RAMP

RAMP was an American soul/jazz band from Cincinnati, Ohio. RAMP has mistakenly been said to stand for "Roy Ayers Music Production" and "Roy Ayers Music Project", but Ayers was not a member, though he did write and produce songs on their debut album. Bandleader and drummer John Manuel states: "The name actually refers to taking you on a journey, elevation, as in an on or up ramp, an access to another place as in highway ramps. It, contrary to some belief, does not mean Roy Ayers Music Production, though that fits the acronym."

The group released one album, Come Into Knowledge (1977), which is now 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 female vocals of Sharon Matthews and Sibel Thrasher, the album was recorded in New York and California. The group were 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 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" was featured on Grand Theft Auto IV's fictional Soul/R&B radio station The Vibe 98.8.

Members

John Manuel (drums and percussion)
Sharon Matthews (lead vocals)
Sibel Thrasher (lead vocals)
Nate White (bass)
Landy Shores (guitar)

Discography

1977 – Come Into Knowledge (ABC Blue Thumb) Side A
The American Promise
I Just Love You
Give It
Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Side B
Come Into Knowledge
Try Try Try
Daylight
Look Into The Sky
Deep Velvet

Translation of "RAMP"

Dutch: 'ramp.