Fresh off his September 29th release of Songs from the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey, jazz pianist/bandleader/composer Ramsey Lewis was very kind in sitting down and talking with us for about 20 minutes.

The album, which represents Lewis’ debut release with Concord Jazz, contains a refined collection of 12 new originals composed over a period of two years – including music from two commissioned world premiere performances at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois. Eight songs come from the score of 2007’s ballet To Know Her, written for the Joffrey Ballet Company and four pieces come from 2008’s Muses and Amusements suite performed with the Turtle Island Quartet.

We hope you enjoy his responses, and let us know if you have any questions you would have liked to ask him – your feedback is always welcome.

Album Info & Samples

Interview Questions

1. Can you talk a little bit about the inspiration for the album and what it means to you?

2. How was it working with Concord for the first time?

3. Looking at all the songs you wrote for the Joffrey Ballet Company, was there any common theme or topic in mind while writing them?

4. And this is the first trio recording you have done in about 4 or 5 years. How would describe your experience playing in a trio?

5. Playing in a trio that you are very familiar and comfortable with does have its advantages; however playing with only two other guys, as opposed to playing in a larger group, does leave a lot of room for space to be filled and notes to be played. Has this ever brought you any challenges?

6. What plans do you have for the future – maybe another album with Concord?

7. Will you continue to balance composing with performing with your trio?

8. Do most of your compositions evolve from commissioned works, or do you simply compose what you are feeling at that moment?

Special Thanks

Our thanks to Ramsey Lewis for setting aside time to speak with us. Also, thanks to Concord Jazz and On Target Media Group for arranging and coordinating the interview.

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