A day before his 30th birthday, Errick Lewis takes the time to share his thoughts with us here at WOHM. A jazz musician whose roots, like many, are in hip-hop, Errick has done it all. From solo projects, teaming up with world renowned artists, and even dancing, music is very much his life.
I’ve seen you perform many times and it seems like you’re playing a different instrument every time. How many instruments do you actually know how to play, and which ones?
I play keys, drums, bass, upright bass, cello and violin.
One of my favorite songs to be released this past year is Critical Mass’ Walls Fall Down. I heard you played all the instruments on the track. True?
True.
Besides Dizz, what other local artists have you worked with? Where can we listen to to hear your talent?
I work with the Doo Doo Funk All-Stars, Yamio263… I also have a solo thing with the best musicians in the world playing with me in my opinion.
You’ve worked with tons of major artists as well. Who were some of your favorites?
I would have to say Kim Burrell was my favorite. She is a legend among legends. And also Erykah was awesome.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
At this point playing bass for a major jazz fusion artist like Herbie Hancock, George Duke or Victor Wooten would be fine, but being the artist is more of what I want to do and the direction I’m headed in.
So why music?
Music is the reason I’m alive. If I didn’t have music in my life, I would’ve been dead or in jail. Growing up in the hood, I was on the verge of becoming a product of my environment, but music was my way out
If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
On the positive side I would’ve loved to be a part of law enforcement. But really, I may have went in the opposite direction.
What projects/shows do we have to look forward to?
The next big shows I have coming up are opening for the Marley Bros in Eugene on June 21, as well as playing with and opening for Karen Briggs on August 2nd at Jimmy Maks in Portland.
Then there’s my album release party on August 9th at Jimmy Maks.