''Salongo'' is an album by the jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, released in 1976 by

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. The album rose to No. 7 on the ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

'' magazine Top Jazz Albums chart and No. 17 on the Top Soul Albums chart.

Overview

Salongo was produced by

Maurice White Maurice White (December 19, 1941 – February 4, 2016) was an American singer, musician, songwriter, and record producer. He was best known as the founder, leader, main songwriter, and producer of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, and served as the ...

and Charles Stepney.

Critical reception

'' Variety'' wrote: "More excellent jazz and jazz-rock from Ramsey Lewis and other fine musicians. Hear Slick, Aufu Oodu, Rubato, Brazilica, Nicole and the title tune, much with Brazilian and/or African rhythms running wild." Jason Elias of AllMusic wrote: "Those shocked or even dismayed by the lack of jazz on 1975's ''

Don't It Feel Good ''Don't It Feel Good'' is a 1975 funk/jazz-funk album by Ramsey Lewis released on Columbia Records. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. Overview The single "What' ...

'' would no doubt be pleasantly surprised by this. Released in 1976 and produced by Maurice White and Charles Stepney, ''Salongo'' offers a more substantial look at African and Latin styles." Elias added that "''Salongo'' earns most of its raves by being one of the few albums of the time to sidestep commercial considerations. The effort is also one of Lewis's best at getting his eclectic nature and is more enjoyable than the better-selling ''Sun Goddess''." Chris Albertson of '' Stereo Review'' called the album "very good" and described Lewis' performance as "sly." Albertson also stated: "Sure, Ramsey Lewis has a commercial that is, salable-sound, but it's a good one, and he still plays dynamic, funky piano. The influences here range from Sly Stone to Weather Report. This is by no means music that will live forever, but neither is it stillborn, which is more than can be said for much of what we hear today."

Track listing

Personnel

* Ramsey Lewis – piano * Derf Reklaw Raheem – flute, percussion, vocals * Jimmy Bryant – clavinet * Byron Gregory – guitar * Ron Harris – bass guitar * Steve Cobb – drums, vocals * Tang – vocals * Ndugu Leon Chancler - drums (on "Slick" only) * Ernie Watts - saxophone (on "Brazilica" only)

Charts

Singles

References

{{Authority control 1976 albums Ramsey Lewis albums Columbia Records albums Jazz fusion albums by American artists Albums produced by Maurice White Albums produced by Charles Stepney Albums recorded at Wally Heider Studios