Michael C Lewis "Ahava"

Trumpet stylist, vocalist, actor, Michael C Lewis is a native of Houston Texas. His musical journey began in the East Texas town of Crockett where he began playing the trumpet in the 6th grade. He interest in jazz started during his High School years at Forest Brook High School in Houston. He continued to nurture his talent for 2 years at Texas Southern University before he transferred to The Berklee College of Music in Boston. Michael say’s “I guess you can say mine is a story of a strong inner faith, perseverance, and continuing to strive for excellence as an artist.” That thing that always allowed Michael C Lewis to stake out his place is Style. Style is his calling card.

Michael has had the opportunity to perform with Hank Crawford, Arnet Cobb, Patti Labelle, Jimmy Heath, Benny Powell, Wilson Pickett, Kirk Whalum, Alex Bugnon, Vibe Tribe, Blusyde, Walter Beasley and Frank Lacy to name a few. Michael has toured extensively in the US, as well as Europe, Asia, and Australia. Since moving to New York, Michael has been active as a musician and actor. He has performed at such venues as the Blue Note, Village Vangard, Birdland, Jazz Standard, Iriduim, The Apollo Theater, SOB’s and Joe’s Pub.

As an actor Michael has performed in numerous productions at The National Black Theater, Town Hall, Tribeca Performing Arts Center as well as tours around the US and Japan. Michael is proud to have portrayed trumpeters Clifford Brown and Miles Davis on the stage. He is currently working on his on play based on the life of Miles. “I have always been an eclectic artist” say’s Michael . “I am now trying to create situations where I can utilize all of my skills as a musician and performer to give the audience an unforgettable experience.” Michael is well on the way to doing that with his first release on his own label Cybervision Entertainment titled “Reflection.” This CD is the culmination of a lot of years of work compiling material but getting delayed because of commitments to tours and projects with other artists. “It’s time for me to step out front and do my thing now” Michael say’s. “The Bible say’s there is a season and a time for everything and in my heart I believe this is my season.”

Reflection features Michael on trumpet, flugal horn, and vocals in an urban contemporary jazz setting that blends jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop into a relaxing yet stimulating experience. Michael has received incredible production help on this project from Wendell Brooks and Jeff Jones. Upcoming projects from Michael include an Afro modal spiritual album titled “The Anointing” as well as a project of praise and worship music. Michael shares “I am on a spiritual journey to define my purpose and life mission so that I can take action on it.

In order to do that I have to continue to develop myself not only as a musician but in all areas of my life. I must continue to grow so that I can not only fulfill my purpose but be prepared to pour something of value into someone else. I don’t know who that protégé will be yet but I know that I won’t have to look for them because they will find me. I am also striving to build powerful relationships that I can build into teams and networks that can be mutually beneficial to all involved.

Influences:
Yahweh (God), Yahshua (Jesus), My Father Clabe Lewis, my recently departed Mother, Artie Lewis (I love and miss you Mama), my wife and daughter Janeece and Destini, my sister Tonya, my pastor Dan Stratton, and all of my immediate family who are so awesome. Musically they include Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Sly and the Family Stone, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Michael Henderson, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, The Crusaders, Ronnie Laws, Karma, Oscar Brashear, Woody Shaw, Booker Little, Herbie Hancock, Pat Williams, Donald Byrd, Stevie Wonder,.....

The Michael C Lewis Jazz Experience plays one of Michael's compositions "Ahava" at Billie's Black Restaurant in Harlem.

 Michael C Lewis - Trpt,
Billy "Spaceman" Patterson - Guitar,
Alva Nelson - Piano,
Chris Sullivan - Bass,
Eli Fountain - Drums