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Review and photos by Frances Sealy Ramsey Lewis' career and music spans greater than 50 years. He has recorded over 80 albums, scored three Grammy Awards, seven gold records and become one of the world's most renowned jazz pianists and composers of all time. His hit records "The In Crowd," "Hang On Sloopy," and "Wade in the Water" were crossover hits selling more than one million copies each. This show was an intimate example of how Ramsey still finds joy in performing for his fans.Lewis was joined by Henry Johnson on guitar, Charles Heath on drums, Tim Gant on electric keyboards and Joshua Ramos on acoustic and electric bass. The onstage and backstage chemistry is very apparent throughout the show. Each member of the band kept a close eye on Lewis since he tends to improvise during the set. Everyone had several opportunities to solo and show their immense talent. The Beatles' "A Hard Days Night" and " Sun Goddess" were particularly great vehicles for everyone to shine. The set was a very pleasing mixture of songs that also included "Tequila Mockingbird," "Pacifica," "Since I Fell For You," and "The In Crowd." Lewis was considering retiring. He's 83 and in good health. The word got out recently that he would be playing his last concert in Chicago in September. After taking three weeks off, he realized that life was boring without his work. Lewis has no plan for retiring soon. He still performs because he wants to. Every show is his labor of love. Lewis revealed that there is a serious record company interested in signing him for an album and there will be some guest artists on the album. All of the music will be brand new and consist of his compositions. The record should be out within a year. Catch a Ramsey Lewis performance if he is near you. His piano chops are still 'world-class.' |
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