Big shouts out to the greatest musician walking the face of the Earth, Mr. Stevland Morris – “Stevie Wonder”. I’m not going to copy his wikipedia page or attempt to condense his ridiculously prolific musical career, but I would like to acknowledge his lifetime dedication to making quality music that spans pretty much every genre under the sun, never sacrificing his musical creativity and continuously pushing the boundaries of pop and album-oriented music. It is almost certain that no matter what kind of music you like, Stevie’s music has crossed your path at some point.

I meant to post this on Stevie’s birthday, May 13th, but I’ve been a little off my ‘internet schedule’ while on the road in Ireland. But I feel it very fitting to share with you one of my go-to travel listening albums: Stevie Wonder Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 1974. Reportedly originally recorded to be released as a live album, but Stevie declined. It features a small ensemble with no horns as well as backing vocals from unidentified members of Wonderlove (I don’t hear Minnie Riperton’s voice in there and he does say ‘Deniece’ at one point, who I am assuming is Deniece ‘Niecy’ Williams). I love the energy of this show. Stevie and the band have lots of room to stretch out on many songs, starting with a very long jam to warm up and working through Stevie’s hits at the time, including an incredible version of Superstition that continues to speed up after the 5-minute mark into a blistering tornado of sound – managing to sound gigantic even without it’s signature horns.

It’s at times very crowd involved at at other times very not. Stevie even shows a bit of frustration with the crowd when they can’t achieve the call and response that he wants during “Living for the City”, more for their failure to follow him properly than a lack of effort, mind you. Stevie even starts a song and decides not to do it. Some of these instances may have lead to Stevie’s request to not release the album, but they enhance the experience for me. I really feel like I am there! Great for listening to on planes or in cars when you’re trying to rest a bit and take your mind off things.

The show wraps up with a fantastic improv encore, where Wonder actually ‘freestyles’ a song for the crowd. The lyrics are all spontaneous, at times hilarious, and it’s a real treat to end the performance – with one fantastic detail that I will leave up to the listener to find out. I would have enjoyed a performance from this era with horns featured, but the fact that they do so much with such a small band truly says a lot about the musicianship of each player.

Have a listen for yourself, and enjoy. Headphones recommended. Thank you, Stevie!

DOWNLOAD – STEVIE WONDER LIVE @ RAINBOW THEATRE IN LONDON, 1974

Line-up:
Stevie Wonder – Lead Vocal, Keys
Michael Sembello – Guitar
Reggie McBride – Bass
Ollie E. Brown – Drums
Wonderlove (including Deneice Williams) – Backing Vocals

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