The Movie Album
Ramsey Lewis · 1966
32 min · 11 tracks · jazz fusion · jazz-funk
A vibrant blend of jazz and pop with lush arrangements that bring cinematic themes to life.
Why this album works
This album is significant for its commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and establishing Lewis as a prominent figure in jazz-pop. The fusion of familiar film scores with jazz influences not only expanded his fanbase but also contributed to the growing popularity of jazz interpretations of popular music during the mid-60s.
- Best for
- steady melodic flow throughout for evening relaxation cinematic themes evoke nostalgia
- Context
- Released in 1966, 'The Movie Album' was Ramsey Lewis's fifth studio album and followed his breakthrough success with 'The In Crowd' in 1965. At this point in his career, Lewis was solidifying his reputation as a crossover artist, drawing jazz audiences while appealing to mainstream listeners with popular movie themes reimagined through his signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nancy Sinatra· Julie London· Dean Martin· Aretha Franklin· Charlie Rich· Elvis Presley· Ella Fitzgerald· Lena Horne
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Theme From "The Pawnbroker" Standout 2:25
- 2 Saturday Night After the Movies 2:55
- 3 The Gentle Rain 2:28
- 4 China Gate 2:43
- 5 Emily 2:57
- 6 Goin' Hollywood 3:30
- 7 From Russia With Love Standout 2:39
- 8 Shadow of Your Smile Standout 3:52
- 9 Girl Talk 3:25
- 10 Matchmaker, Matchmaker 3:01
- 11 Return to Paradise 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.