Biography

Gene Lewin appears on 17 CDs, with several more soon to be released. His eclectic discography ranges from the modern jazz of Fundementia (a group he co-leads 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. Performances are equally varied, from cozy clubs in NYC like the Knitting Factory and the Bottom Line to audiences of 5,000 or more at many festivals around the US and Canada, including the Kerrville, Philadelphia, and Ottawa folk festivals.

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.

In addition to work as a co-leader, Gene works frequently as a sideman. Among his most active projects is GrooveLily, a pop band that features electric violin, keyboards, and drums. GrooveLily tours extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and has started featuring Gene as composer and singer as well. He also plays frequently with Andy Parsons in a quartet setting. Their third CD as co-leaders, Flip!, features Ben Monder on guitar and John Patitucci on bass. Further work as a sideman includes many performances with singer Laurie Krauz, whose debut CD features Gene's drumming throughout and provided him with the opportunity to record with jazz legend George Coleman. Gene also toured 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 masters of music from the Manhattan School of Music in 1991. In addition to conservatory, Gene owes a lot to his long-time mentor Justin DiCioccio.

In the future, Gene plans on continuing to pursue an eclectic mix of styles and projects. His most active projects will continue to be touring and recording with GrooveLily and with partner and friend Andy Parsons. GrooveLily's current live CD will be followed by a studio release and a recording of the GrooveLily holiday show in 2003.