Dive into the smooth and soulful world of Ramsey Lewis with "Sky Islands," a captivating jazz album released in October 1993 on GRP Records. This enchanting collection of tracks showcases Lewis's masterful piano playing and his ability to blend various genres, including jazz funk, smooth jazz, northern soul, and soul jazz, into a cohesive and engaging musical experience.
"Sky Islands" features a mix of instrumental and vocal tracks, with notable performances by Eve Cornelious and other talented musicians. The album opens with the sultry "Julia," followed by the upbeat "Apres Vous" and the introspective "Who Are You?". Standout tracks like "Suavecito" and "Tonight" highlight Lewis's versatility and his knack for creating infectious grooves. The album also includes a beautiful instrumental version of "Tonight" and a medley that pays homage to classic soul and jazz standards.
The album reached No. 6 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart, solidifying Ramsey Lewis's status as a jazz legend. With a duration of 56 minutes, "Sky Islands" is a perfect addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ramsey Lewis or new to his music, "Sky Islands" is sure to impress with its timeless appeal and artistic depth.