Urban Knights 4
Ramsey Lewis's Urban Knights may finally realize their stated goal of developing a new star within the Chicago jazz scene. Trumpeter Ron Haynes, last heard with the popular Chicago acid-jazz group Liquid Soul, can be described as Rick Braun with brawn, as his meaty chops shine on a number of tunes he cowrote including the opener, "The Message," and the steamy "Clubland" whose hip-hop roots trace to Midwest drum 'n' bass bars. The guest stars include guitarist Norman Brown on the aptly titled "Slick" and saxophonist Steve Cole reworking Terrence Trent D'arby's "Sign Your Name." Lewis's piano is effectively featured on a pretty ballad and the electronica-inspired numbers, but he works best on the bluesy "Hi Heel Sneakers," the third time he's recorded the Tommy Tucker classic in his five-decade career. The tandem of Ramsey Lewis and his son and producer, Frayne Lewis, has put together the best Urban Knights record since their highly recommended 1995 debut featuring Grover Washington Jr.--Mark Ruffin