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Robert Lewis

Based in Charleston, SC, saxophonist/composer/educator Robert Lewis is enjoying a growing presence in the jazz community of the South. Robert is in demand as an artist and clinician, both as a leader and as a sideman. He is also the Director of Jazz Studies at the College of Charleston, balancing his career between performance and education.

Robert's most recent album, "First Takes," is as part of a collaborative trio going by the name Lewis/Gregory/Wiltrout, featuring Gerald Gregory on keyboards and organ, and Ron Wiltrout on drums.

Along with musical collaborator Frank Duvall Robert has released two critically acclaimed cds of original music, Swagger and Fearless Jones. Swagger was featured on the National Public Radio program JazzSouth, voted in by the committee with the highest score of any of the featured albums that year.

Robert is the bandleader and lead alto saxophonist for the Darius Rucker Big Band. He has been working with Darius (lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish) in shows featuring the music of Frank Sinatra.

Robert is also the lead alto saxophonist and a featured soloist with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, one of the premier big bands in South Carolina.

Robert was the winner of the 1998 “db” award by Downbeat Magazine for “Best Jazz Soloist,” chosen from thousands of applicants around the country.

Awards

Best Jazz Soloist - "db" award, Downbeat Magazine, 1998


Tags

6
Profile

Robert Lewis Heads the Charleston's Jazz Orchestra

Read "Robert Lewis Heads the Charleston's Jazz Orchestra" reviewed by Rob Rosenblum


He is the director of jazz studies at the College of Charleston, a full time (and long time) member of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra (CJO) in Charleston, South Carolina, in great demand for private lessons by aspiring jazz musicians and, when the time is right, a performer who leads his own group. So obviously, what Robert Lewis needed was another job. While he is known primarily by local musicians and avid fans as the somewhat reticent, soft spoken ...

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Recording

Lewis/Gregory/Wiltrout Release New CD "First Takes"

Lewis/Gregory/Wiltrout Release New CD "First Takes"

Source: Michael Ricci

The Charleston, SC, based collective trio Lewis/Gregory/Wiltrout is proud to release their debut album, First Takes. The trio consists of Robert Lewis on tenor saxophone, Gerald Gregory on keyboards and organ, and Ron Wiltrout on drums. The album is available on-line through CD Baby and can also be downloaded from iTunes and other portals.

The album is an attempt to capture the free-wheeling spirit of a live club date. All of the tunes were recorded on the first take, with ...

"Swagger" is a hip tense up-tempo burner and is a very impressive closer on a very impressive recording. Jim Josselyn, Cadence Magazine

This is a refreshing disc. Within the standard quartet format, these veteran musicians deliver a spirited performance...Judging by this CD, some great things are happening in South Carolina. Michael Bettine, JazzNow

...Lewis has a beautifully round, smoky tone that can take on a bit of edge when called for. Whether he's playing a sentimental ballad like "Hush", a New Orleans-styled blues like "Steppin' Out" or snappy swinger like "Esperanca", he knows how to make each song sing...

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Primary Instrument

Saxophone

Location

Charleston

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

First Takes

Self Produced
2010

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Videos

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