It finds Ramsey Lewis, after 50 years playing R&B- and pop-laced jazz piano, reinventing himself as a composer-hence the subtitle, Ramsey Plays Ramsey. Ramsey Lewis – Songs From the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey (Concord) Where applicable, I’ve quoted (and linked to) my own reviews of these albums.ġ. Here it is, along with the next, oh, say, nine. This last, almost completely overlooked in the jazz world, was nonetheless the record of the year. But why stop there? Jazz in 2009 also saw engagement with 21st century classical concepts a breakthrough project by a gifted, young singer a caravan of musical history by one of the most dependably imaginative figures in the avant-garde and a major reinvention by a legend of jazz piano. The recordings I discuss in the link above were among the best and most exciting whether or not they ultimately catch commercial fire, their attempts to employ rock and hip-hop aesthetics were successful and excellent. While jazz’s clash with the mainstream was the most intensely debated topic of 2009, it was actually an incredibly fruitful year for the music.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |