BREMERTON — With the skill and artistry of someone who has truly been immersed in music from day one, Mark Lewis is partnering up with other jazz musicians to bring down the house at Ponderay Cafe and Lounge on Thursdays — all at the drop of a hat.

“They just show up and play,” said Lewis’ manager, Rhonda Stewart. “They don’t practice at all before performing.”

Jazz, which can be entirely made up of improvised notes and melodies, is on of the most on-the-spot malleable musical forms, and Lewis takes that to a whole new level, she said. Along with piano greats Bud Schultz (Feb. 1), who also plays vibes, Norm Bellas (Feb. 8), Ray Ohls (Feb. 15) and Overton Berry (Feb. 22), Lewis creates a totally unique tunes — ones that change from performance to performance.

“They are all different, but those of us that listen on a regular basis can hear the same influences and patterns,” Stewart said of how each musician, when paired with Lewis, sounds different, but with a recognizable style all their own. “The music really depends on the mood that night, and from one musician to the next, his styles change.”

Lewis, who takes to the alto sax, baritone sax, flute, and piano with equal ease, has been involved with music since his youth. Influenced by relatives and his parents’ record collection, which included, including Count Basie, Lester Young, Art Tatum and Duke Ellington, he took off into the jazz community as soon as possible. Now, with 1,000 composed songs an 20 albums, one that made the Top 40 jazz list, Lewis is wowing Kitsap residents on a regular basis.

Lewis started playing Thursdays night at the Ponderay Cafe in October 2006, and is working on a month to month basis, Stewart said. Basically as long as he can fill houses, he can keep playing. Based on his performances, that should be no problem.

“There’s always a mix,” Stewart said, speaking of people who come to hear Lewis, and those that come in for dinner and find a new tune. “Some people who come in are regulars, and show up every month for certain musicians that play with Lewis. Some just come in the door for dinner.”

Performances are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Ponderay Cafe and Lounge, 610 N. Callow, Bremerton. For more information, visit Lewis’ Web site, www.marklewismusic.com.