Andre Lewis (musician)


Michael Andre Lewis, aka Mandré, was an American musician known for his synthesizer recordings at Motown. As Andre Lewis he also contributed to Labelle's Moon Shadow and Whitney Houston's Just Whitney. He toured or recorded with Grant Green, The Who, Labelle, Buddy Miles Band, Maxayn, Rufus, White Chocolate, Earth Wind and Fire and Frank Zappa. He was also band leader for Johnny "Guitar" Watson.
His debut single as Mandré "Solar Flight ", was a hit from a self-titled debut album Mandré. He formerly played with his band Maxayn, named after the singer, and later his wife, Maxayn Lewis,.

Career

1960s

During the 1960s, Lewis led the group, The New Breed aka Andre Lewis and the New Breed. The band also included Stemsy Hunter, Hoshal Wright, Jerry Bennett, Hank Redd and Curly Martin.

1970s

Andre Lewis made a significant contribution to Buddy Miles' Them Changes album which was released in 1970. He played organ on "Heart’s Delight", organ and clavinet on "Dreams" and contributed backing vocals, organ, clavinet and backing vocals on "Down by the River", and organ on "Your Feeling Is Mine". He also co-wrote the track "Paul B. Allen, Omaha, Nebraska" with Buddy Miles. He was the arranger for that track.
Lewis' group Maxayn played at the Whisky A Go Go in 1972. Both Maxayn's performance as well as the performance by Sparks was reviewed in the 20 May issue of Cash Box. The reviewer noted that Lewis was impressive on bass and played a Billy Preston-ish type organ. Lewis also alternated between lead vocals and electric piano.

1980s - 1990s

Lewis was part of the Buddy Miles and the Mighty Rhythm Tribe project. It also included Marlo Henderson and his fellow Ohama musicians, Stemsy Hunter and Bill Rich. He played on the 1993 album release and contributed to some of the compositions.

Discography

Albums

  • Mandré - 1977
  • Mandré Two - 1978
  • M3000 - 1979
  • Mandré 4 - 1982

Singles

  • "Solar Flight " 1977
  • "Keep Tryin'" 1977
  • "Maxymus Lyte" 1978
  • "Fair Game" 1978
  • "Light Years" 1978
  • "Spirit Groove" 1979
  • "Freakin's Fine" 1979