Gregory Lewis: Organ Monk

Starting his keyboard studies at 11, the young artist absorbed the music of Thelonious Monk through his jazz pianist father, and was indoctrinated into the school of the Hammond organ by chance, when a gig referral from legendary pianist Gil Coggins confronted Lewis with the instrument rather than the expected piano.

It’s only right that Lewis’ 2010 debut as a leader, Organ Monk, would be an organ-led trio album devoted to Monk’s music featuring bassist Ron Jackson and drumming phenomenon Cindy Blackman-Santana – a session with a title that also gave Lewis his enduring nickname.

Citing Elmo Hope, Jimmy Smith, and Larry Young as influences, Lewis puts a singular twist on Monk’s music that will make this evening a tribute to the master like no other.