Rhythm Is My Business is the title of his debut recording as a leader, and rhythm is a booming business as far as LEWIS NASH is concerned. He is the drummer of choice for an incredible array of artists - from the masters of the music to the hottest young players of today - and is equally in demand as a clinician and educator.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Lewis developed an early interest in music and began playing drums at age 10. By age 18, he was performing with local jazz groups. By the time he was 21, Nash had become the "first call" jazz drummer in Phoenix, working with Sonny Stitt, Art Pepper, Red Garland, Lee Konitz, Barney Kessell, and Slide Hampton during their engagements in the city.

In 1981, Nash moved to New York City and joined the trio of the great jazz vocalist Betty Carter. For nearly four years, he toured internationally with Ms. Carter. He is featured on three of her recordings, including the Grammy-winning Look What I Got.

World-renowned bassist Ron Carter hired Nash in 1984. As a member of Carter's nonet, quintet, and quartet, Nash toured extensively and is featured on several of the bassist's recordings.

In the fall of 1986, saxophonist Branford Marsalis asked Nash to join his quartet. That active association spanned two years and several continents, and is documented on Marsalis' Grammy-nominated recording Random Abstract, as well as two videos: Royal Garden Blues (directed by Spike Lee) and "Branford Marsalis - Steep".

1988 marked the return to the jazz scene of trombone master J.J. Johnson. Johnson frequently asked Lewis to provide rhythm duties for his band. That same year, Nash joined the Don Pullen/George Adams quartet, succeeding the late Dannie Richmond.

04/07