|
James Lewis Guitar |
|
Musical History
Fortunate to have supportive parents, James received his first individual guitar instruction at the age of eight. Painfully playing a $15 Sears Silvertone guitar, he was instructed in traditional folk songs and finger picking techniques. His teacher, George, was the keyboard player, not guitar player in his rock band. As he watched their band rehearsal, the electric lead guitarist soloed through “Light My Fire” by The Doors, and he thought, “Wow, I want to play like that!” In high school he began studying electric Jazz guitar with fellow aspiring guitarist Ron Barale under the tutelage of Ron Veliz and Dave Costa at Guitar Showcase Music Institute. They formed a band, “HedRush” and played their first professional gig at 16 years old. The repertoire included original songs and a mix of, Led Zeppelin, Montrose, Doobie Brothers and others of the era. As a senior at James Lick High he was elected to teach the group guitar class, allowing music director/horn player Mr. Reed to take a coffee break (receiving an automatic “A” for the course)! In 1977, as a University of San Diego music major, James studied sight singing and orchestration while performing with cover group “Ocean”, playing private parties and functions including Coronado Island. Returning to the San Francisco Bay Area, James joined soul/dance band, “Midas Touch” and toured the Northwest and Canada playing large hotels and nightclubs. The group evolved into an original act named Life on Earth and in 1982 joined James joined ASCAP, established independent label Time Designs Music, and with the cooperation of great musicians, recorded the groups first album entitled “There Is...” James learned the art of multi-track music production and earned the role of chief engineer/producer at Ayre Studios, the first 24 Track in San Jose. Purchased by one of James’ sixth grade classmates, Bruce Tambling, Ayre Studios evolved into Future Rhythm where he performed the roles of artist/engineer/producer for many years. He has done sessions at various studios around the bay area currently utilizes Open Path Music as the place to record large-scale music projects. A veteran of the Bay Area music scene, James is grateful to have participated in many facets of the music arts. He has contributed too projects from aspiring artists to MC Hammer, members of Santana, The Grateful Dead and Huey Lewis and the News. Guitar Coaching History Beacock School of Music (1991-1999) Sierra Road, San Jose, California Owned by jazz drummer Laverne Beacock, this music school thrived for many years. Upon Vern’s retirement the school was sold to Barbara Morrison, piano teacher and became: Music Miracles (2001-2003) Cropley Avenue, San Jose, California Featuring lessons only, with no retail sales, rentals or repairs, the store shut its doors in October, 2003. Studio Alum Rock! (2003-Present) Talmadge Avenue, San Jose, California
Performance History
Webography:
Sample Discography
References available upon request.
Email address: jamesedwardlewis@comcast.net |
Return to Music Village Lessons page
Rentals | Lessons | Repairs | News & Updates | Home
Copyright 1999/2006 - All Rights Reserved