Bio – Lewis

Lewis Wright, born 12th July 1988 in Norwich, had music in his life from an early age.

Lewis began his musical education at the age of 3 when his father, a percussion teacher and professional musician began giving him formal drum lessons. His first public performance was at the age of 6 and the following year he joined the Norwich Students Jazz Orchestra Starter Band playing drums and percussion

Aged 7, Lewis expressed interest in the Vibraphone, taking up the piano first and moving to vibes aged 9. Shortly after he joined Norwich Students Jazz Orchestra in which he played both vibes and drums. At age 10 this made him the youngest ever member.

In July 1999, the NSJ Orchestra performed in a competition at the Royal Festival Hall where Lewis received the Improvisation Award. In 2001 the Orchestra performed at the Royal Albert Hall, as competition winners.

In 2000 Lewis recorded with Bassist/Vocalist Ruth Bowen. While gowing up in Norfolk he also recorded with ensembles/artists including the funk band Speedometer (who he also played with at the Jazz Cafe, London), a live concert recording featuring Henry Lowther, Pat White and Keith Tippett, Tunde of the Lighthouse Family (BMG Records), and Catherine Feeny (Tallgrass/Charisma). He also took part in the audio and visual of a Sony Walkman TV advertisement.

Lewis’ first solo effort was recorded aged 13 and was followed by a live two-hour concert (DVD) with his quartet in 2004 (Age 15). In 2005, The Lewis Wright Quartet made its debut release entitled “Stop, Look & Listen” . This gained promising reviews in Jazzwise and Jazz UK. This Quartet also won the 2006 Jazz Services Newcomer Award.

Recently Lewis has recorded with Drummer/composer Clark Tracey on the album “Current Climate”.

Lewis has also recorded with Universal Recording Artist Melody Gardot on a record entitled “Live From Paris”. His work with Melody has led him all over the world, as far afield as Australia, playing shows and recording for television and radio. With Melody he has played jazz festivals across Europe and played at venues such as The Sydney Opera House, The Olympia in Paris, The Alte Ope in Frankfurt and The Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

Lewis studied at Trinity College of Music until he graduated with a 1st class honours degree in 2010. He was then invited to perform at St John’s, Smith Square as a high scorer. At Trinity, Lewis Studied with Roger Beaujolais and Jim Hart (Vibes), Dave Wickins (Drums), Simon Purcell, Martin Speak and Liam Noble.

Lewis also plays with Clark Tracey, Kit Downes, Michael Kiwanuka, Ryan Trebilcock and Filipe Monteiro

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