Portland Funk and Fusion Bassist Errick Lewis Releases New Album

Bassist Errick Lewis has been a fixture in the Portland jazz, soul and funk scene for years now, playing regular gigs with groups like the hugely popular Doo Doo Funk All-Stars and the Prince tribute band, Erotic City.  When not working in town, Errick has toured as sideman with some impressive names in music like Jay-Z, Lauren Hill, Snoop Dog, the Wu-Tang Clan and?Erykah Badu, as well as  sharing the stage with other talents like Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott and Snoop Dogg.  He also toured nationally with the Tony Award winning musical, “Dreamgirls” (based on the Supremes’ biography).

He has completed his first solo album titled, “Where Musician Ends and Instrument Begins,” and is hosting a CD release show at Jimmy Mak’s (221 NW 10^th Ave) on August 9 (8pm show / $10-12 / 21+).

The CD release show will feature Joey Williams on drums (Justin Bieber, New Edition, Bel Biv Devoe), Derrick Lewis on keys (Kelly Price), Kenny Malone on keys, Brian Foxworth on percussion (Curtis Salgado) and New Orleans native Devin Phillips (Wynton Marsalis, Eddie Palmieri, Lenny Kravitz) on sax.

Born and raised in Compton, CA to a musical family (his brother, Derrick Lewis is a well-respected keyboard player in Portland who has performed with Kelly Price), Errick is a self-taught musician who cultivated his sense of rhythm early, playing drums at eight years old and then moving to bass at 15.  He first toured with gospel stars Kurt Carr and Hesikiah Walker at age 13, playing drums.  By age 16, Errick entered the hip hop scene as a dancer and musician for Tyrese.

Errick cites bassist Marcus Miller as a key influence and seeks to similarly bridge the gap between jazz and hip-hop styles.  He points to Jaco Pastorius as the original inspiration in playing fretless bass, for which he unabashedly proclaims his love.  He maintains a strong sense of community here in Portland, as evidenced last year when he broke his hand, requiring reconstructive surgery, and a number of benefits were organized on his behalf. And in true musical dedication, Errick continued to play through his recovery period, rarely missing a beat.  Notable local musicians who perform on “Where Musician Ends and Instrument Begins” include saxophonist Patrick Lamb, keyboardist Steveland Swatkins and drummer Dennis Dove.  His talent and passion for music have earned him sponsorships over the years from some of the most prestigious instrument labels in the country like Fender, MTD Basses, Spector Basses and Epifani Custom Sound.