R.I.P. Andrew Lewis aka Mandré [ 1975 Zappa-keyboard ]

Mandré Lp / Mandré 1977

"Frank m'a demandé si je savais chanter. Je lui ai fait "Sunny" et il m'a dit de revenir le lendemain. Mon impression était qu'il savait exactement ce qu'il voulait. Il voyait une image, très précisément. Et c'était lui le peintre." (Andre Lewis - 2003)

Michael Andre Lewis
[dead Jan. 31 2012] was one of the first musicians using multiple signal processors on keyboards. He was a pioneer in the use of synthesizers on records and worked with Roger Lynn on developing the first digital drum machines (he was a testor for Roland products). Lewis was hired by FZ to replace George Duke. Andre got to audition via Marty Perellis, who got his name and number from a music store in LA (though his professional relationship with Johnny "Guitar" Watson might have helped him 'win' the audition). His first gig with FZ was the Royce Hall concert. Andre Lewis provided organ/keyboards, and/or vocal for Zoot Allures, Studio Tan, Sheik Yerbouti, Orchestral Favorites, Tinsel Town Rebellion, Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar, You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 3, You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 6, Läther, Frank Zappa Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa, FZ:OZ, and Quaudiophiliac. # source: killuglyradio.com

Via findagrave.com: Musician, music producer. Son of Harry Lewis, saxophonist with the Count Basie Band and bandleader for Fats Domino and Etta James. Toured as member of the unit "Universal Attractions," backing The Orlons and Sam Cook. In the band "Andre Lewis and the New Breed," nurtured early careers of Stemsy Hunter and Herbie Rich, later of the Electric Flag, and Hank Redd, future Stevie Wonder manager.
With Buddy Miles issues albums that included "Them Changes," and also worked in sessions with The Who, Labelle, Sly and the Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix.

As producer of his own group Maxayn, was a songwriter, arranger, producer and keyboardist. As such produced albums for White Chocolate and Labelle and toured with Earth, Wind and Fire. Was a longtime collaborator with Johnny "Guitar" Watson and toured and recorded with Zappa and Leon Russell. Career also included production and session work with artists such as Tata Vega, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Rickenstein, Huey Lewis, Stacey Latesaw, Edwin Starr, The Gap Band, Bobby Womack, Sly Stone, Marlo Henderson and Ike Turner.

# united-mutations/Mandre