Southport Records

Bobby Lewis is a veteran Southport Records artist, with “Instant Groove” as his eighth CD release for the label! From the debut release of “Inside This Song” (1993) the past thirteen years has delivered a bounty of warmth, beauty and expert musicianship from this masterful musician. “Another Time,” “Passion Flower,” “Here I Go Again,” “Flugel Gourmet,” “Just Havin’ Some Fun,” and the classic re-issue 2-CD set “In The Forefront” all showcase a singular sound and focus with fresh arrangements of classic standards, bossas, re-workings of classical repertoire and strikingly original compositions.

“Instant Groove” is dedicated in remembrance to the late, great electric bassist Thomas Kini. Thomas’ sound can still be heard on “Instant Groove” on two selections, “Saudade II” and “Dreamsville.” To quote Bobby Lewis in his CD liner notes on Thomas, “His passing in 2004 was shocking to all whose lives he touched, and the INSTANT GROOVE that he possessed (smile, spirit, musicianship, kindness and magnetism) will forever be remembered.”

“Instant Groove” features, along with pianist Jim Ryan, tenor/alto sax man Pat Mallinger, bassist Rob Amster, drummer Jeff Stitely, guitarist Curtis Robinson, and percussionist Alejo Poveda, special guest artists - acoustic bass from Rob Kassinger, tenor sax and bassoon from Burl Lane, tuba from Dan Perantoni and the electric bass work of Thomas Kini. Recorded at Sparrow Sound Design Recording Studio, Chicago 2005, “Instant Groove” is Southport Records release #121!!!

“Fresh, new and alive…” – Rick Kogan, The Chicago Tribune / WGN Radio

“…sighing, pervasively lyric style and remarkable purity of tone…” – Howard Reich, The Chicago Tribune

“As the ultimate pied piper, Lewis attracts like minded Chi-town talent” – Michael G. Nastos, AMG All Music Guide