Wednesday, November 30, 2011

STEVIE WONDER AND THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK


In 1963, less than two years after taking America by storm with his first number one record, Fingertips Part Two, 15 year-old Stevie Wonder took time out to record an  album of standards. 
It was his third LP on the Tamla (Motown) label and the first to drop Stevie's nickname, 'Little' Stevie Wonder'.

Whenever (and however) possible, Motown Records chief Berry Gordy would strive to reach the widest demographic appeal for the label's artist stable.

Consequently Gordy urged Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and other Motown stars to record music from the Great American Songbook.
Although the time was not right for Stevie's album to capture the mature adult audience Berry Gordy sought, it nonetheless is a undiscovered gem that definitely warrants attention. 
Veteran jazz man Ernie Wilkins did a brilliant job of arranging and conducting the album which is highlighted by Jimmy McHugh's On The Sunny Side Of The Street.

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