Ramsey Lewis
Ramsey Lewis was an influential American jazz pianist, composer, and radio personality, born on May 27, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois. His musical journey began at the young age of four when he started taking piano lessons, a pivotal moment that set the stage for his illustrious career. He credited his early teacher, Dorothy Mendelsohn, with nurturing his passion for music and shaping his talents.
Throughout his career, Lewis became a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz movement, known for his unique sound and engaging personality. He recorded over 80 albums, garnering acclaim for both his original compositions and innovative interpretations of jazz standards. His work earned him significant recognition, including five gold records, solidifying his status as one of the most popular jazz pianists of all time.
Lewis's contributions to music extended beyond performances and recordings; he also served as a radio personality, sharing his love for jazz with wider audiences and influencing the genre's development. Over his 50-year career, he remained a vital force in the music industry, engaging with new generations of musicians and fans alike.
He continued to be active in music until his passing on September 12, 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy characterized by his remarkable ability to connect with listeners through his art.
Love Notes
Written-By, Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey] – Stevie Wonder
4:16
A2 Love Theme From "A Star Is Born" (Evergreen)
Written-By – B. Streisand, P. Williams
4:28
A3 Shining
Vocals – Rahm Lee Michael Davis, Zuri Raheem
Written-By – B. Gregory, R. Harris, D. Raheem
4:37
B1 Love Notes
Written-By, Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey] – Stevie Wonder
6:17
B2 Chili Today, Hot Tamale
Synthesizer [Polymoog, Arp 2600] – Terry Fryer
Written-By – D. Raheem
5:10
B3 The Messenger
Synthesizer [Polymoog, Arp 2600] – Terry Fryer
Written-By – B. Gregory
5:15
B4 Stash Dash
Clavinet – Jimmy Bryant (11)
Vocals – Jimmy Bryant (11), Rahm Lee Michael Davis, Zuri Raheem
Written-By – D. Raheem
4:51
Label: Columbia – PC 34696
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Sun Goddess
Bass – Verdine White
Congas – Phillip Bailey
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer [Arp Ensemble] – Charles Stepney
Guitar – Johnny Graham
Producer – Maurice White
Tenor Saxophone – Don Meyrick
Timbales, Drums, Vocals – Maurice White
Vocals – Phillip Bailey, Verdine White
Written-By – J. Lind, M. White
8:29
A2 Living For The City
Drums, Tambura, Congas, Percussion – Maurice Jennings
Electric Upright Bass [Fender] – Cleveland Eaton
Written-By – S. Wonder
5:20
A3 Love Song
Drums, Tambura, Congas, Percussion – Maurice Jennings
Electric Upright Bass [Fender] – Cleveland Eaton
Guitar – Byron Gregory
Written-By – R. Lewis
5:53
B1 Jungle Strut
Congas, Drums – Derf Rehlew Raheem, Maurice Jennings
Electric Upright Bass [Fender] – Cleveland Eaton
Guitar – Byron Gregory
Synthesizer [Freeman String] – Ramsey Lewis
Tambura, Percussion – Maurice Jennings
Vocals – Derf Rehlew Raheem
Written-By – R. Lewis
4:40
B2 Hot Dawgit
Bass – Verdine White
Congas – Phillip Bailey
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer [Arp Ensemble] – Charles Stepney
Guitar – Johnny Graham
Producer – Maurice White
Timbales, Drums – Maurice White
Vocals – Maurice White, Phillip Bailey, Verdine White
Written-By – C. Stepney, M. White
3:00
B3 Tambura
Drums, Tambura, Congas, Percussion – Maurice Jennings
Electric Upright Bass [Fender] – Cleveland Eaton
Guitar – Byron Gregory
Written-By – R. Lewis
2:53
B4 Gemini Rising
Drums, Tambura, Congas, Percussion – Maurice Jennings
Electric Upright Bass [Fender] – Cleveland Eaton
Written-By – R. Lewis
5:50
Label: Columbia – KC 33194
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk
Style: Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Ramsey Lewis’s Sun Goddess, released in late 1974 on Columbia Records, is widely regarded as his landmark jazz-fusion masterpiece. It marked a significant departure from his 1960s acoustic trio sound, embracing a lush blend of funk, soul, and R&B.
The album’s defining characteristic is the reunion of Lewis with his former drummer Maurice White, who by then was leading Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF). Maurice White produced the album and co-wrote the title track. The album features members of EWF, including Philip Bailey (vocals/congas) and Verdine White (bass), lending the record a distinct "EWF vibe".
Track Highlights:-
"Sun Goddess": The 8-minute title track is the centerpiece, celebrated for its "shimmering quiet storm" anthem feel, wordless vocalese by Philip Bailey, and Lewis’s rippling Fender Rhodes piano.
"Living for the City": An instrumental cover of the Stevie Wonder classic, described as "poignant" and "soulful" with punchy string arrangements.
"Jungle Strut": A straightforward funk track known for its infectious drum groove and playful African rhythmic sound effects.
"Hot Dawgit": A catchy soul-pop instrumental that features Bailey's vocals and was a modest hit on the R&B charts.
It was Lewis’s most successful 1970s album, reaching #1 on the Billboard Jazz and R&B charts and #12 on the Pop charts. Reviews often highlight the "electrifying" chemistry between Lewis and EWF. While some jazz purists initially questioned the commercial direction, modern critics praise it as an "essential" slice of 70s jazz-funk that radiates warmth and positivity.
Considered a landmark instrumental album and one of Lewis's best, showcasing his versatility. Praised for its musicality, production quality (by Charles Stepney), and ability to transcend genre boundaries.
A must-hear for fans of 70s funk, jazz fusion, and soulful music. Vintage Columbia pressings are highly sought after by audiophiles for their "huge, spacious, and punchy" analog sound.