Ramsey Lewis - Maiden Voyage (And More) (1994)

This pop-oriented CD reissue brings back the highlights from pianist Ramsey Lewis' two Argo records Maiden Voyage and Mother Nature's Son. Although Lewis' trio of the time (with bassist Cleveland Eaton and drummer Maurice White) is heard prominently, they are accompanied by strings, voices (including Minnie Riperton) and (on the last four numbers) a large orchestra. There are some good piano solos but the Charles Stepney arrangements (which are lavishly praised in the liner notes) are period pieces as is much of the material which includes selections from Lennon & McCartney, Bob Dylan, Burt Bacharach ("Do You Know The Way To San Jose") and Aretha Franklin. Even Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" and Mike Gibbs' "Sweet Rain" sound like pop tunes. One can hear the beginnings of the crossover music of the 1980's and 90's in recordings such as this one but the performances have not dated all that well.~Scott Yanow