Mel Lewis (1929-1990)
I heard Mel Lewis on a Monday night at The Village Vanguard. It was my first visit to NYC, courtesy of Dr. Bill Hinkle and Seminole Community College. At the time, I was a member of the Faculty Jazz Trio.
Dr. Hinkle arranged for The Jazz Band to go to NYC. The band and our trio performed at William Patterson University and enjoyed a couple nights of music in the city.
This included the complete group at The Village Vanguard, featuring the Thad Jones – Mel Lewis Big Band. I’m guessing this was 1982.
Hearing that band, in that room was fantastic. Mel Lewis was a unique drummer with a distinctive swing feel. Buddy Rich remarked, Mel Lewis doesn’t sound like anybody else. He sounds like himself.
I briefly saw Mel again at NAMM. He was in the Istanbul Cymbal booth. He had his own signature series of cymbals.
Lewis described his playing philosophy of not “pushing or pulling” but “supporting.” He remarked, it doesn’t look like I’m doing much.
There are several videos on Youtube of this great band. I will watch many, for the first time. Enjoy - Badaboom