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	Building a Strong Jazz Foundation The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake City, Utah Feb 16, 2003 The Salt Lake Tribune May 11, 2003 By Martin Renzhofer Lewis Nash has a sneaking suspicion that prejudice is part of the reason he is without a recording contract. Nash, you see, is a drummer. "It's difficult not to get into a diatribe about this," said the veteran jazz drummer, who performs Monday with his band at Jazz at the Sheraton. Trumpeter Clark Terry once described Nash as "a very tasteful, beautiful drummer with impeccable time." Those who witnessed his brilliant performance in Salt Lake City two years ago at the Sheraton, with bassist Christian McBride and pianist Benny Green, can attest not only to Nash's sense of swing, melody and musical smarts, but to his humor. It isn't that Nash has never recorded. This first-call drummer has more than 300 credits to his name -- for a wide array of talent that includes Branford Marsalis, Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson, Benny Carter, Bette Midler, George Michael and Dizzy Gillespie. Nash's own album, 1993's "Rhythm Is My Business," was a critical success. But he is also a bit picky. "I could have recorded many times for small, independent label with small budgets," said Nash, 45. "They are good for people trying to get into the business. "Sometimes industry people are not on the same page. Maybe they think I'd have too much drums, it would be one long drum solo. But [jazz labels] are dropping all kinds of people. Christian McBride was just dropped by Verve." Nash is not wanting for work, though. He just finished recording with Elvis Costello and is booked solid through August, including a 10-day recording date with Linda Ronstadt starting Wednesday. "I'd just like to put out my stuff," he said with a rueful laugh. "I was a little down at first, but I'm not frustrated. The situation keeps encouraging me to keep doing what I want. When it does happen, [the recording] will just be more powerful." The band Nash plans on bringing to Salt Lake City is the core of his larger seven-piece ensemble, which also includes a trumpet and more percussion. Joining Nash in Salt Lake City are pianist Mulgrew Miller, Steve Nelson on vibes and bassist Peter Washington. Monday's performance does include a special guest saxophonist - - veteran tenor player Houston Person -- in what promises to be a melodic evening of jazz. "You can count on it," said Nash. The Phoenix native began pounding on drums at age 10. By his early 20s, Nash had moved to New York City and joined Betty Carter's trio. He played on three of the great vocalist's recordings, including the Grammy-winning "Look What I've Got." Soon after, Nash was part of bassist Ron Carter's band, where he stayed for two years before joining Branford Marsalis. The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz describes Nash as "perhaps the most talented drummer of his generation, equally effective in small group or big band" settings. Nash is also in demand as a clinician and educator, and is not afraid to "borrow" or learn from other musicians. "I'm lucky more so than a horn player or vocalist," said Nash. "I can play other people's music. Those who are open to a high standard of musicianship call me and I bring what I bring. "But I can't wait to do it like that for myself." At the Sheraton The Lewis Nash Quartet, with guest Houston Person, performs Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Jazz at the Sheraton, 150 W. 500 South, Salt Lake City. Admission is $25.