Ramsey Lewis records are the like the Ford Taurus of the digging scene: fairly common, always listenable, and very reliable. But let me revise the definition. In the decaying staying stacks of one-sample albums and over-priced funk 45s, Ramsey rises like the phoenix from the moldy fires! Yes, it's been while since I've listened to my Ramsey albums, but damn, I forgot how incredible they are. Just check out songs like "Wanderin Rose" and "Bold And Black" and remember what we're talking about: simple gorgeous shit with awesome drums. Even perennial snoozers like "My Cherie Amour" are turned into wonderful breakbeat floaters. "Uhuru" and "Do What You Wanna" fill the gruntal funk quotient, then throw in the likeable Ramsey ballads, and you have a complete album, worthy of all crates. 10 tracks, recommended.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• music label: Cadet 2008

reviewed by the mgmnt 01/2008