Customer Reviews

Love Notes

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The song Spring High got plenty of air time on the radio in 1977. A happy-go lucky, uplifting tune that makes you feel good. There are other good songs on this CD as well, but for me Spring High sold me on the Love Notes CD . A nice memory pleaser.

Next to Don't It Feel Good this has to be Ramsey Lewis's funkiest albums of the 70's. It's the same group that he maintained during his mid to late 70's years on Columbia. Wheras that album had featured Earth Wind & Fire as predominant guests in the same way as 'Sun Goddess' this album is based around Stevie Wonder. He contributed two terrific songs. One was the terrific opener "Spring High",a song which captures the very best of his 'Songs in the Key of Life Era' and the most ear catching featuring is the bouncing sound they get on the electric piano-probably some type of pitch modulation. The title track finds Stevie streching out a lot more on this as he and Ramsey trade of hands on Arp and electric piano.It's more of a slower burning build but puts the styles of both musicians strongly to the test and wins every time. Much of the remainder of the music here was written by multi instrumentalist Derf Reklaw Raheem who provides much of the rhythm section and collective vocals on some heavily funky songs such as "Shining" and "Stash Dash". The best part of this album is that it presents it's funk as music of variety,just the way it should be. "Love Theme From A Star Is Born" should've been very schlocky but what this rhythm section did to it,even if he'd passed by this time so reflected the influence of Charles Stepney that it actually transcended the compositions intention. "Chile Today,Hot Tamale" brings in the percussion section real heavy for Ramsey's interpretation of the afro latin groove in funk. "The Messenger" is such a deep song that is heavily represents this album on the compilation album Electric Collection-the volume,the tempo and the harmonic ideas just build from this soft mysterious flavor into this fevered frenzy by songs end. Sadly having been long forgotton this should be held in extremely high esteem in Ramsey's catalog.I've been listening to this album for years on vinyl and having heard all the sonic qualities of the grooves,melodies and musicianship of this album digitallly enhanced rather than changed for loudness purposes it's even more of a treasure.

What more can I say!?

This is probably a bit dated, and something for collectors. But the sound quality was good and there are a few strong cuts. I might have to dust off my vinyl copy tonight.

This is one Ramsey Lewis album that isn't overly funky but
isn't overly lightweight either.Tunes like "Spring High" and "Stash Dash" prove that funky grooves can be sudtle and work without alot of blandness.Even if the Barbara Streisand cover is
pretty needless "Love Notes" will not put off listeners.

Ramsey Lewis' album "Love Notes" is his breakthrough towards what popular jazz is nowadays(groovy and full of vibes). The title "Spring High" is one of my favorites. It makes me wanna dance.