This 1999 release showcases the diverse pianist, Ramsey Lewis, in a more straight-ahead jazz environment. Concentrating much of his career on blending together pop and jazz to create (essentially) easy listening music, it's nice to hear Lewis return to his roots in a traditional jazz setting. Teamed up with fellow Chicago natives Larry Gray (acoustic bass) and Ernie Adams (drums), Lewis and company render very memorable and thoughtful arrangements of a number of classical compositions including "Pavane" by Gabriel Faure, "E Lucevan le Stelle" by Giacomo Puccini and others. Also heard here are a number of Lewis' own compositions including "A Song For Jan," "For The Love of Art," "Light Along the Path," and "A Moment Spiritual." Using jazz as the common denominator, Lewis fuses together elements of classical, gospel and folk to create a rather thought provoking set of music. In fact, Lewis' bluesy flourishes, set against the backdrop of Gray and Adams' swingin' grooves, proves to be most effective.
