Ravinia 2022, Issue 1

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ Marquis Hill adds to the Chicago chapter in tribute to Ramsey Lewis BY JAMES TURANO RAVINIA ALWAYS HAS BEEN the most “in” place to be, offering the most “in” performers, and attracting the most “in” crowd. And that perfect storm of “ins” all converge when the festival offers a celebratory, star-studded jazz homage to the ultimate “in” jazz man. “Legends of Jazz: Honoring Ramsey Lewis” hits the storied Pavilion stage on June 19, featuring an impressive slate of singers and musicians who are admirers of, and have been influenced by, the innovative, inter- nationally acclaimed, Chicago-born American jazz legend Ramsey Lewis. With a roster of accomplished, gifted, passionate practitioners and players with Chicago roots and connections, including Kurt Elling, Marquis Hill, Lizz Wright, and Bobby Lewis with the J.W. James A.M.E. Church Choir with members of Urban Knights, all fêting the guest of honor, it promises an evening of jazz and joy. Trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Marquis Hill explained how the Lewis tribute program originally was conceptualized: “I was meeting with my creative team, and I wanted to do some kind of musical program to feature a small group of musicians. And in our discussions, Ramsey’s name came up. “His influence on jazz and music in general is already etched in the history books. Especially with piano players, but also with all musicians. Ramsey helped move jazz and music forward,” said Hill. RAVINIA MAGAZINE • JUNE 15 – JULY 3, 2022 10