Ramsey Lewis Plays Tribute to Billy Taylor
The concert by jazz pianist, composer and educator Billy Taylor was slated to be the season-closing crown jewel in the spring schedule at the College of Saint Rose’s Massry Center in Albany on Friday, April 29.
But the 89-year-old Taylor passed away just after Christmas.
Fortunately, Sal Prizio at the Massry Center was able to secure a most appropriate substitute booking.
Ramsey Lewis – veteran jazz pianist, composer and longtime friend of Taylor – will play a solo concert at the Massry Center at 8pm on Friday, April 29. Lewis will kick off the evening with a question-and-answer session at 7:30pm, followed by the concert, which is being billed as “An Evening with Ramsey Lewis – Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Jazz Legend Dr. Billy Taylor.”
Tickets for the evening’s performance are on sale now for $25.
Here’s a vintage Lewis take on one of his big hits from the ’60s, “Wade in the Water”…
Ramsey Lewis, “The In Crowd”?
Michael: Yes, the very same. He also had a big mid-’60s pop hit with a jazz/funk remake of the McCoys’ “Hang On Sloopy.”