The Piano Player cover

The Piano Player

Ramsey Lewis · 1970

43 min · 11 tracks · jazz fusion · jazz-funk

A vibrant blend of jazz and pop, infused with soulful melodies and intricate piano arrangements.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its commercial success, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. The inclusion of popular covers like 'Everybody's Talkin'' showcases Lewis's ability to blend genres, appealing to a broader audience and influencing subsequent jazz artists to explore pop sensibilities.
Best for
steady melodic journey throughout for rainy afternoons warm background for conversations
Context
Released in 1970, 'The Piano Player' marked Ramsey Lewis's continued evolution after his breakthrough album 'The In Crowd' in 1965. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a crossover artist who could navigate both jazz and popular music landscapes effectively.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Distant Dreamer Standout 5:18
  • 2 A Rainy Day in Centerville 4:06
  • 3 Everybody’s Talkin’ Standout 3:40
  • 4 Didn’t We 3:54
  • 5 Whenever, Wherever 4:08
  • 6 Close Your Eyes and Remember 3:50
  • 7 You’ve Made Me So Very Happy Standout 3:46
  • 8 The Love I Feel for You 2:53
  • 9 Time and Space 3:13
  • 10 Golden Slumber 4:43
  • 11 Do I Love Her 3:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata