More Music from the Soil cover

More Music from the Soil

Ramsey Lewis · 1961

35 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz standards and original compositions, underscored by Ramsey Lewis's signature piano style.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Around the World in 80 Days Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Blues for the Night Owl — This track stands out due to its extended improvisation, showcasing Lewis's virtuosity and deep understanding of jazz blues forms.
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    Autumn in New York — Lewis's interpretation transforms this classic standard into a lush, emotive piece that highlights his lyrical playing style.
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    Since I Fell for You — The arrangement features rich harmonies and a soulful piano line that captures the emotional depth of the lyrics beautifully.
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    Hello, Cello! — This original composition illustrates Lewis's innovative approach and playful interaction with other instruments, emphasizing his creativity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid compositions and skilled performances, blending jazz standards with original pieces effectively.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lively rendition of 'Around the World in 80 Days', establishing an upbeat tempo that carries through several tracks.
  • Lewis's piano takes the lead on most tracks, often accompanied by a tight rhythm section that emphasizes swing and groove.
  • Several tracks feature variations in dynamics, with softer passages leading into more intense climaxes, particularly evident in 'Blues for the Night Owl'.
  • The final track, 'Gonna Set Your Soul on Fire', closes the album with a strong, energetic finish that contrasts with the more subdued moments earlier.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of vibrant melodies
  • wave-like pacing with expressive improvisations
  • for afternoon gatherings
  • inviting warmth for relaxed moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Ramsey Lewis's reputation after his initial success with The In Crowd.
Themes
jazz club ambiance· improvisational mastery
Career context
More Music from the Soil is Ramsey Lewis's third studio album, released in January 1961 during a pivotal moment in his career. Following his breakthrough with The In Crowd, this album solidified his reputation as a leading figure in jazz, showcasing his ability to reinterpret popular songs through a jazz lens.
Stylistic neighbors
Herbie Hancock· Chick Corea· George Benson

Tracklist

  • 1 Around the World in 80 Days Start here 3:36
  • 2 Since I Fell for You 3:56
  • 3 Hello, Cello! 3:17
  • 4 I'll Wait for Your Love 4:34
  • 5 Volga Boatman 3:24
  • 6 Blues for the Night Owl 8:05
  • 7 Smoke Gets in Your Eyes 2:45
  • 8 Autumn in New York 4:18
  • 9 Gonna Set Your Soul on Fire 2:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata