Virtuoso Jazz Pianist Live Performance | Eric Lewis | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Renowned jazz pianist Eric Lewis discusses his musical journey, innovative style, and fusion of jazz and rock influences.

Transcript

Presenter: All right. Hello, everyone, and welcome again to the @Google program. This installment for musicians at Google, as you can tell. We're welcoming today Eric Lewis, renowned jazz pianist and is only getting hotter on the scene. He was recently featured at the April conference -- TED Conference, uh, where he was, I think, his first exposure... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤕 Eric Lewis comes from a musical family and received classical training from a young age.
• 🤪 He attended the Manhattan School of Music and went on to tour with jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis and Elvin Jones.
• 👨‍🎤 Lewis developed a unique style called "rock jazz" by integrating his niche mentality, powerful playing, and classical training with alternative rock influences.
• 🎹 He draws inspiration from the lyrics of songs and explores the convergence of lyrics, chord progressions, and piano techniques.
• 🎹 Lewis considers his music as a continuation of the piano tradition, incorporating elements of ragtime, jazz, and rock.
• 🎼 His style focuses on creating emotional and vibrant colors in music, emphasizing interaction and experimentation.
• 👂 Lewis embraces adaptability and aims to match the sounds and experiences of his time and culture.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Eric Lewis get started playing the piano?

Lewis comes from a musical family and grew up surrounded by pianos. He started playing at a young age and received classical training.

Q: How did Lewis transition from jazz to alternative rock?

After years of playing jazz, Lewis discovered alternative rock and connected with the powerful lyrics and emotional expression. He saw an opportunity to integrate his jazz background with the sounds and techniques of rock music.

Q: Can you explain Lewis' style of "rock jazz"?

Lewis' style combines elements of jazz and alternative rock, incorporating powerful playing, emotional expression, and the use of piano techniques inspired by electric guitar sounds.

Q: How did Lewis incorporate his business knowledge from his experiences with chess hustlers?

The chess hustlers in Washington Square Park gave Lewis insight into branding, business tactics, and creating a niche. This influenced his approach to the music industry as an independent artist.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Eric Lewis comes from a musical family and grew up surrounded by pianos, eventually becoming influenced by jazz and classical music.

• He studied at the Manhattan School of Music and went on to tour with renowned jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis and Elvin Jones.

• Lewis developed a unique style called "rock jazz" by integrating his niche mentality, powerful playing, and classical training with alternative rock influences.