The Ramsey Lewis Trio taps the jazz legend’s roots in a program featuring music he composed for his latest album, “With One Voice.” Inspired by the gospel music of his youth, the recording celebrates the 40th anniversary of “The In Crowd,” winner of the first of his three Grammy Awards.
In addition to Lewis on piano, the trio performing at the Strathmore Music Center consists of his trusty colleagues, bassist Larry Gray and drummer/percussionist Leon Joyce, Jr. Gray is a veteran composer, arranger and professor of double bass at DePaul University, while Joyce spent 30 years as a Marine Corps musician in posts both here and abroad. They will be joined for three numbers from the album by members of the WPAS Men and Women of the Gospel Mass Choir conducted by their Artistic Director, Stanley J. Thurston.
“Gospel music goes back to my very foundation,” Lewis says. “It marked my formidable years and never left me. When I toured Europe last season, I ended every program with a gospel number. After receiving many requests at that time to perform with a choir, I began thinking about planning such a program and this is the result.
“Most of the evening is dedicated to music of the spirit. In addition to the songs with the choir — ‘Oh Happy Day,’ ‘Keep the Spirit’ and “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez)’ — the Trio will play other original and traditional pieces from the album, along with some audience favorites. Gospel music is infectious and elevates the spirit.”
This past weekend, Lewis stopped in New York to receive the Jazz Master Award from NEA, the latest addition to his formidable list of honors that includes seven gold records and seventy albums.
At 71, he cheerfully pursues a grueling concert and festival touring schedule, yet finds time to share his expertise with others. He is host “Legends of Jazz,” a weekly PBS television series airing throughout the country that features his conversations and performances with esteemed musical guests. Another show, “The Ramsey Lewis Morning Show,” winner of multiple awards on WNUA-FM in his native Chicago, recently began syndication nationwide.
For many years, he has been deeply involved in community affairs. In addition to organizing the Ravinia Festival’s Jazz Mentor Program, he established the Ramsey Lewis Foundation in 2005 to give Chicago area youngsters the opportunity to immerse themselves in music studies and develop personal skills.
What does this talented, busy man do for his own amusement?
“I play the piano,” he says, with a chuckle. “I love music in general and can play for hours. When I talk to young students dreaming of musical careers, I emphasize how important it is for them to have a strong foundation based on education. There can be no compromise. They must practice, practice, practice and dedicate themselves to their goal.”
IF YOU GO:
» The Ramsey Lewis Trio plays the composer’s jazz and gospel songs. Pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. by Davey Yarborough, jazz saxophonist and director of jazz studies at the Duke Ellington School, on the historical significance and improvisational aspects of jazz.
When: 8 p.m. tonight
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
Tickets: $18 to $50
Info: 301-581-5100,
www.strathmore.org
