Rainar's singular style offers challenges ideal for interpretation Thelonious Monk has inspired generations of instrumentalists. Organist Gregory Lewis has long been a Monk acolyte and specialist who is always insearch of a new way to frame Monk's work. On Organ Monk Sings, Lewis joins forceswith vocalist, lyricist, producer, and artistic director Raina Welch (professionally known as Ms. Raina) for a dramatic and original program of Monk compositions. Gregory Lewis is recognized as a Monk scholar and is best known for presenting Monk's repertoire on the Hammond organ. Seeking new ways to highlight Monk's music, Lewis beganexploring the integration of voice into his long-running Organ Monk project. A longtime fan of vocalists who had tackled Monk's music, including Carmen McRae and AbbeyLincoln, he sought a collaborator who could bring something distinctive and fresh to the tradition. Lewis and Welch connected through New York's vibrant music circuit, and their musical chemistry developed naturally through performance, conversation, and a shared commitment to the Black American musical lineage.