Alan Hewitt

The road to becoming a jazz pianist has never been a smooth one. Just ask Alan Hewitt, the former Petoskey native who will return to Northern Michigan to perform at the Milliken Auditorium on September 29 to benefit Traverse City based Michael’s Place.
Hewitt’s musical career began at the age of 10 when he took up the drums. By the age of 12, he was well known by area musicians for his musical chops, and often jammed with the best the area had to offer. In the early ‘70s while attending Petoskey High School, he was part of the popular regional power-trio rock band Rasputin, known for their wild outfits and stage antics.
That was 30 years ago. Today Hewitt is a successful smooth jazz artist who is in demand on the circuit and in the studio. He will be a part of the popular All-Star Smooth Jazz Cruise next January that will include Kenny G and Fourplay (Bob James), among others. Hewitt’s recent recordings (Metropolis, Noche de Passion) might find themselves in the smooth jazz bins, but the composer sees his work expanding beyond a simple classification.
“I draw from a lot of genres and play a lot of different styles,” said Hewitt. “There is this tendency to categorize in this industry but my approach is make music and not concern myself with labels or categories.”
People Magazine named Alan Hewitt “music’s best kept secret” a few years ago. But the secret seems to be out of the bag now, as Hewitt just signed a major label deal with Verve Records (Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Al Jarreau) and will release a new CD in early 2008.
“I have spent much of my musical career working behind the scenes, composing film and television scores,” said Hewitt. “I also have worked a lot producing and performing on CD for other musicians.”
Hewitt’s compositions and arrangements, along with his piano work, has been heard in several films including “Ocean’s 13,” “Happy Gilmore,” “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” and “Gods and Generals.” He has arranged and composed the theme songs or backing music for more than 50 television programs, including Oprah, The Osbournes, Inside the NFL, the popular Fox show 24, the first two seasons of “Survivor,” and fellow Michiganian Tim Allen’s TV series, “Home Improvement.”
As for his work with other musicians, that has been equally as diverse, ranging from performing on Earth Wind & Fire’s Greatest Hits CD to performing and co-writing with Donny Osmond. His rock n’ roll roots came in handy as he co-wrote Warrant’s hit song “Cherry Pie” and played keyboards on the album of the same name that sold 3 million copies in 1990. He also has performed and wrote songs for John Waite and R&B/Jazz sensation Jonathan Butler.
So exactly how does a rock n’ roll drummer evolve into a smooth jazz/easy listening/contemporary instrumentalist?
“I headed off to Berklee College of Music in 1976, and while I was there I played in bands (T-Bone Walker) and even appeared on the original “Star Search” TV talent search show,” said Hewitt. “I ended up landing a demo deal with Warner Brothers, and they wanted me to be out front and not behind the drums. I didn’t want to stand behind a microphone, so I took up the piano and started what I see as my second musical career.”
Hewitt studied composition and arranging at Berklee and found that the piano came in handy - but so did the drums.
“I still play the drums today. Once a drummer, always a drummer,” said Hewitt. “The drums are rhythmic, and being able to play them is actually quite helpful in composing music.”
When Hewitt takes the stage he will certainly perform an assortment of compositions that fall into the smooth jazz arena; but expect him and his band to get funky and play plenty of high-energy tunes, as well.
“I have a diverse group of players coming with me that come from a variety of bands and backgrounds,” said Hewitt. “We plan to keep things interesting.” Those players include drummer Chad Wright (part of the “American Idol” band, Wright was also Rick James’ drummer) who currently has been touring the world with Kieki Matsui; on bass, the talented Jervonny Collier of Bruce Hornsby and Gladys Knight fame; and on guitar, Brian Price, who has toured and recorded with John Tesh and James Ingram.
Hewitt’s Northern Michigan evening will begin with a couple of opening acts, namely the band Into This, featuring several local musicians (Al Jankowski) that Hewitt has known for years, and Northern Michigan’s Kristine Seelye, who has been compared to artists like Sarah McLachlan, Jimmy Webb, and Carly Simon.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit Michael’s Place, a healing center for grieving children, individuals, and families who have experienced the death of a loved one; the programs and services of Michael’s Place are provided at no cost. Following the concert, Crema and Bry’s Estate Vineyard & Winery will provide a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception.

Verve recording artist/two-time platinum artist Alan Hewitt will appear at the Dennos Museum in Traverse City, Michigan on September 29, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. for a fundraiser to benefit Michael’s Place, with special performances by Into This and Kristine Seelye. Tickets are $25/$35/$50 and may be purchased by calling 231-947-6453.

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