Where is he from?



Carl Lewis is a true Texas Tenor.  He has a big sound that is only matched by his big personality.  He’s a Houston native who trained under the Late Great Conrad O. Johnson, and received musical training at Texas Southern University’s Summer Jazz Workshop, Florida State University, and received his Master’s Degree from Florida A&M University where he was a member of the world renown Marching 100. 

“I am a professional saxophonist with over 20 years of performance experience spanning many musical genres and 3 continents.   I'm originally from Houston, Texas.  After graduating from Strake Jesuit, I earned an MBA in finance and marketing with a minor in music at FAMU.  At that time I also studied jazz performance with Leon and Rodney Jordan at FSU.  I regularly perform with my horn section, CL Horns and my show band, Intensity.  I have also played special engagements on Carnival Cruise Ships, in the Bahamas, Mexico, London, England, Paris, France, and Amsterdam, Netherlands.  I have performed with: James Bolden, Michelle Williams, Marcus Johnson, Big Jimmy Wright, Jonathan Butler, and Ann Nesbey.  I am an L.A. Sax Endorsee.  And I also perform as a Penguin Entertainment Artist.  You can find me in Central Florida every week, playing music that turns moments into memories.”

​

How did it all start?



At a young age he showed musical interest by playing piano, drums, and trombone by ear.  He began on alto saxophone at St. Anne’s Catholic school, took private lessons under Conrad Johnson (subject of the major motion picture, Jamie Foxx's  Thunder Soul), and honed his skills in the Orchestra at St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Dowling Street.  St. John allowed him the artistic freedom to develop his command of the horn through gospel music.  His approach to each genre from soul, to Latin, pop, hip-hop, and jazz are indicative of each individual sound while carrying the passion and musical anointing of his gospel roots.

​

Where might I know him from?



The unmistakably rich tone of his saxophone has been included in the credits of several recordings, and featured on stage with Myron Butler, Jonathan Nelson, Tye Tribbet, James Hall, and was also the featured saxophonist for some years at the Hampton Minister’s Conference and Organist Guild.  He’s has been a staple in the Chicago, Atlanta, and Houston jazz scenes and has found his home in Central Florida.  He is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist; watch for his uncanny Louis Armstrong impersonation.  He has performed with smooth jazz icons like Boney James, Kim Waters, Jonathan Butler, Horace Alexander Young and the legendary Stanley Turentine.  Carl was the sax player for Foreigner's Lou Gramm  and Dennis Elliot at the Hard Rock Hotel in Universal Orlando.  Carl headlines in the Regal Room with Tamula Browning aboard the Grand Celebration Cruise Ship to Freeport, Bahamas.  A true credit to multi-genre artists, Carl Lewis is a musical force you are sure to enjoy.