Skeeter Blues – Lewis Nash
A blues head with a classic swing-to-bop sound. Our lead sheet is based on Lewis Nash's recording, but we also have a lead sheet reflecting the first version by violinist Regina Carter, which has slightly different phrasing.
- Recording: Regina Carter - Rhythms Of The Heart
- Recorded on: November or December, 1998
- Label: Verve (314 547177)
- Concert Key: F
- Style: Swing (medium)
- Violin - Regina Carter
- Piano - Werner "Vana" Gierig
- Bass - Peter Washington
- Drums - Lewis Nash
For a description of this song, click on the second album cover. Our lead sheets are based on Lewis Nash's recording, but we also have a separate C lead sheet reflecting Regina Carter's earlier version. Her recording is slower, with a 2-feel on the head. As in the other recording there is a solo chorus before the head, in this case a piano solo. The piano is comping for the head, so the hits in the ninth through twelfth measures are chords rather than single bass notes.
There are a few differences in the melody in this version. Most notably, the phrase in the second measure starts on beat 2 instead of the "and" of 2. The rhythm is also different in the fifth and sixth measures. The last measure starts on a different note than in the other version: A♭ the first time and A♮ on the repeat, as opposed to G both times. Our lead sheet shows a few of Regina Carter's expressive articulations and embellishments, with a "slide" into the first note instead of a grace note as in the piano and vibes melody in Lewis Nash's recording.
There are a few differences in the melody in this version. Most notably, the phrase in the second measure starts on beat 2 instead of the "and" of 2. The rhythm is also different in the fifth and sixth measures. The last measure starts on a different note than in the other version: A♭ the first time and A♮ on the repeat, as opposed to G both times. Our lead sheet shows a few of Regina Carter's expressive articulations and embellishments, with a "slide" into the first note instead of a grace note as in the piano and vibes melody in Lewis Nash's recording.
"Rhythms Of The Heart" was Regina Carter's third album as a leader, and her first for Verve. Lewis Nash and pianist Werner "Vana" Gierig also played on her second album, "Something For Grace." In 2000, Lewis played on two tracks on Regina's "Motor City Moments," which features both the playing and writing of many jazz legends from Detroit (Regina's hometown). Check out her version of Lucky Thompson's Prey-Loot, which features Lewis along with pianist Barry Harris.
- Recording: Lewis Nash - It Don't Mean A Thing
- Recorded on: February 26, 2003
- Label: M&I (30250)
- Concert Key: F
- Style: Swing (medium up)
- Vibes - Steve Nelson
- Piano - Jeb Patton
- Bass - Peter Washington
- Drums - Lewis Nash
Video
- Columbia University student and drummer Maddy Tipp spent a day with drummer Lewis Nash in the jazzleadsheets studio, discussing topics like how to develop as a drummer.
A snappy medium-up blues head in a style reminiscent of jump blues and early bebop. The melody starts simply and becomes more intricate toward the end; there's stop-time on the last four measures. On this recording the vibes and piano play the melody together in octaves; the hits in the ninth through eleventh measures are shown as single bass notes. This version has a 4-feel throughout; there's a chorus of vibes solo before the head.
Lewis Nash's second album as a leader, "It Don't Mean A Thing" features almost the same lineup as his first, "Rhythm Is My Business" but with Jeb Patton on piano replacing Mulgrew Miller. In 2004 Lewis recorded "Stompin' At The Savoy," featuring Steve Nelson and Peter Washington again but in a piano-less trio setting.
"It Don't Mean A Thing" is the only recording so far with Steve Nelson and Jeb Patton playing together. Lewis Nash played on Jeb's second album as a leader, "Shades And Tones," in 2014; the two also played together in Jimmy Heath's big band.
"It Don't Mean A Thing" is the only recording so far with Steve Nelson and Jeb Patton playing together. Lewis Nash played on Jeb's second album as a leader, "Shades And Tones," in 2014; the two also played together in Jimmy Heath's big band.
Check out our video of Lewis in the jazzleadsheets.com studio!
In the summer of 2016 one of my drummers from Columbia University, Maddy Tipp, did some intern work at our NYC studio. Lewis Nash visited our studio that summer and I asked Maddy to get Lewis to show her how he'd approach playing his composition Skeeter Blues on solo drums. Now is a perfect time for us to finalize the video so you can see Lewis responding to Maddy's request. Then it's your turn to try it yourself on solo drums.
In the summer of 2016 one of my drummers from Columbia University, Maddy Tipp, did some intern work at our NYC studio. Lewis Nash visited our studio that summer and I asked Maddy to get Lewis to show her how he'd approach playing his composition Skeeter Blues on solo drums. Now is a perfect time for us to finalize the video so you can see Lewis responding to Maddy's request. Then it's your turn to try it yourself on solo drums.
Lewis Nash
born on December 30, 1958
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. Read more...