Hey, It’s Me You’re Talking To

Victor Lewis composed "Hey, It's Me You're Talking To" as an original piece reflecting his dual identity as both a drummer and a composer of considerable sophistication. Lewis, who came to prominence as a sideman with artists such as Stan Getz, Woody Shaw, and Dexter Gordon during the 1970s and 1980s, developed a reputation for writing compositions that challenge improvisers with unusual forms and unexpected harmonic movement. This tune follows an AAB structure across 48 bars, a less common formal layout that gives the piece a distinctive pacing compared to the standard 32-bar song forms that dominate the jazz repertoire. Lewis's writing often blends post-bop harmonic language with strong melodic content, and this composition is characteristic of his approach, combining rhythmic interest with a clear compositional identity. As a bandleader, Lewis recorded several albums of original material, including the well-regarded Know It Today and Eeeeyess!, which showcased his range as a writer. His compositions have been taken up by a variety of ensembles, though they remain more associated with the musicians in his immediate circle than with the broader jam session repertoire. The 2022 performance from Emmet Cohen's Live From Emmet's Place series features Lewis himself on drums alongside Stacy Dillard on tenor saxophone and Cohen on piano, offering an authoritative reading of the composer's own material.