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An area heretofore unexplored on SATB is jazz: specifically, which artists took raw material from The Beatles and took it in a new direction. It is our good fortune to have within reach a true legend of the idiom: Ramsey Lewis, a multi-Grammy-winning keyboardist whose work spans decades and genres. In late 1968 – mere weeks after The Beatles’ “White Album” was released – Ramsey issued a 10-song collection drawing from the Beatles’ fresh work. Mother Nature’s Son was hailed as a classic, with bold re-imaginings of songs familiar to us fans – but not like this. His reading of “Julia” became a standard in his repertoire, alongside his well-known hit take on “The ‘In’ Crowd.”
Ramsey hosted a jazz show for years on radio, so he is well-familiar with the sonic landscape. But joining us to shed further light is a friend to both me and to Ramsey, going back years: Radio Hall of Fame deejay Terri Hemmert. In addition to spinning records on WXRT since the 1970s until announcing her retirement this year, she also hosted a jazz program for many years (and many of you know her as the MC in Chicago at The Fest for Beatles Fans). Together, listen to these two explore the intersection between Beatles and jazz.
Artists heard in this show:
The Beatles – Ramsey Lewis Trio – Ella Fitzgerald – Count Basie – Duke Ellington – Louis Armstrong – Wes Montgomery – Ramsey Lewis – Esther Phillips – Vince Guaraldi Trio – George Benson – Earth, Wind and Fire – Paul McCartney – Rahsaan Roland Kirk – Fats Domino – John Scofield – Danger Mouse
Well worth the wait, Robert — fascinating topic, great guests, wonderful conversation. I learned a bunch — and have new music to explore (always a bonus).
Well worth the wait, Robert — fascinating topic, great guests, wonderful conversation. I learned a bunch — and have new music to explore (always a bonus).
Very interesting; great episode.
Very interesting; great episode.
Hello Robert,this is an area that I hadn’t given any thought to in the past. Another case in point that the fabs music transcends all genres of music. I Will try and look out for the Mother Nature’s son album, sounds like some good interpretations of the music. Great show once again Robert
Hello Robert,this is an area that I hadn’t given any thought to in the past. Another case in point that the fabs music transcends all genres of music. I Will try and look out for the Mother Nature’s son album, sounds like some good interpretations of the music. Great show once again Robert
I always thought that John’s mumbling at the end of You Know My Name was a nod to the jazz pianist Erroll Garner, who used to growl and mumble while he played.
I always thought that John’s mumbling at the end of You Know My Name was a nod to the jazz pianist Erroll Garner, who used to growl and mumble while he played.
Very interesting. Downbeat belittled the Beatles, when not ignoring them, until advertising was tight.
Very interesting. Downbeat belittled the Beatles, when not ignoring them, until advertising was tight.
I’m not that crazy about Ramsey Lewis Beatles tunes reworking, & calling it “Jazz” is a stretch IMO, more like instrumental pop. Very few altered chords & melodies.. Wes Montgomery? True genius.
I’m not that crazy about Ramsey Lewis Beatles tunes reworking, & calling it “Jazz” is a stretch IMO, more like instrumental pop. Very few altered chords & melodies.. Wes Montgomery? True genius.