Ramsey Lewis - Them Changes (1970) [vinyl]

Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. (27th May, 1935 - 12th September, 2022) was a great American jazz composer, pianist, and radio personality. Lewis recorded over 80 albums and received five gold records and three Grammy Awards in his career. His best-known singles include "The In Crowd", "Sun Goddess", and "Wade in the Water". With his passing, here is a relatively unknown ‘Cadet’ records album, which to date has only been released on LP. For this live session, he is joined by guitarist Phil Upchurch, bassist Cleveland Eaton and drummer Morris Jennings. The group is spurred on by the very appreciated audience covering three Lewis compositions and a number of popular tunes. All players arm themselves with an arsenal of ‘Fender' musical instruments. As a result, this performance is truly electrified. Ramsey excels on both piano and Rhodes and Phil intensifies the scene with his exceptional style, both backed by a vibrant rhythm section. The vinyl itself was in OK condition with only a few hardly noticeable artifacts, enjoy! 

Cadet Records, LPS-844, 1970
Recorded 8th & 9th May, 1970 at the Depot, Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Musicians:
Ramsey Lewis - Piano [Steinway], Fender Rhodes, Arranger
Phil Upchurch - Electric Guitar [Fender]
Cleveland Eaton - Electric Bass [Fender]
Morris Jennings - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Them Changes {Buddy Miles} (6:37)
A2. Drown In My Own Tears {Henry Glover} (7:27)
A3. Oh Happy Day {Edwin Hawkins} (7:16)
B1. Do Whatever Sets You Free {Ramsey Lewis} (7:51)
B2. Something {George Harrison} (5:11)
B3. See The End From The Beginning, Look Afar {Cleveland Eaton, Ramsey Lewis} (6:17)
B4. The Unsilent Minority {Ramsey Lewis} (3:43) 

Total Time: 44:22 

Credits:
Producer - Concept - Ramsey Lewis
Supervisor - Dick LaPalm
Engineer - Reice Hamel
Mastering - George Piros
Photography - Alan Levine
Design, Cover [Illustration] - Dick Fowler

RAMSEY LEWIS - DANCING IN THE STREETS - 1967 (FLAC)

1967
Cadet LPS 794
My Vinyl Rip
Front & Back Covers
DR Value 16
FLAC

Only a little over a year old at the time of recording, this incarnation of the Ramsey Lewis Trio -- Ramsey Lewis, Cleveland Eaton, and Maurice White (later of Earth, Wind & Fire) -- were well on their way to the pristine and symbiotic gel that would define their style. They were, however, still undergoing that process when they laid down this "live" set at San Francisco's Basin Street West club in July 1967. It's that somewhat formative vibe that makes this particular performance such a complete and utter joy. Dancing in the Street is this trio's recorded debut and, across a wide range of covers and styles, it's a captivating portrait of contemporary jazz. The title track, a cover of the Martha & the Vandellas R&B classic, is so smooth and stylish that it nearly outshines the original. "Django," meanwhile, is a delightful tribute to the Belgian Gypsy musician Django Reinhardt. Lewis pays further homage to the greats across his cover of the Billy Taylor classic "Mood for Mendes." Also of note is the Ramsey Lewis Trio's rendition of the country song "You Don't Know Me." Originally a hit for Jerry Vale in 1956, it was revisited in 1960 by Lenny Welch and again in 1962 by Ray Charles, and it's from that great bluesman's version that Lewis took his cue with this wonderful jam. These three musicians are a joy to hear, and it's within their far-reaching vision, and the effortless incorporation of so many styles into contemporary jazz, that they were -- and remain -- among the genre's finest.
....AllMusic Review by Amy Hanson

The Tracks:

01 Dancing In The Street / 02 Mood For Mendes / 03 Struttin' Lightly / 04 You Don't Know Me / 05 Django / 

06 Medley From 'Black Orpheus' / 07 What Now My Love / 08 Quiet Nights (Corcovado)