Years before he became known for hits like "The In Crowd" and "Wade in the Water," Ramsey Lewis had been recognized in his local Chicago community as a gifted classical and gospel pianist. A live document of his 2005 return to his religious roots, WITH ONE VOICE brings Lewis's signature spare, swinging style to bear on stirring and polished instrumental performances of gospel classics like "Oh Happy Day" and "Pass Me Not," as well as more contemporary compositions, like Smokie Norful's "God Can Work it Out" and Darius Brooks's "Healed Heart," both heard here sung by their composers.
Liner Note Author: Rev. Lucille L. Jackson.
Recording information: Chicago recording Company (05/2005-06/2005); J.W. James Memorial A.M.E. Church, Maywood, IL (05/2005-06/2005).
Director: Donald Lawrence .
Photographer: Bob Kessler .
Arrangers: Frayne Lewis; Ramsey Lewis; William Kilgore.
Personnel: Ramsey Lewis (piano); Ramsey Lewis; Gwain Ligon, Francesca D. Gray, Mariah Jennings, Lisa Gayle Rice, Rhonda Mitchell, Angel McSwain, Rochelle Rideau, LaVonzelle Minor, Miriam Berry, Veronica Houston, Valerie Brown (soprano); Jeff Morrow (tenor, bass voice); Gus Lacy, Garry Mitchell, Jr., Desmond Gray, Robert Earl Flowers, Antoine Curry, Levi Stewart, Sr., Gabriel Alexander, Gregory B. Ballard Jr., Jackie Cross, Myrtis S. Twyman, Phillip Williams, Michelle Flowers (tenor); Lenwood Robinson, Rev. David A. Berry, Rev. Greg Ballard, Jaquari Williams, Richard Weems (bass voice); Steve Eisen, Stephen Eisen (saxophone); Kirk Tracy, Tracy Kirk (trombone); Larry Gray, Maurice Fitzgerald (bass instrument); Bobby Lewis (drums); Ruben Alvarez, Ruben P. Alvarez (percussion); Darius Brooks, Smokie Norful (vocals); Keith Henderson, Bobby Broom (guitar); Orbert Davis (trumpet); William Kilgore (organ); Kevin Randolph (keyboards); Leon Jr. Joyce, Khari Parker (drums); Lambert Waldrip (programming); Donald Lawrence , J.W. James Memorial A.M.E. Combined Choirs.
Audio Mixer: Matthew Prock.
JazzTimes (p.90) - "Lewis wrote half the tunes here, including the beautiful instrumental 'Thoughts and Reflections.' He also gets two big, soulful, through-the-roof guest appearances from gospel vocalists Smokie Norful and Darius Brooks."
Ramsey Lewis with one voice
It Speaks For Itself
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