everybodydigs#96 Stevie Wonder – Innervisions

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everybodydigs# is a series of posts about Jazz, Funk, Soul & R’n’b albums released from the 20s to the 90s, you can read a brief description/review and listen to a small preview (when it’s possible). everybodydigs# is like when someone tells you “hey you should listen to this album!” and nothing less, enjoy!

One of Stevie Wonder’s best albums, and the one where his more fanciful, free-form moments gel perfectly with his knack for irresistible pop singles, 1973′s Innervisions swings between delicate and airy ballads, Latin-influenced rhythms (the hit “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing”), and his own synth-heavy versions of gut-bucket soul (the determined spiritual questing of “Higher Ground”). The striking juxtaposition between “Vision,” a barely breathed hope that a world of peace might be upon us, and the great “Living for the City,” a funky, pulsing tale of racism, is powerful, haunting, and still all too relevant. –David Cantwell

Rappamelo’s favorite track:

Donald Byrd “Live at Montreux July 5, 1973″

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Great gift from Blue Note Records, they gave us a never-released concert by the late, great trumpeter Donald Byrd, recorded at the 1973 Montreux Jazz Festival, stream below, enjoy!

Personnel:
Donald Byrd, Trumpet, Fluegelhorn, Vocals; Fonce Mizell, Trumpet, Vocals; Allan Barnes, Tenor Sax, Flute; Nathan Davis, Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax; Kevin Toney, Electric Piano; Larry Mizell, Synthesizer; Barney Perry, Electric Guitar; Henry Franklin, Electric Bass; Keith Killgo, Drums, Vocals; Ray Armando, Conga, Percussion.