LOS ANGELES, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Hidden Beach Records) Los Angeles-based boutique label Hidden Beach Recordings announced today the signing of legendary jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis. The three-time Grammy winner who rose to prominence in the early 1970s will release his 80th collection on
September 20, 2011 titled Ramsey, Taking Another Look. On the ten song CD Lewis and his Electric Band breathe new life into many of Lewis' favorite tunes including a new rendition of the
Stevie Wonder penned "Living for the City" and a new edit of the original "Sun Goddess" recording featuring Earth, Wind & Fire.
"We are thrilled to have forged this partnership with such a legendary Jazz icon as Ramsey Lewis and his Mapenzi Recording family. From his contemporary Jazz explorations in the seventies all the way to the Orchestral pieces currently featured on PBS, Ramsey Lewis remains as relevant today as ever. We are excited to be bringing this music to market," stated Steve McKeever, Hidden Beach CEO.
"I am glad to join Steve McKeever, a fellow Chicagoan, and the Hidden Beach family to release Ramsey, Taking Another Look. Hidden Beach is known for its commitment to excellence in music and respect for artistry, a unique position in today's music landscape," stated Ramsey Lewis.
"Living for the City" will be accompanied by a music video created at Chicago's Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy, with Film & Broadcast and Recording Arts students taking the lead on production. Featuring an energetic performance by Ramsey Lewis and his Electric Band, the clip celebrates the visual vibrancy of Chicago at night time.
A noted advocate for Steinway pianos, Ramsey, Taking Another Look represents Lewis' first return to playing the Fender Rhodes piano in Fifteen years.
Ramsey Lewis on Ramsey, Taking Another Look
"The idea of the electric quintet came up and having played mostly in an acoustic trio arrangement for twelve-fifteen years, I decided to get together with the guys to see how it felt. The rehearsals went so well that I called in my engineer Danny Leake and my producer/son Frayne Lewis to come in and roll tape. I've recorded maybe 65-70 albums, and this album is definitely among the top five."
About Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is an American independent record label and entertainment company specializing in Urban Alternative, R&B, Soul, Inspirational and Contemporary Jazz music genres. Hidden Beach was formed in 1998 as the vision of its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Steve McKeever and currently holds a distribution deal with Universal Music Distribution Group. In addition to a catalog that includes Jill Scott, The Unwrapped series, Darius Rucker, Kindred the Family Soul, Dr. Cornel West and BeBe Winans, artists currently signed to Hidden Beach include Mike Phillips, Naturally 7, Glen Scott, The Tony Rich Project and Ramsey Lewis.
About Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy
Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy, a two-year, high-end digital media college in Chicago's Loop, offers nationally accredited, full-time Associate's degree programs in five digital media disciplines: Film & Broadcast, Recording Arts, Animation & Visual Effects, Game & Interactive Media, and (newly announced for Fall 2011) Design & Visual Communication.
