Mel Lewis "The Cute" Neal Hefti

Swiss TV-Produktion 1984 "Jazz-in" Mel Lewis drums, Horst Jankowski piano, Jean Toots Thielemans harmonica, Mads Vinding bass, Pierre Cavalli guitar

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Mel
• Lewis
• Drums
• Horst
• Jankowski
• Jean
• Toots
• Thielemans
• Mads
• Vinding
• Pierre
• Cavalli
• The
• Cute
• Neal
• Hefti

[MarkR1957]

"The drummer is fairly mediocre".

What??? This is Mel Lewis . . . one of the greatest drummers in music history.

Mel didn't rely on fast chops, like so many others do. His style of playing, and his concept, were quite unique. He was extremely musical, very creative, and could swing a band, big or small, as well - if not better - than any other drummer.

Just because a drummer does not play loud and fast all the time does NOT make him "fairly mediocre".

Quite the jackass statement, sambamac.

[mrsticks28]

Out of all the drummers I've heard or seen, Mel is the best. I've seen them all from Buddy to Butch Miles, Shelly, louie, etc. Mel was a musical, very swinging drummer. His nickname was "The Tailor", since everything he played fit so well.

[leviatann]

Wow - superb playing!

I'm just happy that this was recorded & available to us, to both learn from & use to inspire others (ie drumming students) specially in the sublime art of brush work.

Unfortunately Mr. Mel Lewis has always remained somewhat underrated in comparison to his peers, this sample of his playing shows how foolish you'd be to ignore his extremely valuable contribution to the evolvement of drumming. A big & definite Thank You for uploading!

[MegaBanne]

the groove merchant^.-

[darthjoey13]

Great playing of course but I despise whoever was in charge of recording. The mics are all too close and the reverb is up too high. I noticed the same thing on another video from the same show. It makes the instruments sound artificial.

[mlowell93]

Mel was my grandfather and i just want to say it's very nice to see that he still inspires people today. thanks for the great video!

[67Mannheim]

Great musicians, all of them! To be able that intimately to the audience - without "screaming" but, rather, leaving a feeling of "conversation". Fine, fine taste. Thanks guys!

[chasming]

The Ultimate Drummer, "The Tailor" no comment needed.

[kingorthy]

One of THE swingingest drummers of all time--idolized by other jazz drummers, he had such great taste and timing.

[DrumTchr]

"THE Cute" LOL

BTW... Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson would go to Mel Lewis's gigs to watch him play they liked him so much. Mel gave Buddy that China cymbal that he used until he passed away April 2, 1987.

[drumspeed2]

@drummistic Not all kids, bud, I'm 15 and 95% self taught. I learned my styles by listening to classic artists and drummers all, such as Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, Lionel Hampton, Papa Jo Jones (one of my personal favorites), Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and his combination of light touch for forceful playing, etc. The 40s-60s bebop era is where I try to hover around best.

[JMRSplatt]

Mel Lewis' brushwork is just so fine.