If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It (Part 1)
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Do What You Wanna
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Uhuru
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Album: Another Voyage (1969)

Ramsey Lewis is a bad-ass keys player and you’ve probably never heard of him. With 80 albums and three Grammy Awards to his credit, that’s a crying shame. Don’t feel guilty, though; he’s still touring, and you’ll be blown away by all the progressive music he’s given to the world.

I’m proud to say I have a bunch of Ramsey’s records. I’m trying to remember where I picked up this Crate Diggin’ gem, Another Voyage. I’m pretty sure it was the first Ramsey Lewis record I owned and that it was recommended to me by Cool Chris at San Francisco’s legendary Groove Merchant record store. Living around the block from one of the world’s foremost vinyl palaces wasn’t easy on my wallet. But I have no regrets.

Though the LP is credited to “The Ramsey Lewis Trio,” the other two cats deserve their props. Rhythm sections came and went, but at the time of Another Voyage, Ramsey was playing with some serious talent. Cleveland Eaton remains one of the jazz world’s most revered double bassists and was a member of The Ramsey Lewis Trio from 1966-1974. Maurice White joined Ramsey as his percussionist in 1966; Another Voyage was Maurice’s last album with Ramsey before he created a little outfit called Earth, Wind and Fire.

The Ramsey Lewis Trio helped bridge the gap between jazz and more popular black music genres such as funk and R&B. From a production standpoint, Another Voyage manages to balance experimentation and spontaneity, with an eclectic range of styles and a boast (on the lower-right corner of the LP cover) that it was “Recorded in Concept 12,” whatever that means (Internet, you were of no help).

“If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It (Part 1)” kicks off the record with a hard-driving jam, showcasing the ferocity of Ramsey’s piano chops. By the way: Part 2, which closes the record, is just as funky.

“Do What You Wanna” is a classic blues progression elevated by slinky electric piano and Cleveland’s virtuosic bass playing. The background laughter, hand claps, and catcalls contributes to the uplift.

While in his favorite Chicago drum shop, Maurice found a kalimba, which sounds kinda like a toy xylophone. To witness Maurice play the kalimba is akin to observing a teenager play a video game — spasmodic thumbs in a meditative trance. “Uhuru” marks the first time Maurice recorded with the kalimba, and — decades later — Earth, Wind and Fire concerts still feature Maurice freaking a kalimba interlude.

Go do yourself a favor and pick up some more of The Ramsey Lewis Trio. His consistency starts getting shaky after Sun Goddess, so stick to the pre-1975 releases.