Classical Composer Reaction/Analysis of Superstition (Stevie Wonder) | The Daily Doug (Episode 525)
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- #steviewonder #superstition
In this episode of #thedailydoug, I'm listening to Superstition by Stevie Wonder as part of our continuing celebration of Black History Month. I've chosen the live performance that Stevie gave in 2009 with Jeff Beck at the 25th anniversary concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I discuss in the video why the dual performance with Jeff harkens back to the song's creation. And, this performance is one that I hadn't seen yet...so come along for the ride with me!
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When I was as teenager in the 70's my dad gave me Songs in the Key of Life and it changed my life. My musical soul opened to to blues, funk and R&B. I've never been the same.
I have it on vinyl. Great album!!
2:31 the Hohner Clavinet is not a synthesizer but rather an electrically amplified clavichord.
The clavinet is actually 8 tracks layered over one another on the studio recording. The man knows how to groove and fit everything together to make a masterpiece
Another great Stevie Wonder/Jeff Beck crossover is "Cause We've Ended As Lovers", which was the highlight of Jeff's solo album Blow by Blow.
Ditto 'Thelonious', a Stevie composition also on 'Blow by Blow' and apparently with him playing clavinet.
I remember Superstition having the best Clavinet performance I ever heard. Stevie Wonder, what a gifted musician!
Nice one Doug. One of Stevie's best songs IMHO, I never knew Jeff Beck was a co writer and I love those musical connections. I never "got" Jeff as an artist, he was clearly a supreme and unique talent but sometimes you come across people in life where you think "I know you're a genius, I know you are advancing music in ways I don't understand (and dare I say it don't like?) but huge respect and don't hold it against me because I don't yet understand what you're doing....
What I'm really impressed about is how Jeff does the whammy flutters with seemingly normal strat bridge. That requires some serious tweaking and skill.
A Texas guitar slinger by the name of Stevie Ray Vaughan also covered Superstition. A live recording can be heard on the Live Alive album.
@briangriffin5524: I think that's the only version by SRV.
What a great version, very much overlooked by many.
Yeah that's the only recording I can find. There is an official music video which I just watched now, more than 30 years after the fact.🔥🎸🎸
Stevie Ray Vaughan also play Superstition with Stevie Wonder. ua-cam.com/video/Rw5AdcIYx8M/v-deo.html
Doug, you need to check out Stevie and his band playing this on Sesame Street back in the 70s. It's one of the best jam sessions ever filmed, and it was for a KIDS SHOW!
Indeed. This live version above is inferior.
At the end of the chromatic dominant 7ths sequence, he hits a Bb sharp 5, sharp 9 chord.
Should be Bb in bass then Ab, Db, D, Gb
Two phenomenal talents who created an iconic rock song absolutely ripping it up on stage. Fantastic!
Stevie Wonder is a music genius. Incredibly talented man.
ua-cam.com/video/1aZSDMan8K4/v-deo.html
@@MartijnHover l have seen that, thx 😆
He is above Genius. He is a phenomenon.
@@arijitsengupta9766 👍
Stevie wow he is one of the few who is a true musical genius.
Stevie is a national treasure!
Spectacular! I'd never seen this performance; that was something special.
You might, if you haven't heard it before, give the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan and his fiery bluesy version of this tune. It's one of life's great joys.
I have always loved Stevie's songs, great look at another classic, Doug.
Great song and Jeff Beck's guitar play added to the performance.
I had no idea that Beck had a hand in the creation of this song. Thanks Doug!
Jeff is killing it on this one 🎸
1972 was at the height of Motown's Psychedelic Soul movement led by Stevie, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. It was soulful, rocky, funky and jazzy music often accentuated with long jamming instrumental breaks.
I'm so glad to have experienced this sound when it was brand new! Hearing these songs in mono on your little hand held transistor radio was something else!
It’s what you get when you have a couple of master craftsmen doing their thing.
Thank you for choosing a version with Jeff Beck!
First serious funk I ever heard, and first song I'd ever heard that broke away from the verse chorus bridge thing that covered the radio back in the day. Years later I went back and discovered all the sixties and early seventies music that had slipped past me when I was just a kid. But this groove? Burned into my brain.
In the film, Standing In The Shadows Of Motown (the documentary about The Funk Brothers, the backing band on all the great Motown songs back in the day - a must see if you haven’t already seen it), I remember it being said that Stevie frequently worked in the studio with The Funk Brothers, even when other artists’ records were being made.
I remember around '74 - '75, I was in a record store and I heard Jeff Beck's cover of Superstition playing over the house system, and I never forgot the moment. They didn't have the record for sale
Stevie is the GOAT! RIP Mr Beck, he’ll be catching up with his mate Jimi 🎸🔥
This was one of those many many great albums in dads record collection…Gerard turn table, pioneer amp, klipsch speakers, senheiser headphones…spent so much time in that room
I enjoyed this! Thank you!
If you want a huge contrast, might I suggest Voiceplay’s version of this song? They are an accapella group which is amazing. Since you are a composer, you might also be interested in their version of Hall of the Mountain King.
Best of grooves that! Wonderful collaboration.
In the 70`s Sir Duke makes me Dancing 🕺
Doug gettin DOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWN
Thank you!!!!! Thank you for the "real story"!!! Jeff Beck really never got the credit for this song. I was about 7 when this song came out, and it was always known as a Stevie Wonder song. Jeff Beck, an alien guitar player his whole career deserves so much credit.
Love this song. Great reaction too. Thanks.
8:09 The crowd giving Jeff the love he deserves.
I was Thumbs-up #667..."Get thee behind me, Satan". I remember seeing a shirt that said "667-Neighbor of the Beast". Kinda funny. Great videos. You and Rick Beato keep trying to "edumacate" us and we'll keep trying to learn. Thinking hurts. There's a lifetime of knowledge swirling around just 7 notes.
Secret Sauce, indeed 😀
All time great song! Per Jeff Beck, he asked Stevie to write him song while they were collaborating in the studio. Everyone left and Stevie came up with this gem, but he and the record company immediately realized that Stevie struck musical gold and kept it for Stevie to develop/record. Jeff's version is pretty smoking too.
Not quite! Stevie left the room and when he returned Jeff was banging out a straight four on the drums (he was quite a decent drummer). Stevie told him to keep playing, then sat at his keys and started playing the riff. Jeff then added guitar and they worked together on the lyrics, with Stevie asking about things people were superstitious about.
Once they demoed it, Stevie told Jeff he could have it as a 'thank you'. But Berry Gordy, owner of Motown Records owned Stevie's publishing and his recording rights, and as Doug noted, he imagined what a hit the record could be for Stevie.
Jeff was not pleased by getting scooped on what he thought was a tune exclusive to him, though being realistic, the BB&A version, which was cool in its own way, would never have been the hit Stevie's was.
Also, the version of events I note here are merely a repitition of Jeff's own recounting of the session. Despite this having been out there for about 50 years there are still people not getting it right.
@@MrCherryJuice and in return Stevie gave Jeff ‘Cause We Ended As Lovers’ that he had written about Syreeta. Love Jeff’s guitar on Stevie’s ‘Looking for Another Pure Love’
Just a suggestion you should take a look at a young fella called Ren, he's very unique, can sing any genre, excellent musician, I even enjoy his rapping, and I'm really old🤣 he was also in a band called The Big Push. You won't be disappointed 🙂
This was fun to watch guy...Thanks
Stevie got his chops by hanging around the Funk Brothers. Standing in the shadows of Motown is a great film about the beginnings of Motown.
Jeff Beck didn't just pull new tricks out of the bag. .
He invented an ENTIRELY NEW BAG. . And then pulled tricks out of that new bag!
Word...bro....
My first time seeing this version and it was wonderful!
"Sir Duke" would have been a great selection as well.
Also his jazz fusion song "Contusion," from the same album, is excellent. Well, the entire album (Songs in the Key of Life) is great. Perhaps the greatest album ever released.
The keyboard solo on Contusion was played by Greg Philinganes who had just joined Stevie’s band at the age of 18.
The intro to this and Steely Dan's "Do It Again" are SO recognizable, you automatically know what's coming up!!!!
Your posts have become my favorite music reactions. I especially enjoy your educated and informative commentary and your choices of music to listen to. I have been a professional musician and listen to jazz/improvisational, classical and progressive/rock. I only listen to music that is played by great musicians.
I encourage you to listen to John McLaughlin, Yes and a favorite British group named “If”. My favorite albums are If2 and If3. The group is comprised of the best British jazz musicians especially the guitarist, Terry Smith and the reed player Morrisey. Very interesting and unique changes in chords and rhythms that I love. I hope and believe that you will enjoy listening to them. Keep up the great posts.
Jeff Beck has chops at his disposal others simply do not.
Great reaction again Doug for which many thanks.
Wrt that chord you're searching for at 13'05": try Bb in the bass with Ab + Dnatural + Gb in the right? Some augmented 5th stuff going on there which I'm sure you can explain to the great uninitiated...
the whole album is superb!
I don't know how extensive your Stevie is but, another banger is "Sir Duke". One of my faves.
Hi Doug’
I Ioved this reaction it was so great to see Stevie Wonder jamming with the late Jeff Beck 🙏 I have always loved this track.
I watched your Yes reaction earlier from several months ago Keys to Ascension live Starship Trooper / Home world from the house of blues live show you were puzzled just before the Home World track started it was a snippet from the song Time & a word from the Wonderful Time & a Word album!
your reactions are always so much fun thank you once again.
😀
this song also covered by SRV and double trouble, Doug.
Past Time Paradise is one of my favorites across all genres
Thanks for this. I’m a huge fan of Stevie Wonder; my brother played (trumpet) in his band in the late 70’s. I had never heard this. Great reaction.
The best performance of Superstition was the one he did on Sesame Street.
Hey Doug, please react to Alcest - Protection!!! It's a powerful experimental song which mixes black metal and shoegaze to basically create an entire new thing! It's beauty alongside a emotional catharsis.
I like how 2009 is referred to as "back in the day" :)
The Riff Of The Century as Jeff Beck called it!!
Great merit for Superstition should go to Jeff Beck (r.i.p.). great vid as usual. ty
'Lookin' for Another Pure Love' on the same album has a fabulous performance by Jeff Beck.
Musical asassins!
This may be the second best recorded performance of Superstition. The best, of course, being when Stevie Wonder performed the song on Sesame Street.
Love you bro!!!❤
Doug! You should check out Reptile by Periphery. It's a 16 minute prog metal epic. You'll have lots of fun, no doubt
Only 13 when he had his first hit - guess that's why he used to be called 'little Stevie'.
The chord you were wondering about sounds like a Bb7#9 to me, but I'm not near my keys at the moment, so I can't check that right now.
I mean.. ... Jeff Beck!
looks like Jeff was playing a guitar tuned to E flat. BBA played this in E.
Songs in the Key of Life !!!!
Another demonstration of Stevies qualitiy as plays with Sting, I think leaving Sting outstanded and emotional. Fantastic... ua-cam.com/video/pu9R4egeg_I/v-deo.html
Hope to hear some Fishbone this month. Everyday sunshine!!!
Stevie Wonder was a monster during the seventies and had tremendous crossover appeal to rockers and his music was played alongside rock artists of the day. He was and is a national treasure… R.I.P. Jeff Beck….
I'm jamming on my lap top!!
Check out the other version by Beck, Bogart & Appice.. preferably the live version.. It rocks!
Excelentes musicas, te recomiendo dos cosas: primero, que pongas traducir este texto si no sabes español, y segundo y si quieres desafios para analizar una banda no tan popular pero muy interesante es reaccionar y analizar a Cardiacs, creo que ademas ayudarias a que mas personas conozcan a esos grandes musicos de culto. Gracias, saludos
Stevie is a living legend that will live on after other living legends have died. (A nod to Eric Idle.)
I'll put a date on myself ... my parents took the family to see "Little Stevie" on the Steel Pier boardwalk in Atlantic City when I was a kid. He was great and still a kid also!
I'll date myself, I saw the Four Tops at Convention Hall in Asbury Park in maybe 1966.
I’d love to hear your take on the bridge n “Living for the City.”
O Please do 'Sir Duke'. It is so punishing on the trumpet line. It is our nemesis. Understand this track and you start to understand ... Something ... Maybe?
I'm sure I'll get to it!
Got a classical request please to contrast Stevie ... I have listen to the Segovia Bach Album oh say at least 100x times maybe more but..how is about a show by Segovia playing J.S. Bach: Violin Partita No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 8. Double LOL..I'm Delta Blues guy that absolutely LOVE BACH because of Segovia LOL ..
Doug, may you please take your ear to "Panama" by Van Halen?
Nice reaction! Another composer You must react to is Mike Batt. It is a different genre since he uses orchestral strings to his composition! His masterpiece is Tarot Suite from 1979. He has very talented musicians on that - Colin Blunstone master singer on One track! React to the whole album You Will not be disapointed! 😉👍
Say You Don’t Mind by Colin Blunstone is a favourite tune of mine. Mike Batt was very underground and overground as the composer of the Wombles theme. And later on in years, as a neighbour of Katie Melua, helped her to musical success.
oh I thought it would be Superstition by Soulfly. Okay, that's good too.
I hope this is a new shock for you
bigmama - killing voice
Check out Stevie Ray Vaughan's cover of this song for another great guitar work!
Wish you had done a more adventurous song from "Songs..."
Here's a treat for you, Doug... Stevie, live in 1974 on the outstanding German series, Musiklladen...
ua-cam.com/video/mZmJ3Q7SfHE/v-deo.html
And of course, The Jeff Beck Group's 1972 appearance on Beat Club, another outstanding German music show.
ua-cam.com/video/9gqiodBZww8/v-deo.html
Stevie Wonder and Stevie Ray do a great version too.
You Should Review The Live Version Of Superstition With Stevie Wonder AND Stevie Ray Vaughan - Who LOVED This Song Since He Was In High School... It Recorded At Wonderland - I Believe In 1987 - & The Video Is On UA-cam! You Also Should Check Out Stevie Ray & His Band Double Trouble Doing Their OWN Version Of Superstion - Also Recorded @ Wonderland - For Their Great Accompanying Video!! The Two Stevies' Were Close Friends & Similar, Beautiful Spirits....Stevie Wonder Sang @ Stevie Ray's Funeral In 1990😭 Along With Bonnie Raitt & Jackson Browne. Will You Find & Review These Two Recordings??
Please do The Police
I will never tire of hearing these horn licks over Metallica's "Sad But True" riff. 😄 ua-cam.com/video/KyvxHL5hLfE/v-deo.html
stevie ray vaughn does a good cover of this song
Donny Hathaway?
air drumming hurts my head
But the best version is with stevie ray Vaughan
at 80:27 you show your cool... or you're coo;.....
Black History Month, like affirmative action, is well-meaning but ultimately racist, and therefore, defeats the purpose it claims to have. Instead of treating Stevie Wonder as an American musician, putting him and other black artists up because of their race says their race is the most important aspect about them, and says they can never truly be equal because we're focusing completely on their skin color regardless of their accomplishments. We should teach history -- not segregated history. We should teach music and music history -- not segregated music and music history.