The Movie Album (1968)/ Dancing In The Street

This set combines two early Ramsey Lewis LPs, 1967s "The Movie Album", which finds Lewis (with the aid of a symphonic orchestra, HB) tackling several classic movie themes, and 1968s "Dancing In The Street", a live set recorded at San Franciscos Basin Street West and featuring Lewis with Cleveland Eaton (bass) and drummer Maurice White (later of Earth, Wind & Fire). The trio was well on its way to the pristine and symbiotic gel that would define their style. It's that somewhat formative vibe that makes this particular 1967 performance such a complete and utter joy. "Dancing In The Street" is this trio's recorded debut and, across a wide range of covers and styles, it's a captivating portrait of contemporary jazz. These three musicians are a joy to hear, and it's within their far-reaching vision, and the effortless incorporation of so many styles into contemporary jazz, that they were -- and remain -- among the genre's finest." (Cub Koda, Allmusic)