The Early Years 1956-59

Ramsey Lewis, the jazz maestro whose fingers dance across the keys like a tap-dancing octopus, is giving us a glimpse into his formative years with "The Early Years 1956-59." And let me tell you, this album is like a time machine, transporting you back to a smoky jazz club in Chicago where the air is thick with anticipation and the music is hot enough to fry an egg. From the first notes of "Delilah," you can feel Lewis's raw talent seeping through your speakers like molten lava. His piano playing is smooth, effortless, and oh so soulful. It's like he's whispering sweet nothings in your ear, coaxing you to sway along with the rhythm. But it's not just Lewis's virtuoso piano skills that shine on this album. The tight, swinging grooves laid down by his bandmates are the perfect foil to his improvisational flights of fancy. Whether it's the sultry saxophone on "Delerium" or the funky bassline on "C.C. Rider," every instrument is given its moment to shine. "The Early Years" is not just a stroll down memory lane, it's a masterclass in how to make jazz music that is as timeless as it is toe-tapping. So grab a glass of your favourite tipple, sink into a comfy chair, and let the music of Ramsey Lewis wash over you like a warm bath on a cold winter's night. You won't regret it, I promise.