Results for "Ramsey Lewis"

Ramsey Lewis

Born: May 27, 1935

Ramsey Lewis has been an iconic leader in the contemporary jazz movement for over 50 years with an unforgettable sound and outgoing personality that has allowed him to crossover to the pop and R&B charts.

The Ramsey Lewis Trio, with bassist Eldee Young and percussionist Redd Holt, became a fixture on the Chicago jazz scene, releasing their debut album, Ramsey Lewis & His Gentlemen of Jazz, back in 1956.

Lewis earned his first gold record, as well as a Grammy award for Best Jazz Performance, for their swinging version of Dobie Gray’s hit “The In Crowd.” He returned to the pop charts in 1966 with versions of “Hang On Sloopy” and “Wade In The Water.” Throughout the years, Lewis’ trio has undergone membership changes, all the while staying true to Lewis’ high musical standards.

Blues, Gospel, R&B, Ramsey and Cannonball

by Marshall Bowden
April 22, 2002

This article first appeared on All About Jazz in April 2002. Though he didn't use a ring modulator or play with an army of electric guitarists, Ramsey Lewis was one of the more popular jazz musicians of the mid 1960s and helped bridge the gap between gospel, blues, soul, jazz, and rock/fusion experiments. Though ...

Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane: Miles Davis & John Coltrane Centennial at UMS

by C. Andrew Hovan
February 27, 2026

Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane Hill Auditorium Miles Davis & John Coltrane Centennial Ann Arbor, Michigan February 15, 2026 How fitting that jazz titans Miles Davis and John Coltrane were both born in 1926. As the centennial of their births is celebrated across the country, tributes have taken many forms. ...

Peter Lin AAPI Jazz Collective, Maria Kaushansky, Patrick Smith, Wayne Wilkinson

by Cheryl K.
December 22, 2025

During this week's two-hour program of jazz and improvised music, trombonist Peter Lin and the AAPI Jazz Collective; the Travis Jenkins Piano Trio; pianists Maria Kaushansky and Andrew Carroll; drummer Roy Brooks from 1963 and 1972; saxophonist Patrick Smith; and guitarists Louis Stewart (with pianist Jim Doherty), John Scofield (w/bassist Dave Holland), Charlie Byrd (featuring The ...

The Ten Best Jazz Christmas Albums Of All Time

by Peter J. Hoetjes
December 20, 2025

As temperatures drop and days grow short, winter is once again upon us. For those looking to listen to the sounds of the season without resorting to December's relentless slew of glossy, generic cash-grabs, jazz can be a breath of fresh, wintry air. You won't find (many) singers on this list, since most people already know ...

Best Jazz Christmas Songs Of All-Time

by Ken Hohman
December 20, 2025

While moldy Christmas songs and great jazz seem as compatible as egg nog and Tanqueray, there have been instances where the planets have aligned to create songs that display the best of both genres. Ten instances, to be exact, and you'll find them below. Do you agree? Then post your holiday toast to my list. Don't ...

Joe Alterman & Mocean Worker: Keep The Line Open

by Andy Crowther
September 26, 2025

The spirit of the late, great pianist Les McCann is revived and respected in Keep The Line Open from Mocean Worker (aka Adam Dorn) and Joe Alterman. Bassist-producer Dorn and pianist-composer Alterman are uniquely placed to record a tribute to their mentor and friend McCann. Dorn's father Joel worked with McCann at Atlantic Records ...

Including tunes heard, bought and artists featured at this year’s We Out Here Festival in the UK

by Andy Crowther
September 5, 2025

New material from International Anthem, Gary Bartz, Brian Jackson, plus tunes from Charles Stepney and other artists from this year's We Out Here festival in the UK. Playlist Rotary Connection “Memory Band" from Rotary Connection (Cadet Concept) 00:00 Makaya McCraven “Butterscotch" from In The Moment (International Anthem) 03:39 Ramsey Lewis “Julia" from Mother Nature's ...

Sullivan Fortner, Sasha Berliner, Herbie Hancock

by David Brown
April 29, 2025

This week on The Jazz Continuum, the spotlight turns to pianist and composer Sullivan Fortner, a dynamic presence in modern jazz. Known for his nuanced touch and bold improvisational voice, Fortner has made a mark through collaborations with vocalists Kurt Elling and Cécile McLorin Salvant, and through his acclaimed trio, solo, and duo recordings--including an intimate ...

Brad Mehldau Trio Groovin' High at SFJAZZ

by Roy Strassman
April 26, 2025

Brad Mehldau Trio SFJAZZ Center San Francisco, CA April 3, 2025 SFJAZZ Center honored the Bay Area's jazz fans with the Brad Mehldau-Christian McBride-Marcus Gilmore trio, in town for a four-night run from April 3-6, 2025. Opening night was a real treat for the ear, eye, and soul. Casually dressed, the ...