Lewis Nash

Lewis Nash has been one of the most in-demand jazz drummers for over 40 years. He has lent his tasteful swing and exciting soloing to over 400 recordings—among the longest discographies of any jazz musician. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, he began playing professionally in his teens; by age 21 he had already performed with visiting jazz legends including Sonny Stitt, Slide Hampton, Lee Konitz, and Art Pepper.

Lewis moved to New York in 1981 and soon joined Betty Carter's band, with which he toured and recorded through the early '80s. Later in the decade he worked with Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, Don Pullen, J.J. Johnson and Sonny Rollins. Lewis recorded his debut album as a leader, "Rhythm Is My Business," in 1989. He's released five albums of his own so far.

In the '90s Lewis played in Tommy Flanagan's trio and toured with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. He also played on Dizzy Gillespie's final recording, Jimmy Heath's first big band album, and the Grammy-winning "Joe Henderson Big Band." Another notable big band album Lewis played on is "Centennial: Newly Discovered Works Of Gil Evans," recorded in 2011. The following year saw the opening of The Nash, a jazz venue and education center in Phoenix. Named in his honor, The Nash has hosted many jazz masters including Charles McPherson , Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Cobb and Benny Golson. Lewis Nash is also known as an educator, and is currently on the jazz faculty at University of Arizona. In 2001 he was on the inaugural faculty for The Juilliard School's jazz program.