Ramsey Lewis – Dancing in the Street VG+/G+

“Dancing in the Street” is an album by renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, released in 1967. This album exemplifies Lewis’s ability to blend jazz sensibilities with popular music of the time, creating a sound that was both accessible and artistically rich. The title track, “Dancing in the Street,” is a vibrant and rhythmic interpretation of the Martha and the Vandellas hit, showcasing Lewis’s talent for reimagining contemporary songs within a jazz framework.

Throughout the album, Ramsey Lewis’s piano playing is both commanding and nuanced, demonstrating his deep understanding of jazz techniques and his ability to infuse them with elements of R&B and soul. The tracks often feature a trio format, which was a hallmark of Lewis’s style, allowing for a tight, cohesive sound that gives ample room for improvisation and interplay among the musicians.

“Dancing in the Street” was well-received upon its release, further cementing Ramsey Lewis’s reputation as an artist who could bridge the gap between jazz purists and a wider popular music audience.