One of the most consistent piano jazz greats, Ramsey Lewis, passed away Monday. Given the strength of his work, narrowing down the list of my favorite Lewis tracks was challenging. However, these, in my opinion, are 10 of his strongest recordings:
- Close Your Eyes And Remember (Laid-back elegance from the piano, bass, and drums.)
- The "In" Crowd (Most listeners who don't know much of Lewis's music have at least heard this fun, uptempo rendition, which was Lewis's biggest hit. Lewis shows how cool the melody is instrumentally. Versions by Gregory Porter and Marshall Crenshaw show how cool it is vocally.)
- Les Fleur (Perfect synergy between the piano and vocals; the melody builds and builds and pays off in an exuberant chorus.)
- Love Song (If you like the feel of Love Unlimited Orchestra's "Love's Theme," you might like this track, as well. It's one of the highlights, along with the title track, from the "Sun Goddess" album.)
- Quiet Storm (Decades later, this is still one of the best steady, warm, self-assured late night piano jazz melodies. When I heard this on the radio while driving home, I always felt like any complaints I had about life would somehow sort themselves out. This received deserved adult contemporary crossover radio play, and I always thought it should have been a hit.)
- Since I Fell For You (The forthright, pleading nature of this tune makes it ideal for this piano arrangement. Also recommended: Just about any version, really, but especially those by Lenny Welch, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob James, David Sanborn & Al Jarreau.)
- Sleigh Ride (One of the hippest-sounding versions of this tune, thanks in part to the descending orchestral notes early on. Also recommended: "Here Comes Santa Claus.")
- Sun Goddess (This album title track is an excellent seize-the-day anthem. Instrumentally, it hooks you from the first note, and Earth, Wind & Fire's recurring vocal punctuation should make anyone want to get out of bed and take on the world. This was one of my favorite songs to play on KNJZ.)
- Upendo Ni Pamoja (A piano-led ensemble that sizzles. Even after seven-plus minutes, I don't want this song to end.)
- Wade In The Water (If you like the way Lewis plays "The 'In' Crowd" on the piano, you'll probably enjoy this, as well. The rhythm is similar, and in my view, it's the best version of the tune.)
