Gene Lewin appears on 33 CDs, with several more soon to be released. His eclectic discography ranges from the modern jazz of Fundementia (a group he co-led with saxophonist / composer Andy Parsons ) to the electric-violin pop of GrooveLily . Several straight-ahead jazz projects and singer-songwriter efforts round out the list.
Gene's drumming style combines influences from Jack DeJohnette, Peter Erskine, Joey Baron, Russ Kunkel, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Stevie Wonder, among many others. Although his career involves many varied genres of music, there are several common threads throughout. First, a desire to support and complement the music and still be an active participant and instigator. Second, an ability to blur the lines between these genres by frequently referring to one from the other. Finally, a desire to infuse all of the music he plays with joy.
His most active project is GrooveLily, a pop band that features electric violin, keyboards, and drums. GrooveLily tours extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and features Gene as composer and singer as well. Their acclaimed concert-musical "Striking 12" (directed by Ted Sperling and written by bandmates Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda, along with Tony Award winner Rachel Sheinkin) has opened the band's eyes to the world of theater, which suits them very well. In 2006, the band had a very successful run of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" directed by Tina Landau, in which they composed and performed all the music, and also acted as three of the "rude mechanicals" in the play. Additional hybrid concert/musical pieces include "Sleeping Beauty Wakes" and "Wheelhouse."
Gene is also active in New York City's jazz scene, performing and recording with many well-respected singers and instrumentalists. He has appeared on CDs with bassists John Patitucci and Scott Colley, guitarist Ben Monder, jazz legend tenor saxophonist George Coleman, bassist/vocalist Jay Leonhart, and many others. He tours regularly with singer Audra McDonald, performing in concert halls throughout the U.S., playing in both small band and full orchestra settings. Further touring includes several trips thoughout the US, Canada, and Europe with jazz guitarist Rudy Linka.
Originally an engineering major at Princeton University, Gene soon changed paths and returned to school to receive a master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music in 1991.
Gene Lewin - Discography