Chord Melody Arrangements of Jazz Standards for Guitar

June 1, 2025

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AFM Joint Venture Agreement

Jazz guitarist and bassist Vince Lewis, vice president of Local 674 (Covington-Lewisburg, VA), started performing professionally at age 14 when he joined Local 136 (Charleston, WV). He’s been an in-demand headliner, session player, jazz educator, and active union member ever since.

Lewis has recorded 20 CDs as both leader and sideman. His Chord Melody Arrangements for solo guitar—including bossa nova—are streamed online and appear in Jazz Guitar Today magazine where he’s also a regular contributor. All recordings, which are done on an AFM Joint Venture agreement, simply feature Lewis and his guitar—more often than not, his custom trans-amber, quilted maple Heritage archtop. 

His 50-year career has taken many turns, in trios, as a soloist, and headliner at jazz festivals and concerts, including performances with artists like Herb Ellis, Mundell Lowe, and Joe Byrd. Lewis has opened for B.B. King, Dave Brubeck, and Joe Sample. He’s played concerts with British pianist Derek Smith, the Cab Calloway Orchestra, Les Elgart Orchestra, and Ed Shaughnessy, to name a few. 

Critics have said that Lewis is “old school in the best way,” arching melodic embellishments and improvisation, with superb technique. His sophisticated approach to trio playing echoes the famous chord stylings pioneered by the legendary bop player Barney Kessel. 

For the better part of his career, Lewis has been dedicated to music education. He’s directed classical and jazz guitar programs, conducted jazz guitar workshops, and created courses in improvisation at several colleges, namely the University of Charleston, Marshall University, and Palm Beach University. At present, he is an assistant professor of jazz and guitar at Bluefield University. He is staff solo guitarist at the renowned Greenbrier Resort. 

Lewis been placed in “In the Wings” for the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, which guarantees induction at a later date. 

Lewis says that he’s enjoyed such a successful career because of his lifelong membership in the AFM in every state in which he’s been based, adding, “Serving presently as an officer of our local is one of my proudest achievements.”

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