Stevie Wonder, Superstition - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 พ.ค. 2024
  • #steviewonder #virginrock
    Not only does this take a critical view of the superstitious mindset, but it also does a great job of evoking the feeling of what it’s like to live with such a mind!
    Here’s the link to the original song by Stevie Wonder:
    • Stevie Wonder Supersti...
    / @amyscut
    / @littleliesel
    _________________________
    🎁 Do you want to take a peek at my WISH LIST?
    www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
    💌 If you want to send me books, music scores, memorabilia, LPs or any other gift, you can use this mailing address, and Thank You!
    Amy Shafer
    7615 US Hwy 70 South #1010
    West Nashville, TN 37221
    United States
    If you want me to do a First Listen and In-depth Analysis of YOUR song of choice, or if you want an exclusive 1:1 session where I can answer your questions, dig deeper into a topic, or even coach you in your musical experience, such as a music theory, piano, or harp lesson, singing, music reading, etc, follow this link: ko-fi.com/amyshaferarts/commi...
    Patreon: / virginrock
    Twitter: / virginrockmusic
    Instagram: / virginrockchannel
    Facebook: / virginrockchannel
    Special thanks to those who are keeping my ko-fi cup supplied:
    I’ve formed the habit of publishing all the names of my supporters simply because I appreciate your appreciation of my work, and I want to recognize each one of you personally. But, unfortunately, TH-cam allows a limited number of characters for the description, and I cannot fit all names anymore. So, this is my message to each one of my supporters personally:
    THANK YOU!
    _________________________
    Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
    _________________________
    Credits: Music written and performed by Stevie Wonder
    This video may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. VirginRock is using this material for educational, critical, research, and commentary purposes in our effort to promote musical literacy and understanding. We believe that this constitutes a “fair use” of the copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, which provides allowance for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
    If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond “fair use”, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
    If your copyrighted material appears on this channel and you disagree with our assessment that it constitutes “fair use”, please contact us.
  • เพลง

ความคิดเห็น • 679

  • @troubleondemand7703
    @troubleondemand7703 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +148

    In 1976 Paul Simon won the Grammy for Album of the Year and at the end of his speech he said "and most of all I'd like to thank Stevie Wonder, who didn't make an album this year." because Stevie had won album of the year the previous two years. Stevie then won it again the next year for his 18th album Songs In The Key of Life. He was 26 at the time. 18 albums by 26 is insane. Having 3 albums in a row win album of the year is just nuts.

    • @kovie9162
      @kovie9162 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

      He was the Taylor Swift of his time, just more talented and deep. Can't think of many if any of his songs that dwelled on the self, romantic rejection and vindictive anger. His music is more of the universal and positive kind that surpasses adolescent emotion and interpersonal angst.

    • @fromtheblonx
      @fromtheblonx 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Wow! Thanks for sharing!

    • @kittehboiDJ
      @kittehboiDJ 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Ah you beat me to it! I remember that too.

    • @flavoredwallpaper
      @flavoredwallpaper 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      And the four albums before Songs in the Key were just as good. Really amazing spree of music. Total genius.

    • @xavvi
      @xavvi 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      ​@@kovie9162don't disrespect Stevie by comparing him to her

  • @mightyV444
    @mightyV444 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +117

    Yes, Stevie plays nearly all the instruments here himself, except for the brass 😀
    That "guitar" is actually a keyboard (a Hohner 'Clavinet', recorded on multiple tracks), and he's playing the bass lines on a Moog synthesizer; I'd always believed it was an actual bass _guitar_ - until Rick Beato soloed the individual tracks in a 'What Makes This Song Great?' episode about this song 😀 (Which is in the key of Eb, by the way)
    Pretty advanced stuff for 1972, too! I didn't know 'Superstition' was _that_ old! 🤯

    • @chriswoolcock8907
      @chriswoolcock8907 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      What I was gonna say, more succinctly. Good insight.

    • @michaelmoore7975
      @michaelmoore7975 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      My favorite part of this song is when the horns are "rolling the valves."

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@chriswoolcock8907 - Thank you, Chris! 😀👍 It blew my mind when I found out he plays most instruments himself 😊

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@michaelmoore7975 - Yes, that's when the song really comes to life
      😀👍

    • @michaelmoore7975
      @michaelmoore7975 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      @@mightyV444 I dare anyone to sit completely still while this song plays.
      Old doo-wop you snap your fingers.
      Rockabilly you tap your feet.
      Rock-n-roll your head moves up and down.
      Blues your head moves from side-to-side.
      But *_funk_* .......your _whole body_ gets in on it.

  • @charlesdrake3125
    @charlesdrake3125 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +151

    In the 70s, Stevie dropped 5 classic albums in a row. Undoubtedly, one of the all time greats.

    • @seelenwinter6662
      @seelenwinter6662 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +18

      in my opinion he is above prince and michael jackson...

    • @johnsilva9139
      @johnsilva9139 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      @@seelenwinter6662 Oh yes. Way above.

    • @KingOfNebbishes
      @KingOfNebbishes 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      One of the best album runs in history, right up there with the Beatles' run.

    • @natmanprime4295
      @natmanprime4295 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

      @@KingOfNebbishes i'd say u2 as well, from war to zooropa, or Boy to Joshua tree, but thats my bias

    • @flavoredwallpaper
      @flavoredwallpaper 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Incredible albums, and he wrote them over 4 years. Absurd.

  • @corybanter
    @corybanter 3 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    One of my favorite songs of all time. Every time it comes on the radio, I just have to turn up the volume and enjoy it.

  • @christimanley13
    @christimanley13 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +147

    If you want to break the fourth wall and listen to music in dialogue about music, respond to Stevie's "Sir Duke".

    • @TischTosh
      @TischTosh 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

      I really hope she chooses to listen to all of "Songs in the Key of Life".... I have subscribed because I love a musician's fresh approach to songs I've loved for... well decades.

    • @UnclePauhana
      @UnclePauhana 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

      Superstition is a great tune, but I would like to see her react to some of Stevie's more harmonically complex stuff.

    • @kellypickle
      @kellypickle 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      I’m a listen to it right now.😊

    • @steveberkery6128
      @steveberkery6128 16 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I Wish is peak Stevie…

    • @lulugurl6547
      @lulugurl6547 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Love “Sir Duke”…absolutely brilliant! ❤️

  • @kentl7228
    @kentl7228 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +123

    Jeff Beck came up with the drum beat by accident and Stevie Wonder heard the drums and wrote the song for him, but then Wonder ended up releasing it himself. The riff is keyboard as well.

    • @axandio
      @axandio 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +26

      Clavinet sounding for sure!

    • @kentandersonrocks
      @kentandersonrocks 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +22

      Definitely a clavinet. I love that sound. It's in a lot of great rock songs.

    • @earnestbass4092
      @earnestbass4092 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +20

      It's at least three different clavinet tracks on top of each other. There is no guitar on this version. The bass is a keyboard as well. Everything but the horns was played by Stevie.

    • @johnsilva9139
      @johnsilva9139 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +10

      Yes. I thought it was odd that Amy thought it was a guitar coming in at the beginning, but I guess the keyboard kind of replicates a guitar there.

    • @fishdrew1111
      @fishdrew1111 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

      @@earnestbass4092 You be right! Who else layered multiple clavinets without guitar in 1972? OR EVER!!!

  • @alexanderednie1205
    @alexanderednie1205 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +38

    That’s not a guitar. It’s multiple clavinet parts. And that’s not a bass. It’s a moog. Stevie played all the instruments except the horns. INCREDIBLE

    • @louremington6975
      @louremington6975 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Thank you. I think I gave you a thumbs down It was accidental.

    • @mtdnelson
      @mtdnelson 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

      And yet, to be fair, the Moog is definitely playing a bass part (in a bass register). And the clavinet is a keyboard instrument which creates its sound in a very similar fashion to a guitar. It was played on a keyboard, but it might as well be a guitar riff. I dare you to play that part on a guitar and then tell me it wasn't written by someone who knows how a guitarist writes a funk riff!
      I'm not disagreeing with you - but her description was correct in one sense (despite being technically wrong), and also informative. Win-win!

  • @surferles589
    @surferles589 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +77

    Can't believe this song is 50+ years old and still sounds fresh. It's almost inconceivable that you have never heard this song. It's very endearing :-)

    • @SpaceCattttt
      @SpaceCattttt 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      I believe she grew up in some kind of Amish cult where popular music was the devil's tool...

    • @trappenweisseguy27
      @trappenweisseguy27 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Yeah, she’s never been in a mall, or store , or gas station, or watched tv etc 🙄.

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      ...while myself, I have actually been feeling stalked by that song over the past 6 years or so! It's been popping up in sooo many different places and many, many times! I would not be able to get away from it, I don't think 😅

    • @myotheruncle4744
      @myotheruncle4744 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      I notice whenever I hear this song that it hasn't aged ten minutes in all these decades.

  • @redgoals5701
    @redgoals5701 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +13

    This is funk which evolved from soul ,R& B and gospel.

  • @dennismason3740
    @dennismason3740 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +55

    Songs in the Key of Life - a masterpiece. Innervision. Others.

    • @louiskoenig9719
      @louiskoenig9719 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Que j'ai acheté aux magasins de l'US army à Berlin quand j'étais militaire là-bas... grand souvenir !

  • @kebonhawk1081
    @kebonhawk1081 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +10

    I'm not an outwardly emotional person, and i know it's inevitable, but I will probably have one hell of a day when Stevie passes.
    He's a natural gem and a gift to us all.

  • @derricktrottier6763
    @derricktrottier6763 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +10

    Stevie played this song on Sesame Street and blew 5 yr old me away.. been a fan since.

  • @grahamokeefe9406
    @grahamokeefe9406 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +35

    Oooh, I wasn't expecting you to cover Stevie! Stevie is an amazing jazz player as well as rock/funk/soul. There are stories of him showing up to jam sessions and just destroying everyone. Also, apparently he's not AS blind as he's thought to be. He supposedly likes to mess with people by doing things he shouldn't be able to do. That opening "guitar" sound is actually a Hohner clavinet, which is basically an electric harpsichord. There is no guitar in this song. Even the bass is a keyboard.

    • @MachoTins
      @MachoTins 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

      An electric clavichord actually

  • @nicholashylton6857
    @nicholashylton6857 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +18

    Singer, songwriter, pianist, bassest, drummer and all around musical legend, Stevie Wonder.
    I'm a Gen-Xer, and he was all of that before I was born.

    • @fromchomleystreet
      @fromchomleystreet 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I don’t think he actually plays bass, does he? My understanding was that the bass-lines that he plays himself (such as on this song) are all played on keyboard.
      Also, you forgot the instrument on which he is the most indisputably a virtuoso - harmonica.

    • @nicholashylton6857
      @nicholashylton6857 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@fromchomleystreet I knew about the harmonica, but I could have sworn he played the bass too.

    • @mghJD
      @mghJD 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@nicholashylton6857 Stevie plays the bass lines with a synthesizer.

    • @nicholashylton6857
      @nicholashylton6857 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@mghJD That explaines it. Thanks!

  • @archribaldbunker1060
    @archribaldbunker1060 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    "Recurring sequence" is sometimes called the groove

  • @tomtompkins7546
    @tomtompkins7546 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +33

    One of the greatest musicians who's ever lived. Played just about any instrument, and it's mostly him on the legendary double album, songs in the key of life.

    • @tomtompkins7546
      @tomtompkins7546 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      Plus, in case you didn't know, Jeff Beck composed the drum part for this. He was noodling around in the studio, started playing the opening beat, and Stevie improvised the key bass part over top of it.

  • @netuno60
    @netuno60 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +30

    Stevie is the king of pop/funk/soul and rhythm and blues. He's a master keyboard player and singer. His voice has a wide range and few artists try to cover some of his songs, because of the difficulties. He's one of the great popular music artists of the 20th century. Just like Paul McCartney.

    • @thememdude
      @thememdude 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      With whom he recorded a Number 1 hit which coincidently and amazingly was the longest charting hit for either of these A+++-List musicians.

    • @mojochip695
      @mojochip695 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      All of this is true, i'm a big fan too!
      But Stevie borrowed a lot of his style from Donny Hathaway.

    • @netuno60
      @netuno60 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @@mojochip695 Incredible but I didn't know Donny. I've done some research and some hearing. You're absolutely right. Their styles are similar and Donny is a great singer, composer, and keyboard player. He has made some very beautiful songs.

  • @glerp10000000000
    @glerp10000000000 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    I was absolutely thrilled to see Stevie play this song live in 2010. A shame I had to listen to I Just Called To Say I love You at the same concert, but you win some, you loose some.

  • @Boodieman72
    @Boodieman72 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Stevie Wonder has a reputation for being a super nice person.

  • @pallhe
    @pallhe 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +13

    This track is so funky you can cut it with a knife. Amy always has great insights and sensibility for the music. I should point out that what she called a guitar is actually a Clavinet, a sort of electric clavichord. I love how the brass section plays with rising and falling pitch and dynamics in the outro. Maybe the next Stevie Wonder song could be "Sir Duke"? :)

  • @williamredding4448
    @williamredding4448 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +22

    I grew up in Detroit watching "Little Stevie" on local variety shows. A more mature Stevie would go on to have a huge impact on our world: not just in music, but in the business of music and the civil rights movement. "Golden Lady" is my favorite song of all time.

  • @surferles589
    @surferles589 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +14

    You could do a Stevie Wonder 50 series. It'll be so worth it

  • @weshart6139
    @weshart6139 10 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Stevie Ray Vaughn does an amazing cover of this song.

  • @catsara9114
    @catsara9114 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

    Stevie Wonder ❤ I cannot imagine music history without him 🤩

  • @johna6767
    @johna6767 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Amy should do Golden Lady, which to me is nothing short of cosmic in its brilliance. The chord changes are practically orgasmic.

  • @markdrum2392
    @markdrum2392 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Stevie is playing drums on this track. He is a multi-instrumentalist of the first order. He originally wrote this song for Jeff Beck who had played on some of Stevie's earlier tracks. Stevie Ray Vaughn loved covering this song..

  • @jovana_r
    @jovana_r 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +34

    Oh, this was a surprise. You should check more of Stevie. He is an amazing musician. Especially live.
    And btw, he is my husband's all time favorite solo musician. 🥰

    • @LeeKennison
      @LeeKennison 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Wow Jovana. Great to see you. I didn't expect to see you on a Stevie Wonder song. I agree, he is an amazing musician. One of the greats. It has been a while since I have seen you, but maybe I just didn't notice your new profile image. Really good to see how much you appreciate Stevie's music, perhaps through your husband's influence, or maybe you were an admirer before.

    • @jovana_r
      @jovana_r 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      @@LeeKennison Hey, dear Lee. Yes, I've been absent from TH-cam for a long time and still I am not fully back. I have one of my phases, but I hope it will pass. However I don't expect it to pass soon because now with each day my excitement rises because of R+ concert and I struggle to concentrate to literally anything. And after the concert I think that I will be depressed for some time. 😂 I'm an idiot, I know...
      Anyway... I started really noticing Stevie when I met my husband, even though I knew few of his songs before because even my mom loves him, but I didn't really pay attention then.
      He is amazing. I love how humble and warmhearted he seems. And definitely I love to hear him singing live. He never misses a note and it is fascinating.

    • @LeeKennison
      @LeeKennison 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@jovana_r It occurred to me right after I posted my message that it must be getting close to your Rammstein concert time. I am sorry to hear you haven't been doing well lately. I really hope you are feeling good on concert day. I suspect you will, just the excitement of it should help a lot. I'm also still not posting much in general either, only here in Amy's comments.

    • @jovana_r
      @jovana_r 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@LeeKennison Well, you know I have my phases. Actually, lately I have had few good days, but overall it is the same as always. Phases come and go. And this time I really think it is because of Rammstein. I have been trying not to think about the concert and to wait in peace but I guess I haven't been peacefull as I wished. 😂 And now it's a little more than two weeks left, so... I cannot be controlled anymore. 😂
      Yep, that day I will be able to do anything because of the adrenalin, but we'll see how I'll handle it afterwards.
      Anyway, I really hope I'll be able to get more active on Amy's channel soon. I miss it all.
      Btw, how are you?

    • @LeeKennison
      @LeeKennison 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@jovana_r Doing fine thanks, or at least about the same as last time we chatted. I still haven't been very motivated to do some things I normally really enjoy and need to spend more time on, such as playing my bass guitar or other instruments. Like you I go through phases.

  • @XFLexiconMatt
    @XFLexiconMatt 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +31

    Thank you Amy, I am thrilled you tackled this. You have started an amazing Journey with Stevie Wonder, he has incredible range as a player and singer.
    There's no guitar on this, it's just layers of Clavients, and synth bass. He's an incredible keyboardist.
    Originally he wrote it for guitarist Jeff Beck, which recorded it, but Stevie's recording was released as a single, much to Beck's dismay!

    • @TischTosh
      @TischTosh 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Yes! Her reaction to the Clavinet was so interesting, I wonder if Stevie was thinking of Jeff Beck when he wrote it, created it in his head...😊

    • @timcardona9962
      @timcardona9962 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@TischTosh The original purpose of he clavinet was to replace the guitar

  • @rewquioprewquiop
    @rewquioprewquiop 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Oh my goodness! ....a harpist reviewing Stevie Wonder...what strange and absolutely beautiful times we live in. This is a collision of worlds that I absolutely adore.

  • @christimanley13
    @christimanley13 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +19

    When I was 3 this was my favorite song and a way to connect with my daddy. It's amazing and never gets old.

  • @BobFibonacci
    @BobFibonacci 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    It's a Groove.That's the word you're looking for.

    • @BrennanYoung
      @BrennanYoung 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Peter Cook and Dudley Moore made a ... great ... analysis of the groove. Worth seeking out on TH-cam.

  • @fppenque
    @fppenque 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +31

    FYI, the introductory notes are Stevie on a keyboard (Clavinet) , not a guitar. He also played the drums.

    • @mrake1000
      @mrake1000 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      Very good analys Amy, yes its a Hohner Clavinet ( keyboard ) ore rather 2 of them i guess. I had one as a teenager. And the voice and the horn sektion, wow.

    • @martingiguere559
      @martingiguere559 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@mrake1000 its a mini moog synth actually

    • @mrake1000
      @mrake1000 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@martingiguere559 No i dont think so they are monophonic.

    • @Jerlwayne
      @Jerlwayne 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Definitely Clavinet.

    • @chrisnorwood9462
      @chrisnorwood9462 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Eric Clapton once said that Stevie Wonder was the best drummer he ever heard.

  • @jeffreypowell1656
    @jeffreypowell1656 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I am captivated by your reviews. So musically articulate, and perceptive, and PASSIONATE as well. Thanks for doing these. You are a pleasure to watch and listen to.

  • @WayneKitching
    @WayneKitching 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +36

    Can we call this funk? It certainly is funky, with funk elements.

    • @normanhathaway2275
      @normanhathaway2275 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      OF COURSE!!!!!!!!

    • @j.kevvideoproductions.6463
      @j.kevvideoproductions.6463 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Almost anything with a Clavinet is funky. Pretty common on later "Funk" songs...

    • @Tobizztube
      @Tobizztube 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      According to Bootsy, Stevie was definitely funky: "you can't cut that with a knife!..." th-cam.com/video/wuaSzFf7yq0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZMxaHsZMnUBWXeav&t=132

    • @jondhuse1549
      @jondhuse1549 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      Deep, deep funk!

    • @johanander7785
      @johanander7785 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      Funky indeed. That's what I feel when listening to it. Funky.

  • @kellypickle
    @kellypickle 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Stevie wonders influence on contemporary music of every genre cannot be overstated.
    You should do a deep dive because there’s so much brilliance.
    Songs in the key of life is a great listen
    Personal favorite
    “living for the city”

  • @michaelz9892
    @michaelz9892 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

    For something completely different "All is Fair in Love".

  • @renepeterse1884
    @renepeterse1884 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    About everything on the double album “songs in the key of life” is brilliant, and worth exploring. And relevant to this day!

  • @ednicholson7839
    @ednicholson7839 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    I'd go back a little ways and do "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" next. There you can get a sense of his Motown roots. Then you can progress through his 1970s albums where he essentially became the greatest all-in-one pop/R&B/funk/jazz artist in a great musical decade.

  • @jacktion1546
    @jacktion1546 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

    Stevie played everything but the horns on this track. He played the drums, the clavinet, as well as keyboard bass.

    • @kittehboiDJ
      @kittehboiDJ 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Was it Tower of Power?

  • @budmaynard5952
    @budmaynard5952 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    In the intro that's not a guitar that plays the first line - it's a Hohner Clavinet. It's an electro-mechanical intrument that makes sound by a plectrum plucking a string, like a harpsichord, but there's an electronic pickup on each string. Remember, Stevie was first and foremost a keyboard player. There's no guitar in the whole song. Even the bass is a Moog synth. Also, maybe retroactively, we would generally classify this as Funk not R&B, though there are elements of blues, soul, and rock to it. One of the characteristics of Funk is that strong accent on the 1 beat. Listen how at the start of each measure the clavinet returns to a strong beat on a low note, then starts getting busy again after he holds that for a full beat to accent it more than just through dynamics. Thanks for listening and sharing!
    Peace from SF

  • @koreyarmstrong456
    @koreyarmstrong456 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    And now everyone needs to go watch Stevie play this on Sesame Street. One of the best things ever!

  • @madmanasaurusRex
    @madmanasaurusRex 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    You should play this song at a casual gathering with your classical friends and suggest that everyone dance! 😊

  • @mirkotc67
    @mirkotc67 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +14

    Stevie's at his absolutely best!!!!

  • @jonnno2439
    @jonnno2439 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Yes, it is a clavinet that Stevie is playing. And I love it. Please try Sir Duke, and Please Dont Hurt My baby, by Stevie.

  • @piperofsimms
    @piperofsimms 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    As a young teenager, "Innervisions" knocked me out. Incredible. Thx VR.

  • @ethelwulfmountbattenderoth2286
    @ethelwulfmountbattenderoth2286 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    1976 - Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" was named Best Pop Vocal Performance and Album Of The Year at the 18th annual Grammy Awards. In his acceptance speech, Simon told the audience "I'd like to thank Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album this year."

  • @eh1702
    @eh1702 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

    It would be great to hear your reaction to 11-12 year old Stevie Wonder’s “Fingertips”, where he extemporises on harmonica. There is a live recording that used to be on a “Greatest Hits” album that was issued in the 1970s or early 80s.

  • @SPT1
    @SPT1 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Please do more Stevie Wonder. I would also like some Earth wind & Fire if possible.

  • @abannistar
    @abannistar 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    The world is a better place with Stevie so glad he’s been with us over the years. Thank you for your wonderful interpretation and listen so good

  • @zachscully
    @zachscully 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Loving the classical musician discovering the Wonder Child!

  • @scottsnyder2726
    @scottsnyder2726 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Stevie’s a national treasure. He played drums, Moog bass and Hovner clavinet and of course provided all vocals. Tenor sax and trumpet played by others. So glad you mentioned his musical layering. His rhythm track created this great syncopated pocket on which he could add vocals, brass and variation. His 1968 release “For Once in my Life” is an early song showing incredible layering and one of the best harmonica recordings ever.
    To me Stevie, along with a few others, advanced the rhythmic sound of future popular music that shaped funk, hip hop, R & B and rock.
    Probably the best ever at condensing the sonic richness of Big Band, and improvisational genius of jazz into a 3-4 minute hit song! A master class musician!

  • @billymurphy4800
    @billymurphy4800 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    I've always loved that drum intro

  • @michaelmcaleese5039
    @michaelmcaleese5039 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    One of the only times I've seen Amy unconsciously moving to the music.

    • @kittehboiDJ
      @kittehboiDJ 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      She lit up when the keyboard started, didn't she?

  • @mr.knowitall6440
    @mr.knowitall6440 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Yeah, definitely gotta give it up for the BRASS!! 🤙😎

  • @tracerx6324
    @tracerx6324 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

    Actually, there was a blind guitarist, named Jeff Healey. His style of playing the guitar as a blind person was mindblowing.

    • @johnsilva9139
      @johnsilva9139 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      There were many blind blues guitarists.

    • @tracerx6324
      @tracerx6324 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @@johnsilva9139 For sure 🙂, I only know about Jeff Healey.

    • @thepawsofdeception6564
      @thepawsofdeception6564 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      There are undoubtedly more, but in my own blues collection there's:
      Blind Boy Fuller
      Blind Blake
      Blind Lemon Jefferson
      Blind Willie Johnson
      Blind Willie McTell
      Sonny Terry
      And of course, the legendary Ray Charles.
      They're all worth a listen if you like the blues.

    • @stevenmeyer9674
      @stevenmeyer9674 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @@thepawsofdeception6564 Blind guitarists? Don't forget two of the greatest. Jose Feliciano and Doc Watson.

    • @kovie9162
      @kovie9162 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Did a really nice version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

  • @petesorenson9922
    @petesorenson9922 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Ive heard this song 100s of time and i still make all those faces.

  • @jmclen7
    @jmclen7 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Ok, that instrument that sounds like a guitar is actually a keyboard called the clavinet. The ending was cut early here because, on the album, it transitions to another song there. Lastly, you haven’t really heard Stevie until you’ve listened to his ballads. He writes, plays and sings some of the most beautiful ballads in all of pop music imo.

  • @steviefraser5240
    @steviefraser5240 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

    The song As is truly beautiful both lyrically and musically .. definitely worth a listen (and he wrote it at 19) so many singers would cite him as one of the all time technical greats. Love him ❤

  • @kovie9162
    @kovie9162 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    There are so many other Wonder songs to recommend, but if I had to pick just one it would have to be "As". It's not just a wonderful, uplifting, joyous piece of musical art, but it has a certain very personal meaning to me that brings back such wonderful memories whenever I hear it. Yeah, I actually said, it wonder-ful. 😉

  • @raybishop1130
    @raybishop1130 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

    Led Zeppelin's "Trampled Underfoot" is an homage to this song...

    • @TischTosh
      @TischTosh 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Ooooo, I didn't know THAT. now I'll need to go back and listen to that!

    • @neilf6782
      @neilf6782 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      always on the run lenny kravitz.. staying alive bee gees

  • @chaddubois8164
    @chaddubois8164 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Stevie Wonder albums are mandatory for any music lover.

  • @netuno60
    @netuno60 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    Thank you Amy for your great job at this big classic of Stevie.

  • @TheOicyu812
    @TheOicyu812 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Best use of a clavinet ever!

  • @nationaltrails9585
    @nationaltrails9585 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Wonder ... Wonderful. Perhaps not as well known of all America's musical artists, but certainly most respected, inspiring and loved by his fellow musicians and all walks of life. From 1972 and his fifteen album, the second album from an epoch of creativity and genius that few artist have achieved. You will come back, be drawn back to that feeling and amazement that is Wonder ... Stevie Wonder. :)

    • @kovie9162
      @kovie9162 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Not well known only to those who don't know good music.

  • @stopbunsen
    @stopbunsen 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Yes, it sounds like a guitar but it's a clavanet. Easy mistake to make as it was designed to sound like an electric guitar. You should see him play it! There's such a bounceyness to it. It's hypnotic to watch. Thank you for your videos. I've been watching for quite a long time and I appreciate the work you put into these.

  • @mr.knowitall6440
    @mr.knowitall6440 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    The main instrument is a Clavinet.
    For another great example of some funky, rockin' Clavinet, check out Led Zeppelin's "Trampled Under Foot". 🤙😎
    The Clavinet part is Zep's homage to Stevie.

  • @frankpentangeli7945
    @frankpentangeli7945 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    This song always takes me back to the summer of 1973, visiting my city's main amusement park as a teenager, eating cotton candy and buying tickets for thrilling midway rides. There was one particular ride where you sat in some sort of flying saucer and the thing would start racing around on an oblong track at about 100 miles an hour, all the while BLASTING Superstition on the awesome, clean but LOUD, sound system. So exciting!!! BEST RIDE EVER!

  • @therealman7032
    @therealman7032 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Please do more videos of Stevie Wonder! His music varies a lot in terms of genres and themes (lyrically). It's amazing.

  • @markwatson6579
    @markwatson6579 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Loved your description of the vocals running over lush grass ! Stevie’s songs were written in the key of life ( nature)

  • @monsterhog1118
    @monsterhog1118 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Everyone loves Stevie

  • @Papa_Meow_Meow
    @Papa_Meow_Meow 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    I would highly recommend a Stevie Wonder series. A very interesting, capable and remarkable artist.

  • @LeeKennison
    @LeeKennison 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Great to see you introduced to Stevie Wonder. One of the greats. In addition to R&B, this song gives you a good intro to Funk. I love the R&B, Soul, Funk, and Motown genres (particularly the 60s and 70s). I grew up on this stuff in the same way I grew up with rock. My two older sisters (by 10 years) were very much into this type of music, so I was exposed to a lot of it through them. Whereas their boyfriends and future husbands very much influenced my rock roots. Back in these days we freely crossed genres and so a lot of us were listening to both. As I got older rock started to dominate my listening more, but I still always loved this stuff. And now I love it even more as a bass player, with so many great basslines in these genres.

  • @fernandobarreto1418
    @fernandobarreto1418 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

    He wrote this song as a homage to British guitar player Jeff Beck. Btw, I loved your "Star Wars Princess Lea" look, Carrie Fisher ❤

  • @smguy7
    @smguy7 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I'd describe this music as pure Funk.

  • @kengunter6903
    @kengunter6903 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    This man is nothing but genius. God given talent!!!!

  • @TheRealDCF
    @TheRealDCF 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    It’s always a joy to see you experiencing an artist who is new to you. It’s especially pleasing when it’s a song that you are clearly enjoying. It was pretty clear you were enjoying this one a lot. Somebody else in the comments suggested “Sir Duke”; I agree with them. It’s a great tune I think you’d really appreciate.

    • @kovie9162
      @kovie9162 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      One music genius saluting another music genius, gotta love it.

  • @juanjoseescanellas3798
    @juanjoseescanellas3798 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Thank you Amy, interesting and enjoying. Great.

  • @Hartlor_Tayley
    @Hartlor_Tayley 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    It’s all about the black keys. Great song and reaction. Thanks Virgin Rick.

  • @terrywatts674
    @terrywatts674 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Oh girl, you're gonna to get your soul all funked up!
    That guitar tone is the keyboard...

  • @Chris_P_Bacon
    @Chris_P_Bacon 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Yes! This is my favorite song ever, Stevie is a different level

  • @andrea.mojarro
    @andrea.mojarro 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    So glad you get it! Great vid

  • @matty1953565962
    @matty1953565962 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Along with The Beatles, Steve Wonder is one of the rare modern songwriters to have produced works that are accepted as “standards” in the tradition of Cole Porter and Richard Rogers. You Are The Sunshine of My Life and Isn’t She Lovely are but two examples. He can be quite bluesy, but is also capable of deeply sophisticated jazz harmonies.

  • @jonathanross149
    @jonathanross149 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    He has a crazy number of hits.

  • @aldo34
    @aldo34 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    The GOAT! Stevie is pure talent. I don't think a comparison with Mozart is too outrageous.

  • @MrCatandMe
    @MrCatandMe 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    It could be argued that Stevie Wonder is the Father of Funk.

    • @ifandwhen-kl2cr
      @ifandwhen-kl2cr 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Except that James Brown existed.

    • @larryk731
      @larryk731 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Both qualify

  • @marcel4002
    @marcel4002 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Fun fact. He did an 8 min extended version of this song live on Sessamee Street. An American children's television show...
    Those kids ate it up!

  • @UrsaMajorPrime
    @UrsaMajorPrime 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    One of my favorite songs - thanks Amy!

  • @joshuastrawser9160
    @joshuastrawser9160 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    For some reason, I think she's going to be fascinated going down the rabbit hole that is funk.

  • @fatimaerdogan8193
    @fatimaerdogan8193 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    1: About this recording.
    2: About the main instrument
    1) This is one the most outstanding numbers from the early 70'ies. Weather you were into Stevie Wonder
    or not, when people first heard that funky riff, they immediately felt like dancing. And the riff is so
    distinctive that you remember it for ever even when forgetting the song itself.
    Yes, he usually played most instruments himself, but for brass he used session musicians, here a
    saxophonist and a trumpeter. He also usually worked with a good contemporary guitarist:
    Around '72 it was Jeff Beck, and Superstition was in fact written for Beck so he could record
    a catchy song with his new band! However, Stevies own recording made it first to the shops,
    hence overshadowing Becks version. Beck doesn't play on Stevies version, but Beck made
    the drum-intro!
    th-cam.com/video/U0VgdShuHbc/w-d-xo.html
    2) Since the number was written for a guitarist, the driving riff is guitar-styled.
    However, it is NOT a guitar, but a keyboard instrument: Hohner CLAVINET, a modern version
    of the baroque CLAVICHORD. Unlike the clavichord the clavinet has a steelframe like a piano,
    and it doesn't lift the strings but hammer them against the frame keeping the pitch in tune.
    The clavinet also doesn't have a soundbody like the clavichord, and the strings are thinner and
    much shorter. This means it's almost below hearing threshold. The vibrations from the strings
    are transduced via magnetic pick-ups similar to the dual pick-ups on a electric guitar. It is
    still a very weak signal, so the clavinet also has a built-in preamp with a 9V battery.
    This gives it a slightly guitar-like sound. But if you pay attention to the low notes, it sounds
    more like a soft harpsichord and of course a real clavichord (if anybody have heard such
    thing the last 250 years).
    Though the CLAVINET had been used sporadic since since 1964, Superstition made it
    and Hohner famous with the emerging funk, because of it's super-fast action: The keys are
    light and the sound stops when the pressure is released (before the keys are released),
    so super-staccato riffs can be played - appealing FUNKY. It has five octaves F to F.
    Me, I have a rare Hohner E7 Duo - the funkiest (and fastest) instrument ever built!
    AMY! If you ever pass a piano-shop that actually has a clavinet, you should try it for
    some early J.S.Bach pieces, as some of them (especially fast ones) were actually
    composed specific for clavichord. The piano wasn't invented at that time and the
    harpsichord was a luxury instrument. Bach had many clavichords himself.

  • @chris_debian5368
    @chris_debian5368 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Please consider 'Living for the City' on the Wonder playlist. Hearing this song reminded me also, of 'Theme from Shaft' by Isaac Hayes.

  • @marthajean50
    @marthajean50 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    And the horns on this -- Stevie has the best players around him -- are just next-level. I'd love to hear those horns isolated someday, because they're phenomenally played here. Also, AI now needs to create a Janis Joplin/Stevie Wonder duet for me. What a fascinating observation about their voices.

  • @g.e.5723
    @g.e.5723 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Stevie is a musical genius. I will enjoy her discovering it.

  • @auntiegravity7713
    @auntiegravity7713 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Thank you for this interpretation of a song I remember from my childhood.. I'm so lucky to have been immersed in music like this from an early age. One thing about the end.. I never heard it end this abruptly. I've always heard it fade out.. it seems like it was meant for this.
    Whenever I see you come out with a video of a song I love, I watch it. I really enjoy and respect your perspective!

  • @alysonb4487
    @alysonb4487 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I love the imagery you add ❤

  • @malcolmmcdougall3750
    @malcolmmcdougall3750 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    please just do as much stevie wonder as possible, he’s so amazing

  • @gbsailing9436
    @gbsailing9436 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Whoo, rocking the Princess Laya hair their Amy. 🤔Nice work!

  • @tonic8945
    @tonic8945 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    As a teenager in the early 70s, if asked to define Funk I would play this tune 😊

  • @Kelters
    @Kelters 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    It's impossible to keep still. Love it where you have to force yourself to stop the track to talk about what's going on. The drive is just so dynamic! -- The track ends suddenly like that as it jumps into the next track with no break, in the same key. It's an excellent segue. I hope you take a minute to check that out too.

  • @GregDAgostino13
    @GregDAgostino13 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Just wanted to point out that the main riff is played on a Clavinet, an electric keyboard designed to mimic the harpsichord, and originally made to play baroque music. Another thing I like about this song is the way the bass doubles the horn parts in the verses, gives a really full rich quality to the line you don't often hear with horns.

  • @pauldavis2535
    @pauldavis2535 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Great reaction 😀