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Melvin Sokoloff (May 10, 1929 – February 2, 1990), known professionally as Mel Lewis, was an American jazz drummer, session musician, professor, and author. He received fourteen Grammy Award nominations.
May 10, 2024 · Mel Lewis, born Melvin Sokoloff ninety-five years ago today on May 10, 1929, in Buffalo, New York, was a legendary jazz drummer known for his impeccable timekeeping, powerful yet nuanced playing, and his role as a co-founder of the iconic Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra.
Feb 4, 1990 · Mel Lewis, the jazz drummer and orchestra leader, died of melanoma Friday evening at Cabrini Hospice in Manhattan. He was 60 years old.
1929-1990. In an era when big band drummers were expected to be showmen who drove their ensembles with aggressive timekeeping and fast, furious fills, Mel Lewis defied the trend and served the music by supporting the band rather than by calling attention to his own playing.
Feb 2, 1990 · Mel Lewis. Although he was generally reluctant to solo, Mel Lewis was considered one of the definitive big band drummers, a musician who was best at driving an orchestra, but could also play quite well with smaller units.
Apr 9, 2015 · Mel Lewis. Biography. Articles. News. Has Influenced. Lewis, best known for his small group approach to big band drumming, was one of the first drummers to vary the ride cymbal beat, giving the music a loose and swinging feel. His commanding presence never dominated the spotlight and always stressed the interplay between the band members.
Jan 10, 2012 · He was the fire. But it wasn’t a fire of bright, dancing flames. Mel’s fire consisted more of glowing embers that provided a permeating warmth—a cozy fire, but one with enough flickers of flame and pops and crackles to give you a start now and then if you started getting too comfortable.
