Larnell Lewis Receives Second JUNO Award Nomination for Slice of Life
TORONTO, March 27, 2025 – Renowned drummer, composer, and educator Larnell Lewis has earned his second JUNO Award nomination, marking a significant achievement in his musical journey. His latest album, Slice of Life, presents a deeply personal reflection on his experiences, weaving together jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and Brazilian influences to craft a distinct sound.
“Slice of Life captures where I am at this moment,” says Lewis. “This album is not only about my musicianship but also about my growth as a composer. It delves into deeper themes and life lessons. While I often focus on complex drumming and solos, this time, I prioritized the overall musicality. In fact, drums were the last element I considered.”
Fatherhood has played a central role in shaping the album. Lewis, who shares three children with steel pannist Joy Lapps, included a heartfelt contribution from their daughter, Kaya, whose voice can be heard on the track “Hide and Seek.”
The journey to completing Slice of Life came with its share of obstacles. “Creating this album was a challenge, but we pushed through,” Lewis reflects. “Seeing my name on the JUNO nominee list was like searching for a spot on a team roster—when I found it, both hands went up in celebration.”
To mark the occasion, Lewis and his band will perform at Lula Lounge on March 20, 2025, in honor of Slice of Life and his JUNO nomination.
About Larnell Lewis
A Toronto native with roots in St. Kitts and Nevis, Larnell Lewis has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional musicianship. In addition to leading his own projects, he is also known for his work with Snarky Puppy. Moreover, he has collaborated with esteemed artists like Gregory Porter, Kurt Elling, Lalah Hathaway, and Jules Buckley. Other notable collaborations include Pat Metheny, Jacob Collier, Laila Biali, and Etienne Charles, as well as the Metropole Orkest.
Beyond his performances, Lewis is a dedicated educator, serving as a Professor of Music at Humber College. He also played a pivotal role as Musical Director for the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of QUINCY, leading performances featuring Chaka Khan, Mark Ronson, and Yebba Smith. With an engaged social media following of nearly 500,000, Lewis continues to inspire audiences through his passion for music and storytelling.
About DAYO Media & Communications Inc.
DAYO Media & Communications Inc. (DM&C) is an award-winning Toronto-based team of media and communications experts. Since 1999, DM&C has led multimedia campaigns, communications strategies, TV shows, and media literacy workshops across Canada, U.S., and the Caribbean. Blending journalism and communications, DM&C creates content that sparks discussion, thought, and action. www.dayo.ca
