ProJazz.net

Ramsey Lewis and his Gentle-men of Swing (later rereleased as Swingin’) is the debut album by American jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis featuring tracks recorded in 1956 and released on the Argo label.

“This was pianist Ramsey Lewis’ first album, a trio set with bassist El Dee Young and drummer Red Holt. Lewis sounds like a cross between John Lewis and Oscar Peterson, playing melodic and lightly boppish versions of such pieces as “Carmen,” Russ Freeman’s “The Wind,” “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen,” Gerry Mulligan’s “Limelight” and a few originals. Five of the nine selections have since been reissued on CD but the full LP is worth getting. Chances are that this historic album can be picked up fairly inexpensively at a used record store; it is worth taking a chance on.” – Scott Yanow/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“Carmen” (Georges Bizet) – 4:30
“I’ll Remember April” (Gene de Paul, Patricia Johnston, Don Raye) – 4:07
“The Wind” (Russ Freeman) – 4:00
“Bei Mir Bist du Schön” (Jacob Jacobs, Sholom Secunda, Sammy Cahn, Saul Chaplin) – 3:13
“My Funny Valentine” (Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers) – 3:10
“Fantasia for Drums” (Ramsey Lewis) – 5:45
“Dee’s New Blues” (El Dee Young) – 5:45
“Tres” (Ramsey Lewis) – 4:45
“Limelight” (Gerry Mulligan) – 2:17

Personnel:
Ramsey Lewis – piano
El Dee Young – bass
Issac “Red” Holt – drums

________________________

Released: 1956
Recorded: 1956
Chicago
Label: Argo
LP 611
Producer: Leonard Chess, Phil Chess