Anthology

By David Moye

Ramsey Lewis’ concerts at Anthology this weekend (April 22 and 23) mark a coming home of sorts for the legendary jazz keyboardist.

No, Lewis isn’t a San Diego native, but he does share the unique distinction of being one of the very firsts artist to ever play Anthology when it opened in June, 2007.

“From the very first time, I was thoroughly impressed with the room,” Lewis said from his home in Chicago. “My hope is that it could be duplicated all over the country.”

According to Anthology co-owner Marsha Berkson, one of her greatest moments in her life was when Lewis came on for his sound check, played a note on the piano and just let it ring out.

Ramsey Lewis

“He said, ‘This room is perfect. It doesn’t need mics.'”

Lewis hasn’t changed his mind.

“The acoustics are wonderful,” he said. “It’s so conducive to music. In fact, we wanted to play all night because, even better than the sound, was the audience! They’re really the key to a good show.”

Lewis is excited about his return to Anthology and he’s excited about showing off the newest members of his trio: Bassist Joshua Romos and drummer Charles Heath.

“I don’t know what it is about them, but they came aboard five to six weeks ago and they’ve been the juice I’ve needed,” Lewis said. “I’ve had the most fun playing on stage and in rehearsals that I’ve had in ages.”

Lewis isn’t exaggerating when he says ages.

He’s been playing professionally since 1955 and has been one of those jazz greats lucky enough to cross over into the mainstream at least a couple times: first in the mid-60s when he had pop hits like “The In Crowd,” “Wade In The Water,” and “Hang On Sloopy,” and in the 70s, he struck gold with the funky “Sun Goddess.”

Although Lewis plans to play some new compositions like some songs from a ballet he’s recently written, an adaptation of a new string quartet and a sampling of gospel songs, he promises that he isn’t running from his past.

“I’ve found it’s best to take the path of least resistance,” he laughed. “So, I try to put at least two or three of the hits into the set.”

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WHAT: Ramsey Lewis
WHEN: Friday, April 22nd, 2011, 7:30 & 9:30pm and Saturday, April 23rd, 2011, 7:30 & 9:30pm
MORE INFO: Artist Profile
TICKETS: $20-$86 Buy Tickets