Bio
Chris Lewis is a multi-award winning saxophonist, composer, educator, and bandleader. Known for his bold artistic voice and dynamic leadership, Lewis simultaneously leads his own quartet while maintaining an active schedule as a sideman. He is highly sought after by masters of the music, as well as his contemporaries.
Lewis is a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and has performed with artists including Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride, Michael Bublé, Eric Reed, Terell Stafford, and Jeff “Tain” Watts, contemporaries Julius Rodriguez and Sean Mason, and premier ensembles such as the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, the Count Basie Orchestra, John Beasley’s MONK’estra, and The Gil Evans Project. At the age of 28, Lewis can be heard on over 30 recordings. He can be seen in television series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Godfather of Harlem, and The Gilded Age, as well as a prominent feature in Levi’s Vintage Fall campaign.
A dedicated educator, Lewis teaches students of all ages. Offering his expertise in saxophone, improvisation, and ensemble performance, he continues to help shape the future of jazz both on and off the bandstand. He’s served as a guest artist, clinician, and adjudicator for a host of jazz festivals and competitions, and maintains a private studio of students worldwide.
Public EVENTs
December 16-21, 2025: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra ft Shenel Johns & Kate Kortum: Big Band Holidays
Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center - New York, NY
January 7, 2026: Ted Nash Big Band
JEN Conference - New Orleans, LA
January 15-17, 2026: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w. Wynton Marsalis
Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center - New York, NY
January 22 - February 15, 2026: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w. Wynton Marsalis Tour
February 19, 2026: Ben Wolfe Trio
Location TBD
February 20, 2026: Chris Lewis Quartet Residency #1
NotSoLatin - Philadelphia, PA
Dan Nimmer - Piano
Russell Hall - Bass
TBA - Drums
February 27 & 28, 2026: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center - New York, NY
March 7, 2026: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center - New York, NY
March 12-14, 2026: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w.Wynton Marsalis ft. Danilo Perez and Godwin Louis
Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center - New York, NY
March 17-28, 2026: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w.Wynton Marsalis Tour
Japan & South Korea