Primary Instrument: Guitar
New York City based guitarist Jesse Lewis is rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand sidemen in the City's creative jazz scene.
A native of Boston, Lewis began playing cello at the age of 5. It was in high school that he discovered the guitar and the world of jazz.
Upon graduation, Lewis moved to New Orleans, and began studies at Loyola University and later the University of New Orleans. During his years in “the birthplace of jazz”, Lewis was a student of guitar legend, Steve Masakowski, released his debut album “Jesse Lewis Union” (Lakefront Digital) garnering critical acclaim, and collaborated with many of the biggest names in New Orleans, including: Nicolas Payton, Ellis Marsalis, Johnny Vidacovich, Stanton Moore, and Jason Marsalis.
In 2002, he moved to New York City to finish his degree at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music.
As a resident of “The Big Apple”, Lewis has worked with some of the City's finest musicians, including Chris Potter, Dave Binney, Mark Turner, Kenny Wollenson, Aaron Parks, Donny McAstlin, Matt Wilson, Joel Frahm, Bill Goodwin, Dick Oatts, and John Riley.
At present, Jesse can be seen performing with some of New York's brightest rising stars at venues such as Smalls, 55 Bar, The Jazz Gallery, Fat Cat, Cornelia Street Caf, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
In addition to his career as a performing artist, Lewis is an active teacher and clinician. He manages a studio of talented young guitarists and is also Coordinator of Guitar for the New York Summer Music Festival.
Jesse has studied with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Peter Bernstein, Chris Rosenberg, Garry Dial and Justin DiCioccio.
Currently, Lewis is a member/collaborator with “The Paislies” (Fresh Sound), “Adam Niewood's Rabble Rousers”, “The Max Wild Band”, Sherrise Rodger's “Project Uprising”, and “The Brenda Earle Trio”.
