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.