Ramsey Lewis Trio with Larry Gray and Leon Joyce

Three-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master Ramsey Lewis comes to Ted Mann Concert Hall on Saturday, February 2nd as part of the Northrop Jazz Season. Joining the legendary pianist will be Larry Gray (bass), Leon Joyce (drums), William Kilgore (organ), and Eleanor Hampton (vocals).

A native of Chicago, Ramsey Lewis is well known for his gospel inflected style that melds with his classical training. Studying piano from age 4, he was immersed in the great classical composers, hearing little jazz beyond his father’s recordings of Ellington and Tatum. When he was fifteen, he was invited to join a jazz band led by one of the musicians at his church, and soon Lewis was playing gigs with The Clefs. When the Korean War broke up the septet, Lewis formed his first trio with the remaining rhythm section. While jazz was now an important part of his musical life, it never replaced his affinity for classical and gospel music.

Lewis’ first trio hit the charts with Ramsey Lewis and the Gentlemen of Swing (1956) and later the big hits, “The In Crowd,” “Hang On Sloopy” and “Wade In The Water.” With pop grooves and often playing electric piano, Lewis attracted a wide following that crossed genres. Lewis also gained popularity through his radio broadcasts, particularly Legends of Jazz. In 2006, he co-produced the thirteen-segment Legends of Jazz for PBS television broadcast, which in turn became an acclaimed DVD/CD collection. A solo release is set for spring 2008.

Ramsey Lewis

At Ted Mann this weekend, Lewis is joined by his usual trio cohorts, bassist Larry Gray and drummer Leon Joyce, with William Kilgore on organ and Eleanor Hampton on vocals adding to the mix. This is a rare opportunity to catch a live performance of one of the true living masters of both jazz and gospel.

Tickets $35/$45. Ted Mann Concert Hall is located on the West Bank campus of the University of Minnesota at 2128 S. Fourth Street in Minneapolis. FFI and tickets, call 612-624-2345.

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