RAMP

RAMP was an American soul/jazz band from Cincinnati, Ohio. Andy Kellman glosses the band's name as "Roy Ayers Music Productions"; others have interpreted it as "Roy Ayers Music Project" - but Ayers was not a member, though he did write and produce songs on the group's debut album.

The group released one album, Come Into Knowledge (1977), subsequently considered a classic among rare-groove collectors, artists (such as PM Dawn and A Tribe Called Quest who have used RAMP samples in their music) and Roy Ayers fans. Featuring the vocals of Sharon Matthews and Sibel Thrasher, the album was recorded in New York City and California. The group was a vehicle for the songwriting talents of Roy Ayers and Edwin Birdsong. Released in 1977, the set featured a version of Roy Ayers' "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" along with the 'rare groove' track "Daylight". The 12" vinyl release of the album used to (and still does) command very high prices as the album had originally never been released on any other format. The album was eventually re-released on CD in 2007.

The group split up shortly afterwards, but reformed in 2006 for new tours and recordings. RAMP performed June 30, 2007, with Washington, DC, jazz pianist Will Rast at Central Park SummerStage in New York City.

In 2008, the song "Daylight" featured Grand Theft Auto IV on the fictional radio station The Vibe 98.8.

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