Eric Lewis (pianist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eric Lewis
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Lewis at the Moers Festival 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Eric Robert Lewis |
| Also known as | ELEW |
| Born | May 13, 1973 Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, "Rockjazz" |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | Ninjazz Entertainment |
| Associated acts | Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Josh Groban |
Eric Robert Lewis, known as ELEW, is an American jazz pianist. He was born on May 13, 1973. ELEW is famous for mixing jazz with rock and pop music. He calls his unique style "Rockjazz."
His playing style is very unusual and energetic. He often plays without a piano bench, standing up. He even reaches inside the piano to pluck the strings directly! This makes his music sound very different and exciting.
ELEW started his music journey as a pure jazz musician. He played with famous jazz artists like Wynton Marsalis and was part of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Later, he became interested in rock music. He then started his solo career, blending jazz with rock.
He became well-known for his "Rockjazz" piano versions of popular rock songs. These included hits like "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones and "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers. In March 2010, he released his first album of these instrumental covers, called ELEW Rockjazz Vol. 1.
ELEW's special style has gained him many fans, including famous people. He has even performed for President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. Other fans include Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Jackman. He has also played with musicians like Sting and The Roots.
In 2011, he toured with singer-songwriter Josh Groban. ELEW was the opening act for Groban's "Straight to You Tour" in America. Around the same time, he appeared on the TV show America's Got Talent. He received a standing ovation from the audience and praise from the judges. However, he left the show to continue touring with Josh Groban.
In August 2012, ELEW released his second solo album, ELEW Rockjazz Vol. 2. In November 2016, he released another album called And To The Republic. This album was praised by major jazz publications. In summer 2016, ELEW received The Novus Award at the Headquarters of the United Nations. This award recognized his contributions of music and art to the world.
Early Life and Music Start
Eric Lewis was born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1973. He started learning piano when he was a child. After high school, he earned a scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. He graduated in 1995.
After college, he began touring with well-known jazz musicians. These included Wynton Marsalis and Cassandra Wilson.
Creating "Rockjazz"
After some time, Eric Lewis felt that the jazz world wasn't quite right for him. He decided to try something new to find success. It was then that he heard his first rock album, Linkin Park's Meteora. This album greatly influenced his musical ideas.
He took on the stage name "ELEW." He then started creating a new music style. This style mixed instrumental jazz with his new love for rock and pop music. He called this unique blend "Rockjazz."
ELEW also changed his stage look. He grew an afro hairstyle and wore special clothes. He often wore armored vambraces (arm guards) over his suits. He stopped using a piano bench and played standing up. He would reach inside the piano to grab the strings. He even used the piano's wooden case like a drum!
His first big moment came in 2009 at the Long Beach TED Conference. He played two songs there: a cover of Evanescence's "Going Under" and one of his own songs. Videos of these performances became popular online.
A fashion designer named Donna Karan saw him play at the TED Conference. She asked him to create a song for her fashion show. He played it live on the runway in New York City. The White House Social Secretary, Desiree Rogers, was at that fashion show. She invited ELEW to play for the President and First Lady at the White House.
In March 2010, ELEW released his first solo album, ELEW Rockjazz Vol. 1. He released it on his own record label, Ninjazz Entertainment. This album had thirteen covers of rock and pop songs. These included songs by Coldplay and Radiohead. The music video for his cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was directed by Japanese filmmaker Ryuhei Kitamura.
In 2011, singer-songwriter Josh Groban saw ELEW playing on YouTube. Groban then asked ELEW to be the opening act for his "Straight to You Tour." This tour included sixty shows across the United States.
In the spring of 2011, ELEW tried out for America's Got Talent. He played Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama". The audience gave him a standing ovation. All three judges praised him, with one calling him "a bit of a genius." However, he had to leave the competition. This was because it conflicted with his tour with Josh Groban.
In August 2012, ELEW released his next album, ELEW Rockjazz Vol. 2. This album had fourteen songs. Twelve were covers of popular songs by artists like Michael Jackson and The Doors. It also included two of his own original songs. One review said, "ELEW creates something staggering, something magical... 'Rockjazz Vol. 2' is one of those things you have to hear to believe."
In March 2013, ELEW produced and played piano on a song called "IANAHB." This song was the first track on rapper Lil Wayne's album, I Am Not a Human Being II.
See also
In Spanish: Eric Lewis (pianista) para niños
