The Ramsey Lewis Trio – Groovin’: Live at the Penthouse [Stereo] (Verve Record Club Series Edition)

(ADA) — Lacquers cut by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound from a digital transfer by Kevin Reeves at East Iris Studios of the original analog master tapes.

The Ramsey Lewis Trio—pianist Lewis, bassist Eldee Young and drummer Isaac “Redd” Holt—was riding high when the group arrived in Seattle to perform at the Penthouse club in October 1962. Available here for the first time—after 63 years—is music from two radio broadcasts recorded during their run at the Penthouse. Working from tapes of the radio broadcasts provided by the family of the Penthouse’s owner, the audio has been carefully restored and was mastered for LP by Ryan K. Smith of Sterling Sound. This album signals a pivotal moment, showcasing how the Trio was building to something bigger. Within three years, they would have a huge finger-snapping pop hit with “The ‘In’ Crowd” and worldwide fame.

November’s exclusive title will also include a limited edition 8.5x11 print. The print includes hand-written notes from the trio, including Ramsey’s note that “it was a gas”—referring to both the shows at the Penthouse and, apparently, the after-effects of club owner Charlie Puzzo’s preparation of a traditional Italian dinner for the band.

(Above description from VerveRecords.com)