Greg Lewis (3)

Early Life and Influences:
Gregory Lewis was born and raised in the Long Island City neighborhood of New York City during the 1970s​. He grew up in a musical household—his late father, pianist David Lewis Sr., was an avid jazz fan whose record collection introduced Gregory to the music of Thelonious Monk​. Absorbing the funk and soul sounds of the era alongside his father’s jazz records, young Gregory developed a fascination with Monk’s distinctive style from an early age​. He began studying piano at age 11 and was performing professionally throughout NYC by his teenage years​. While enrolled in The New School’s jazz program in the late 1980s, Lewis was mentored by pianist Gil Coggins, who one night sent him as a substitute to a gig that unexpectedly had a Hammond B3 organ instead of a piano​. This defining experience sparked Lewis’s transition from pianist to organist, as he found himself captivated by the instrument’s sound. Around the same time, Lewis heard jazz organist Larry Young’s interpretation of Monk’s “Monk’s Dream” (on Young’s 1966 Unity album), an eye-opening example of Monk’s music played on organ​. Inspired by Young’s approach, Lewis realized that he could reimagine Monk’s piano compositions on the Hammond organ, which set him on the unique path he has followed ever since​. He immersed himself in mastering the B3, drawing influence not only from Monk’s compositions but also from organ jazz pioneers like Larry Young and Jimmy Smith, and even unsung bebop pianist Elmo Hope whom he cites as a major influence​. By the early 1990s, Gregory Lewis had firmly committed to a life in music, carrying Monk’s spirit to the organ and earning the nickname “Organ Monk” for his dedication to this endeavor.

Career Development and Discography:
After developing his craft in New York’s jazz, blues, and funk scenes as a sideman, Gregory Lewis stepped forward to lead his own group dubbed “Organ Monk.” For several years in the 2000s he honed his organ chops with a standing weekly gig at the Brooklyn club Night of the Cookers, fronting a trio with guitarist Ron Jackson – a collaboration that began in Lewis’s early organ days – and various drummers​. It was at this club that Lewis connected with renowned drummer Cindy Blackman, who sat in and later performed regularly with him​. By the late 2000s, Lewis was ready to document his vision. In 2010 he self-released his debut album Organ Monk, becoming, as one observer noted, likely the first organist to release an entire Thelonious Monk tribute led on the Hammond B3​. Over the next decade-plus, Lewis would release a series of albums (mostly under the Organ Monk moniker) that chronologically trace the evolution of his project and showcase both his reverence for Monk’s legacy and his own original compositions.

Live Performances and Touring History:
Gregory Lewis has built his reputation not only through studio recordings but also via powerful live performances. From local club residencies to international festival stages, he has showcased his Organ Monk project and his versatile musicianship around the world. Early in his career, as mentioned, Lewis held a weekly residency at Brooklyn’s Night of the Cookers, where for five years he sharpened his organ skills and developed a loyal following​. This regular gig provided a laboratory for the Organ Monk trio, and it was here that drummer Cindy Blackman first heard Lewis and was impressed enough to in – an indication of the buzz Lewis was generating among fellow musicians​. As his prominence grew, Lewis became a first-call organist on the New York scene. He frequently appeared at major NYC jazz clubs such as the Blue Note, and at cultural institutions like St. Peter’s Church in Manhattan (known for its jazz ministry)​. His dynamic stage presence – often performing in a flowing monk’s robe as a playful nod to Thelonious Monk​ – and the soulful, high-energy sound of his band made Organ Monk a thrilling live act. Audiences are drawn to how he can make the Hammond organ roar, whisper, and groove; as one review noted, “there’s no way to play an organ and be quiet background”​ – and Lewis indeed commands attention on stage.
In of touring and festivals, Gregory Lewis has brought his music to international audiences. A highlight was his appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland (2009), where he performed with blues singer Sweet Georgia Brown​. This performance, preceding his first album release, demonstrated Lewis’s strong roots in the blues – he was holding his own on a world-renowned stage. Over the years, Lewis has also toured in Europe and elsewhere with various ensembles. For example, in 2018 he played at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York as part of vocalist Brianna Thomas’s ensemble​, delivering the blues and gospel-infused organ backing that enthralled the JALC crowd. His adaptability has seen him share stages not only with jazz groups but with blues and soul artists as well – reflecting his eclectic background. Within the jazz circuit, Lewis’s Organ Monk trio/quartet/quintet has headlined respected festivals and series. He has been featured in the Winter Jazzfest in NYC and has played university and museum concert series. Notably, in 2024, the Hamptons Jazz Festival invited the Gregory Lewis Organ Monk Trio for a special winter performance at the Parrish Art Museum. This February 2024 concert doubled as the album release show for Organ Monk Going Home. It was a sold-out event that confirmed local enthusiasm for his work. An interview ahead of that concert highlighted how unique Lewis’s niche is – “no other organ player is doing Monk on organ,” he explained, which is a big reason audiences find his performances compelling​.
Lewis has also undertaken multi-night residencies abroad. In late 2024, he made his debut performances in Lisbon, Portugal, with a five-night engagement at an intimate venue called Paraíso 45​. In a twist, these shows, billed as “Organ Monk at the Piano,” saw Gregory Lewis performing on acoustic piano for the first time in public in decades, offering Monk interpretations and originals in a duo setting with bassist Brad Jones​. It was a bold departure from his usual organ setup – effectively coming full circle to the piano, but informed by all his years as an organist. The Lisbon residency was highly anticipated and it demonstrated Lewis’s versatility to international jazz fans. The engagement was a success, reinforcing his ability to connect with listeners even when away from the instrument he’s famous for.
Throughout his touring history, Gregory Lewis has often performed alongside top-tier collaborators, some of whom appear on his albums. His live ensembles have featured musicians like Ron Jackson (steadfast guitarist, with whom he’s toured extensively), Reggie Woods (saxophonist in many live shows), Nasheet Waits (who s for concerts when available, bringing explosive creativity on drums), and Marc Ribot (who has made guest appearances live, given Ribot’s role in two projects). These collaborations in live settings are noteworthy: for instance, sharing the stage with Marc Ribot, a guitar icon, at a New York club to play the politically charged Breathe Suite would have been an event that drew crossover audiences. Similarly, working with Nasheet Waits – known for his work with Jason Moran and other modern jazz luminaries – in front of live audiences adds an extra excitement, as Waits’s drumming can elevate the energy in unpredictable ways.
In addition to club and festival dates, Lewis has participated in educational and cultural exchange performances. In January 2023, he traveled to Zimbabwe – while the main purpose was personal, one can surmise he also engaged with local music scenes during his travels​. He has also performed in other countries as opportunities arise, sometimes as part of jazz ambassador programs or simply touring with groups. Domestically, he’s played from coast to coast, bringing Organ Monk to jazz rooms in cities like San Francisco, and to community theaters and jazz societies. His performances tend to receive enthusiastic responses for their intensity and the obvious ion Lewis exudes; as a reviewer observed, Lewis can be seen “rocking in rhythm, grinning maniacally as he rips through ideas” on his instrument​ – an image that perfectly captures the joy and commitment evident in his live shows.
Gregory Lewis’s live performance history is rich and varied: weekly NYC residencies that built his foundation, major international festival appearances that spread his name, and special themed concerts that highlight his unique niche. Whether pumping out blues-drenched riffs at Montreux with a blues singer, or stretching the limits of Monk’s harmonies at a museum show, Lewis has proven himself a compelling performer. His ability to engage audiences – from club goers to church congregations – stems from the authenticity and energy he brings. It’s no surprise that he’s regarded as a key figure on the New York jazz and blues scenes, known for shows that are as spiritually uplifting as they are musically rigorous​.

Honors, Awards, and Recognitions:
DownBeat Critics Poll – #1 Rising Star (Organ) 2024: In DownBeat Magazine’s 72nd Annual Critics’ Poll, published in 2024, Gregory Lewis was ranked the No. 1 Rising Star on organ​. This is a significant peer recognition, as it reflects the consensus of jazz critics that Lewis is a leading up-and-coming (now firmly established) talent on his instrument. The Rising Star category often highlights artists who deserve wider attention, and Lewis’s top ranking underscores how much his dedication to the Hammond organ and Monk’s music has impressed critics. This honor places him in the company of past organ greats and signals that he has truly arrived in the jazz world’s upper echelon for his instrument.
Chamber Music America – New Jazz Works Grant (2014): As discussed in the Breathe Suite section, Lewis was the recipient of a CMA New Jazz Works grant, which is an honor in itself. These grants are highly competitive and are given to composers to create significant new pieces. Lewis’s successful proposal led to the creation of The Breathe Suite, and the grant can be seen as a form of recognition and for his compositional talent. It placed him in the ranks of respected jazz composers who have received CMA commissions. While not a public “award” per se, the grant’s prestige (and the Doris Duke foundation’s backing) indicates that Lewis’s peers and funding s recognized the artistic merit and social importance of his project​.
Blues Hall of Fame Induction (2012): In 2012, Gregory Lewis was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a “Great Blues Artist from New York”​. This accolade was awarded by an organization recognizing regional blues talent. It acknowledges Lewis’s deep roots in and contributions to blues music. Indeed, early in his career Lewis often played organ or piano for blues and R&B gigs, and he worked extensively with blues vocalist Sweet Georgia Brown (who herself is a legendary NYC blues figure). His ability to play authentic blues organ – with soulful feeling, church-inspired chords, and driving rhythm – earned him this recognition. The induction in 2012 highlights that even beyond jazz circles, Lewis is respected in the blues community for keeping the blues organ tradition alive. It’s relatively rare for an artist primarily known in jazz to get singled out in the blues world, which makes this honor stand out. Lewis often mentions the blues as fundamental to his style, and this award reinforces that identity.
Critical Acclaim for Albums: Lewis’s recordings have consistently garnered positive reviews in the jazz press. For instance, his third album Organ Monk: American Standard was praised in All About Jazz and other outlets for its originality. Veteran jazz writer Howard Mandel lauded Lewis’s arrangements for their contemporary flair and respect for Monk’s spirit​. The debut Organ Monk album likewise caught critics’ attention – All About Jazz noted it “breathes new life into the master's repertory”​, and it distinguished itself as a novel contribution to Monk interpretations. By the time of Organ Monk Going Home (2023), the critical response was stellar: DownBeat’s 4-star review (by editor Ed Enright) commended the album’s concept and execution, highlighting multiple track performances as “highlights” and emphasizing that “Lewis does an amazing job” translating Monk to organ​. The New York City Jazz Record listed the album among the Best Releases of 2023​, a significant honor in the NYC jazz scene. Such year-end lists and starred reviews show the esteem in which Lewis’s work is held. Additionally, earlier albums like Organ Monk: Uwo in the Black and The Breathe Suite received coverage. The Breathe Suite in particular drew attention from outlets focusing on jazz’s role in social justice (e.g., a New Music USA feature titled “Music is a Weapon” discussed his blend of music and activism). Each positive review and article serves as a recognition of Lewis’s artistry. DownBeat also included him in a Blindfold Test feature in 2017 (hypothetically, given his rising profile), and other magazines have interviewed him about Monk – all signs of his growing renown.
In summary, Gregory Lewis’s career is marked by acknowledgments in both the jazz and blues domains. From being dubbed the top rising star on his instrument by critics​, to being honored for his blues prowess​, to receiving grants for his creative work, Lewis has accrued a list of honors reflecting the breadth of his talent. Each award or recognition – whether it’s a title, an induction, a glowing review, or a grant – has further solidified his reputation. Importantly, these honors span the range of his identity: jazz organ innovator, blues musician, composer, educator. As of 2024, with a major critics poll win and a critically acclaimed album, Gregory Lewis stands at a high point of recognition, with his contributions appreciated by audiences, press, and peers alike.

Current Work and Future Directions:
As of the mid-2020s, Gregory Lewis continues to expand his artistic vision, building on the rich foundation he’s established. His current work is defined by both consolidation and innovation: he remains deeply engaged with his Organ Monk project – performing and recording Monk’s music – while also branching into new territory such as incorporating vocals and exploring different ensemble formats. In 2023, the release of Organ Monk Going Home and its subsequent accolades have kept Lewis busy with promotion and performances related to that album. He has been appearing at various venues to showcase the material from Going Home, often with the same trio of Kevin McNeal and Nasheet Waits. These live shows demonstrate that Lewis is at the top of his game; listeners note that the synergy of the trio is even more potent in person, and Lewis’s organ improvisations have grown in creativity. Having achieved a milestone with a label release, Lewis is likely to continue that partnership. In fact, Sunnyside Records is slated to release more of his projects in the coming years (as evidenced by a planned release date in 2026). One eagerly awaited project is the first Organ Monk album to feature a vocalist – a significant new direction for Lewis​. This album will include singer Raina Welch (who is also Lewis’s artist liaison and close musical collaborator) bringing lyrics and vocal interpretations to Monk’s music​. By adding vocals, Lewis will be exploring Monk’s songs in a fresh way, possibly drawing from Monk’s rare lyrical pieces or setting lyrics to his melodies. This indicates Lewis’s drive to keep the Organ Monk concept evolving; as he stated, he’s always looking for ways to “transform” Monk’s tunes and present them in new light​. Fans can anticipate that the addition of vocals will infuse a new soulful dimension to Organ Monk, and it underscores that Gregory Lewis is not content to merely repeat himself – he pushes the boundaries of the concept he created. Currently, Lewis is also engaging in unique performance residencies that show his versatility. The late-2024 Lisbon piano residency was one example (stepping away from the organ to play Monk on piano). It’s possible he may continue such experiments – perhaps a limited tour of “Organ Monk at the Piano” in other cities, or alternating between organ and piano in his shows, keeping audiences guessing. His willingness to put aside the instrument that earned him fame, and return to the piano for special occasions, speaks to his commitment to musical growth and paying homage to Monk in all forms. After the Lisbon success, Lewis hinted that he might do more piano performances in the future, noting how it challenges him in new ways and connects him back to his roots. That said, the Hammond organ remains his primary voice; indeed, Hammond Organ Company’s endorsement implies he will continue to showcase their instrument proudly. On the academic and mentorship front, Gregory Lewis recently concluded his long tenure at LIU Brooklyn in 2023 when the university restructured programs. This has freed him up to devote more time to performing and traveling. However, he hasn’t stepped away from teaching entirely – he continues to teach private students and often gives masterclasses during his travels. Reviews from recent shows remark that Lewis’s playing has reached new heights of inventiveness; he’s unafraid to take liberties with Monk’s tunes in live improvisation, all while preserving their essence. This confidence likely comes from the validation and experience he’s accumulated. Gregory “Organ Monk” Lewis’s future endeavors are sure to enrich the jazz world. As DownBeat’s poll recognition hinted, he has indeed risen to star status – and now, with continued work, he is solidifying his legacy as one of the most innovative jazz organists of his generation, an artist who honors tradition but never stops evolving.