D. Richard Lewis’ dramatic yet reflective compositions stem from a life surrounded by classical music and a family of musicians; one of his earliest recollections was hearing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony! Having begun piano lessons at the age of six, he has spent several years in formal training, and many more years in personal exploration of classical/contemporary instrumental piano. "I believe I play with passion; utilizing my instruments as part of the whole, not as a solo device," he notes. "Musical instruments are like a paint brush to me, a tool for adding the color to a portrait."
Making his television debut as a teen on the Jaguars’ hit single, St. James Infirmary, Lewis performed in a variety of jazz bands and other ensembles. His work was featured in the 1985 video Living Room Piano Player, but his commercial break-through came ten years later with the national release of the album, Eye of the Storm by Angels in Motion. This 1995 release set Mericku Records on the map, as well as established Lewis as a producer, writer and keyboardist. Expanding into film by composing the Dharmic Engineers soundtrack in 1998 set the stage for Lewis’ masterwork: Relationship Suite.
Traveling has influenced Lewis’ style, particularly as a young working musician. Touring the States with an Elvis impersonator, doing time in a variety of cover bands in Seattle and Ohio, performing in clubs throughout the Bay area; even playing trumpet in a Los Angeles Latin ensemble have all contributed to his love of melody and helped Lewis develop a talent for arranging.
Following a long pursuit for spiritual truth, he eventually became a Reiki master, settled in the quiet Rocky Mountains town of Boulder, Colorado, and took up a quiet life of alternative healing/teaching, as well as selectively performing his refined, elegant and heart-felt music. "I teach about reincarnation and work with people in their ascension process," Lewis explains. "We are collectively involved in an ascension process that has to do with our own individual connections with the one father-mother God. We are all individuals created from the same source with unique gifts to offer in this upliftment. The earth can no longer handle abuse and unconsciousness. We are responsible for redesigning our living goals to co-exist with all of its inhabitants. This will take putting aside differences in favor of survival and common ground, and giving up greed and power in favor of sharing and love. This will then start the cycle of peace, balance and harmony long promised, on the earth."
Listening to Relationship Suite, one can easily believe that the cycle has begun.