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WAYJO A Mel Lewis Tribute
Thursday, 16th September @11:30 PM
TRIBUTE TO MEL LEWIS
Mel Lewis was, arguably, the greatest big band drummer who ever lived. He was known for his subtle but highly musical style and dark drum and cymbal sounds . He once described his own playing philosophy as not "pushing or pulling" but "supporting." He wasn't flashy or loud—just tasteful, and highly musical. Mel Lewis played in some of the most influential big bands from the 1950’s including Stan Kenton, Bill Holman, The Terry Gibb’s Dream Band, The Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band and of course the seminal Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. This orchestra still performs today at the Village Vanguard in New York City, only now it is called the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
Mel Lewis passed away on 2 February 1990. This year is the 20th Anniversary of his passing. To celebrate this life and music of Mel Lewis WAYJO will perform music from the various periods of his life. Thad Jones wrote much of the music that Mel performed, and he says of Thad, “Thad is one of the most interesting drum writers I've ever known. His music is very difficult to play. You have to be a high calibre musician to play Thad Jones arrangements. But when they are played right, forget it!—there's nothing like it. I can't help boasting about him, because as a writer, player, conductor and as a man, he has no peer.”
