Ramsey Lewis‘ passing on September 12th has robbed global music scene of one of its most beloved and respected performers: a jazzman who became a pop persona without ever losing his integrity and, when it was required, his grit. The award-winning piano player remained an entertainment of the highest caliber for over six decades, so there’s no surprise in Lewis being an early convert to THE BEATLES’ cause, covering “A Hard Day’s Night” and “And I Love Her” on-stage soon after this platter had seen the light of day – as documented on 1965’s “Hang On Ramsey!” live record – and returning to their lore time and again: he even dedicated the entirety of “Mother Nature’s Son” to Lennon–McCartney pieces in 1968 in the wake of the “White Album” issue. Which is why there’s perfect logic in the fact that the veteran’s first posthumous release will be “The Beatles Songbook” – scheduled to see the light of day on September 23rd.
The dozen tracks it’s comprised of were recorded during Lewis’ “Saturday Salon” series of live streams presented to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic – and given the disc’s “Volume One” subtitle, there can be more from Ramsey in the near future.
The Beatles Songbook
1. Here, There and Everywhere
2. And I Love Her
3. Hey Jude
4. Blackbird
5. Imagine
6. Hard Day’s Night
7. Yesterday
8. Rocky Racoon
9. Michelle
10. Golden Slumbers
11. The Long And Winding Road
12. Let It Be
