Ramsey Lewis – Sun Goddess (Expanded Edition)

Description

Only a small amount of this title available

First Time Ever Expanded on CD for Ramsey Lewis’ 1974 album “Sun Goddess”

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary since the release of Sun Goddess, we have Expanded the release with 3 Bonus Tracks.

Liner Notes by Alex Henderson

After his classic acoustic albums in the 1960’s, Ramsey Lewis wanted to head in a new musical direction in the 1970’s. As the mid-70’s approached, he reunited with Maurice White, who at that time was with his own band, Earth, Wind & Fire. Members of EW&F including White played on the album sessions, while Philip Bailey added vocals.

Sun Godess became a huge crossover hit, charting at #1 on the Billboard Black Albums Chart, as well as the Jazz Album Chart. The album also charted #12 in the Pop chart as singles that charted in the Top 15 included the songs “Hot Dawgit” and “Sun Goddess”. These charted in the Black Singles, the Pop Singles, and the Disco Singles Charts which helped the album to certify as a Gold release.

Still to this day, Sun Godess has been regarded as one of the best instrumental albums on the planet with its gorgeous melody and sleek grooves. Ramsey Lewis, a master keyboardist and jazz legend in his own right combines forces with the “elements” to make this musical gem and an epitome of a classic jazz masterpiece.

The vibe continues flowing with “Living for the City” which is laced heavily with a punchy string arrangement. “Love Song” sees Ramsey puts in serious work on all four kinds of keys as well as guitar. The horns and strings on this track add just the right flavour. “Jungle Strut” is a fun track that showcases the playful verbal antics of adding African rhythmic sound effects and dialect. “How Dawgit,” features the smooth vocals of Phillip Bailey, while “Tambura” has a spacey feel to it with its sound effects and percussive arrangement. “Gemini Rising” is another great track on which the drumming and bass playing stands out, especially on the solos within the song.

Overall Sun Goddess is a great title for jazz lovers or anyone who wants to slip back down memory lane and relax in the mid 70’s. Go ahead and put those platforms, bell bottoms, sunglasses and apple caps !!

Tracklist1. Sun Goddess
2. Living For The City
3. Love Song
4. Jungle Strut
5. Hot Dawgit
6. Tambura
7. Gemini Rising

Bonus Tracks

8. Sun Goddess (7″ Version)
9. Jungle Strut (7″ Version)
10. Sun Goddess (UK 7″ Version)