi FilippouUMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra featuring Jazzmeia HornTelekom Forum Bonn, GermanyMay 9, 2026 Its host city may lack the jazz pedigree of others, but the truth is that, barely fifteen years old, Jazzfest Bonn has carved out a place among its most prestigious German counterparts--those of Moers, ...
Classic Jazz from Sonny Rollins, Kenny Dorham, and others; recently released music from Steve Wilson, Snarky Puppy, and more
by David W. Daniels
In addition to the artists mentioned above, classic jazz vocals from Sarah Vaughan and Billy Eckstine together, and Gloria Lynn are included in this week's show as well as other instrumental artists. A pending release from the Helen Sung Big Band is sampled, and new music from The Sistering and Altin Sencalar is featured. Birthday recognition ...
Fred Hersch: The Touch of Genius
by Ken Dryden
The sound of Fred Hersch at the piano is so distinctive, a couple of bars is usually enough to identify him. The mainly self-taught Cincinnati native excelled early, playing jazz in his home town before leaving to study with pianist Jaki Byard at the New England Conservatory of Music. From there, Fred moved to New York ...
Javon Jackson, Jack McDuff, and Brian Landrus
by Jerome Wilson
This episode features new music from Javon Jackson and Brian Landrus as well as older music by Tom Skinner and Brother Jack McDuff. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Laura Jurd “Pirates" from Human Spirit ...
Immanuel Wilkins Quartet: Immanuel Wilkins Quartet: Live At The Village Vanguard
by Mike Jurkovic
Firebrand alto-saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins takes over the Village Vanguard and keeps it loose, y'all. From the rogue bossa nova “Ring Shout" and its immediate successor, “Composition II," each scenario has its very own sweep and sway. Take, for instance, the hell-raising, elders-chant fever inherent in “Composition IX." Twenty-three raucous, raise-the-rafters minutes wherein each participant--pianist and fellow ...
In the Land of Giants: OJCs from Thad Jones and Red Garland
by C. Andrew Hovan
The late 1950s marked a particularly fertile period in jazz. Big bands still commanded audiences, while smaller combos often blended veterans of the swing era with the rising architects of modern bop. Musicians such as Thad Jones, Frank Wess, Illinois Jacquet, and Coleman Hawkins moved fluidly among ensembles, thriving in a moment before the stylistic fault ...
Eddie Daniels: To Milton With Love
by Artur Moral
Even in a field as conducive to covers as jazz, it is unusual to find a complete reinterpretation of an album with all its tracks in their original order. Interestingly, 2025 has seen several releases of this type, some widely known and deservedly acclaimed, like Branford Marsalis' Belonging (Blue Note Records, 2025), which pays homage to ...
Classic jazz from Arthur Prysock, Lee Morgan and recently releases from Elijah Rock, Lisa Hilton, and more
by David W. Daniels
Classic jazz from Arthur Prysock, Lee Morgan, Harold Land, and others. Rereleased jazz from Tommy Smith, and recently released jazz from Gregory Groover and Nat Adderley, Jr along with several more. Recognizing birthdays for Al Foster, Lizz Wright, Jimmy Herring, and others. Playlist Don Friedman Quartet “Exploration" from Dreams And Explorations (Riverside) 00:00 Arthur ...
Jack's Groove
By Jack Sheldon
Label: GNP Crescendo Records
Released: 1959
Track listing: Green Dolphin Street; I'm Also A Person;
I Had The Craziest Dream;
Arrividerci;
Brown Cow;
Anyhow;
Julie Is Her Name;
Aplomb;
Sunset Eyes;
J.S..
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