Rasmey Lewis

Although pianist Ramsey Lewis was classically trained, later became immersed in jazz, and scored a series of indelible hits with jazz versions of pop tunes like "The in Crowd" and "Hang on Sloopy," much of his youthful formative experience consisted of accompanying gospel choirs in church. So his last album, 2005's With One Voice (Narada Jazz), and this performance, dubbed The Gospel According to Ramsey Lewis, in essence brings the estimable keyboards wizard full circle. Recorded before a demonstrably appreciative audience at an Illinois church where Lewis's sister is co-pastor, Voice is a stirring mingling of Lewis's lithe piano stylings, his current Trio associates (bassist Larry Gray, drummer Leon Joyce), and a larger congregation, adding horns, organ, and the rousing muscularity of the church's sizable choir. The songs alternate from the billowy majesty of the full ensemble to far more intimate small ensemble pieces, where Lewis's distinctive sound, coaxed from a critical mass of jazz, classical, blues, and gospel, sparkles like cut diamonds. For this performance, Lewis's Trio will be accompanied by organist William Kilgore and singer Eleanor Hampton.
Sat., Feb. 2, 8 p.m., 2008