Ramsey Lewis – Sun Goddess

Ramsey Lewis's Sun Goddess (1974) marks a vibrant departure for the accomplished jazz pianist, embracing the sounds of funk and R&B while retaining his signature sophistication. Collaborating with Earth, Wind & Fire, who were on the verge of superstardom themselves, Lewis created an album that seamlessly blends infectious grooves, soaring vocals, and intricate instrumental arrangements.

The album's title track, co-written by Lewis and Maurice White, is a joyous celebration of life and love, featuring Philip Bailey's distinctive falsetto and a driving rhythm section that will get any listener moving. "Hot Dawgit" is a funky instrumental showcase for Lewis's piano skills, while "Living for the City" is a poignant cover of Stevie Wonder's classic, imbued with Lewis's own soulful touch.

Throughout Sun Goddess, the interplay between Lewis's piano and Earth, Wind & Fire's tight musicianship is electrifying. The album's production, helmed by White, is crisp and dynamic, capturing the energy of the sessions with clarity and warmth. While some jazz purists might have raised eyebrows at Lewis's embrace of popular styles, Sun Goddess is a testament to his versatility and willingness to explore new musical landscapes.

Sun Goddess is an album that radiates positivity and warmth. It's a joyous fusion of jazz, funk, and soul, showcasing Lewis's ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to his musical core. The album's enduring appeal lies in its infectious grooves, soulful melodies, and the undeniable chemistry between Lewis and his collaborators. It's a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together, a vibrant celebration of life that continues to inspire and uplift listeners today.

I have many Ramsey Lewis lps and just picked this up today. I cannot believe i have not obtained this until now, my shame, to be sure :) Just beautiful.

There’s a lot to like here. So many genres fused into this record, sounds great, very warm, and you can get it on the cheap!

I believe I was eight years old when this came out :) This is the sound that very much captured the feeling of the 70's in the city. ...of Sunset on the radio and jazz in the park at night. A very different time, which I miss deeply to this day :)

A jazz-funk masterpiece. This pressing is impeccable, my copy is NM. Both the music and the vinyl, they don't make them like this anymore. If this album was any more badass, you'd have to spank it!

I'm surprised this is not a more sought/expensive record. The music is A+ jazz funk. I've never heard another pressing, but this sounds great. Dynamic, clear, and rich.

I haven't listed to any other pressings, so I can't say if this particular version is better than others, but this album has some of the highest sound quality of any LPs I own. And of course, fantastic music and playing to boot. A huge winner.

Have a matrix/runout side A: AL-33194-1H (stamped) 1T (etched) COLUMBIA NY (stamped) / side B: P BL 33194-1G (stamped) 1T (etched). Is this another entry? Or which version variant would be? Thanks.

This is one of those albums that I initially bought because of the cover artwork, as one of my peccadillos is looking at ladies who have been daubed from head to toe in body paint. One day I hope to paint a bare lady myself, and that will be a very great day for me!! Perhaps I will even listen to this album as I do it.

This album is a classic slice of jazz-funk that can be procured on the cheap. Every single track is a winner. For me, "Jungle Strut" and "Tambura" take it to another level.