Ashley Lewis

Inspired by James Morrison, Ashley picked up a trombone through the state school music program in 1989. Less than one year later he toured with James and was awarded a trumpet, and later a piano. In 1992 aged 13 he completed his 8^th grade trombone exam A.M.E.B., and performed two concerto’s with the Queensland Conservatorium Youth Orchestra. In 1993 he played Principal trombone with the Australian Youth Wind Orchestra, and more recently held the Principal chair in the Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra. He was a Scholar at T.S.S. until 1994 when he was invited to commence a Bachelor of Music Performance at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. In 1999 he was awarded his second Youth Music Australia Bursary to attend National Music Camp in Perth. He played Principal trombone in the Bishop Orchestra, performed as a solo artist with the NMC Brass Ensemble, and was awarded a grant to study from one of his greatest classical idols Warwick Tyrrel. After Graduating from the Q.C.M. in 1999 he was awarded the Queens Trust for Young Achievers as well as a Queensland Arts Council Grant to further his study overseas. He studied classical and jazz in L.A., Chicago, N.Y., London, and Munich. In 2006 Ashley toured Europe and the United states and also performed on the largest cruise ship in the world the “Freedom of the seas” under the direction of Greg Carger. He was promoted to Musical Director for his last five weeks on the ship before leaving for Austria. 

“What makes Ashley Different from many of his colleagues is that he has an aptitude for both jazz and classical music. This is most unusual, as unlike most others that try this, he doesn’t do one properly and just dabble in the other, but rather has achieved excellence in both Genres. He has enormous talent and displays diligence and professionalism in all that he does” James Morrison. 

As a singer, Ashley takes his style from a select group of singers including: Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr, Tony Bennett, Vince Jones, Sam Cooke, Chet Baker, Donny Hathaway. 

In more recent times he has been compared to the ever popular Michael Buble, however his overall his musicality, style and integrity remain very much his own.

Ashley has performed on albums by: George, Resin Dogs, Elation and played solo with many artists including: Don Burrows (Australia), Maynard Ferguson (U.S.A), Eji Kitamura (Japan), Benny Carter (USA) Ed Wilson (Australia), Tom Baker (U.S.A), Rolf Harris (U.K.), Dale Barlow (Australia), Ray Brown (USA), James and John Morrison (Australia) Venetta Fields (Australia) and many more.