Thursday, June 16, 2016

Ramsey Lewis - "Them Changes" (1971)

Ramsey Lewis - "Them Changes" (did not chart). Written by Buddy Miles. Produced by Ramsey Lewis. 45: "Them Changes"/"Unsilent Majority" (Cadet 1971). LP: Them Changes (Cadet 1971).

This Ramsey Lewis track, the only single to be released from its album of the same name, shakes up the perception of a model MOR station like Los Angeles's KMPC, which used to play it in '71, as being a straight easy listening outlet. Although Lewis's live Rhodes piano version of Buddy Miles's signature song hearkens back to the club-date sound of earlier hits like "The In Crowd" and "Hang on Sloopy," it locks into a deep groove with the help of Morris Jennings (drums), Cleveland Eaton (bass), and Phil Upchurch (guitar). The current-event images on the album cover give it an activist vibe. (The non-charting single is credited to "Ramsey Lewis & Co.")

Ramsey Lewis - "Them Changes"

See also: A KMPC Playlist circa 1971

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