Michael Andre Lewis

Being a Zappa fan, of course I had to mention Andre Lewis…

Michael Andre Lewis grew up in Omaha,NE and later formed a group with to-be Grammy award winner Lester Abrams. Lewis has also toured and recorded with: Grant Green, The Who, LaBelle, Buddy Miles Band, Maxayn, Rufus, White Chocolate, Earth Wind and Fire, toured and recorded with Frank Zappa. Produced at Motown and also played with Huey Lewis, the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Carl Carlton, Angela Boffil, Stacey Latisaw, Edwin Starr, Charles Wilson and the Gap Band, Sly Stone, Bobby Womack, Jonas Hellborg, Ginger Baker, Freda Payne, and was band leader for Johnny Guitar Watson.

Michael Andre Lewis was one of the first musicians using multiple signal processors on keyboards. He was a pioneer in the use of synthesizers on records and worked with Roger Lynn on developing the first digital drum machines (he was a testor for Roland products). Lewis was hired by FZ to replace George Duke. Andre got to audition via Marty Perillis, who got his name and number from a music store in LA (though his professional relationship with Johnny “Guitar” Watson might have helped him ‘win’ the audition). His first gig with FZ was the Royce Hall concert. Andre Lewis provided organ/keyboards, and/or vocal for Zoot Allures, Studio Tan, Sheik Yerbouti, Orchestral Favorites, Tinsel Town Rebellion, Shut Up ‘N Play Yer Guitar, You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 3, You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 6, Läther, Frank Zappa Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa, FZ:OZ, and Quaudiophiliac

Facts

Andre Lewis was one of the first musicians using multiple signal processors on keyboards; later he was a pioneer in the use of synthesizers on records and worked with the now famous Roger Lynn on developing the first digital drum machines.

Andre Lewis: There have been two musically emotional highs in my life; one was when Miles Davis wanted to form a rock band, and he said to me he wanted to have some guys like me in the band, who could play. The other was feeling the vibe playing with my old friends, whom I was raised up with, live and being able to make this record.

Source cited wikipedia.com, Zappawiki.com