Every single one of these musicians was incredible. The saxophonist was actually my favorite, such a blend of soul, jazz and Latin flavors blending in that solo. Not to take away from all the other fantastic musicians, this was too notch. Saw Stevie live recently and he was just as amazing now as he as always been.
@@winslow137 Yes, Victoria Theodore! The best scene. The admiring, and almost relieved, smile from Victoria. After the best solo here, for me. Which was so good, complex and sophisticated that even she almost had a little trouble deciphering the 1 in the end... 😉
@@slapmyfunkybass You are right. But actually my answer wasn't referring to Victoria's solo at 6:58, but to Stanley Randolph's drum solo with which the original post above started. And which for me is the best solo here. Victoria's is ok too. Pretty much based on the melody, with some rhythmic variations. But since this is a pop act... no problem... easy listening... The "best scene" I was referring to above was her astonished look and smile after the drum solo, where I think she had trouble finding the 1 again and was happy to be able to rejoin in the rhumba clave break, with the others. After letting a few quarter notes pass... ;-)
you guys don't even understand how often I hear that trumpet solo in my head for some fucking reason. it's been months maybe a year since I first heard this and it still stuck with me. what an incredible performance by everyone.
It happens to me too, well not that trumpet solo but like musical licks or stuff, it happens to me when I sleep or when I go to the bathroom or when I’m in the car 😂
This recording with Stevie Wonder's Band in London is without a doubt one of the very best live recordings of Chick Corea's "Spain". Stevie has brought together a band with musicians who not only accompany the arrangement perfectly, but also play very creative solos. You can feel that the musicians' joy in playing has spread to the audience: This is jazz!
Knew the song for ages but only just discover this one. Stevie must be a delight to jam with. Him and benson, but especially him, never fail to impress me jazzwise
Its mind blowing the level of professionalism of the musicians and sound engineering, it shows what is needed to gig with a major tier artist, there's no room for mistakes.
Pffffttt that’s cap and you know it, mistakes are always gonna be there but they’re so good they make the mistakes sound intentional they just have such confidence and immense mastery over their craft.
. @@riptide534 Nothing is completely perfect, but this is about as close as it gets. Professional musicians make the occasional error, but they're rare and generally not too noticeable.
I have listened to this recording hundreds of times in the past year. The first time I heard it, I was blown away. I didn't think I could be more impressed with Stevie than I already was, but his band's performance of this number raised my level of appreciation for him. This recording totally lifts my mood. It's pure ecstasy.
Thank you Lord for finding this for me. ❤❤❤❤❤❤. 2023. Stevie is the very best harmonica player since Toots Thielmanns. Outstanding band! Bravo!!!!!! Thank you Peter for posting this.
Fausto Cuevas had the best solo. Phrasing wise; he lets it flow like a river. The subdivisions he chose were perfectly suited for the song, and the orchestrations absolutely served it.
This video is my pick-me-up. Whenever I am feeling sad or anxious about something, I put this video on, and by the end of it, I almost always am feeling better than I was previously. Thankyou Chick Corea, thank you Stevie Wonder, and thank you to all the awesome musicians who made this amazing performance possible.
@@jonasmartinsen3439 written by; Chick Corea, Al Jarreau, Joaquin Rodrigo,and Artie Maren. But yea Stevie Wonder has written some of the most meaningful beautiful songs in the world.
Bro this is the best part of all, i keep on coming back and back again on this part of the solos... and its crazy... he smiles and seems so excited about what he´s doing... the energy is contagious.
Thank you Melissa for the names of the musicians they are great. One thing: I think you should have started with Victoria Theodore Keyboards-Intro and secondly with Stevie Wonder Harmonica anbd then the rest of the list
Freeze at 2:41 - Such a badass frame. Commander Stevie leading his squad on a mission to level the hall with their explosive master-class jazz chops. Chills 😲
I started this video thinking "I know it will be good, but I'm not watching an almost 12 minute video right now." Before I knew it the song was ending and I was thinking "NOOOO, not yet!" Wonderful playing all around!
With the exception of Joe Ford (sax) everyone of the musicians has departed. Rest in peace Larry Willis (piano), Andy Gonzalez (bass), Steve Berrios (drums), and Jerry Gonzalez (trumpet/flugelhorn/congas). It was a blast hanging with you guys. Although you may be gone, your music carries on…
Hi Carl, There is a vocal version of Spain by Rare Silk that will blow you away! Also, as stunning performances go, check out Brian Culbertson’s live jam of a song he wrote : Get It On!
I come back here periodically for about 5 years. What a way to introduce the band!! One of the greatest music pieces by the great Chick Corea. Fantastic presentations from all of them!!
Stanley’s drum solo on this performance is, to this day, one of the most well executed pieces of drumming I’ll ever likely hear. The man is all class 👌🏼
Well said yes insane , in a great way , creative , lots of freedom of expression, I’m loving Jazz Bass, I’m playing along with classic videos of the music greats 🎶💕🎶🔥🎸👋✌️😎💥🎉
this is just the tip of the musical iceberg that Stevie is.. he is one of the most famous musicians of all time and I think he is still way underrated for what he actually means to the history of music.. as a vocalist, as an arranger, as a multi- instrumentalist, as a songwriter, he re defined and innovated an entire generation of music and musicians
Who are the people that click "thumbs down"? That was incredible musicianship. A blind guy leading a band, and he plays piano better than Chopin. His players are all stars and you can't find it in your heart to say say "Well done?". How is that possible? Show me what turns your crank.
The layering of the sound in the band is absolutely perfect. The balance is phenomenal, which could be more of the sound engineer's job, but even still, the musicians all bring something different to this and yet manage to stay out of each other's way. This is awesome.
Kareem Johnson The engineer here done perfect job. Yet we have to remember the main rule of sound engineering: shit in, shit out. If not the band and their superb control and self discipline, engineer wouldn't acheive any of that. Speaking from experience ;)
You might have to imagine that when this was pitched for the set list there was a unanimous, “Hell Yeah!!!” musicians love to play and stretch out. I love how all of the solos bring different sensibilities and reflect on the players influences. There are few artists who could throw this at their audience and meet with approval. Of course, Lil Stevie ain’t no ordinary artist!!! 😃😃😃
What a fusion dream come true: this great song and these amazing musicians giving it their everything. Imagine if Stevie took this band and made a jazz or jazz fusion album! I can't help wishing he'd branch out beyond his amazing gifts to soul and pop music, like he did with "The Secret Life of Plants". After "Plants" didn't do well commercially, Stevie started repeating himself. While an SW jazz album probably wouldn't outsell Jay-Z or Lady Gaga, he'd ascend to where he really belongs which is a 21st century Ellington, Gershwin or McCoy Tyner. After seeing this video, I rest my case.
Excellent comment. You not only demonstrated impeccable grammar but a true appreciation, accompanied by a wide variety of music. You are probably the best "youtuber" I have ever "met." I completely agree with you, though I sadly agree with the Jay-Z and Lady Gaga parts, I also completely agree with the Ellington, Gershwin and McCor Yner part. In my humble opinion, Stevie Wonder is my idol. I cam only dream of meeting him some day to discuss music.
You're giving his post-"Plants" discography a bad reputation; he was still plenty adventurous after that, even if he did stray towards more commercially friendly endeavors. I don't really see how you could say he was repeating himself; his music in the '80s and '90s had a very different and fresh sonic palette. And he doesn't need to release anything else, he's already in that class of legendary artists you listed. Along with The Beatles, he's one of the most frequently covered popular artists in jazz.
So thrilling I nearly had a heart attack. Does not get any better than this. I come back on the regular to rewatch. A absolute treat watching The Master stretch out on jazz tunes.
So, FYI, The performance of this tune, which has nothing at all to do with the song set of a Stevie Wonder show, is what we in the profession call a "Throw Away". Please note that every onstage instrumental element is checked during this performance. What your are experiencing here is the highest expression of the "Production" craft. The purpose of this performance, (within the show), is to test the levels of the various production elements, from audio, (recording truck, FOH and monitors), to lighting, (which is vitally important to both the in venue experience of the audience, and to the camera people recording the show), to videography, to communication between the director, the audio engineer in the truck, and the operators of these "seemingly" separate production elements. What you are witnessing is a brilliantly executed complete production check in plain sight of the audience. It also allows the performers to get their energy into the correct place to perform the show. In all probability the actual show began after this song was completed. Trust that everyone would be dressed, appropriately, for the show. Peace!
Kendall Brown nah man,they didnt change after this performance,the throw away/sound check probably happened before they went on stage,hours before the actual show
I have lost count on the number of times I’ve watched this video! The solos are really quite amazing and a wonderful tribute to their individual talents. Stevie commands perfection from his group and gets it in spades! You can just feel the energy as well as the fun of these musicians are clearly having as they push themselves to their limits and beyond! Bravo Stevie Wonder Band!
One of my dads close friends died today. And me listening to this song for some reason reminds me of him. I'm gonna keep listening to this to feel like he is still here with us.
That was ABSOLUTELY INSANE. I HAVE NEVER HEARD SUCH A DISTINCT THEME COMING FORM A BAND EVER. THIS WAS SO IN HARMONY i just am at a loss for words. just damn that was too freaking awesome. Evey single solo, the head all of it. just damn beautiful stuff.
Just fabulous...the skills in each player, and of course Stevie himself..I would say that's the best sound I've heard ...with Latin based music ...just phenomenal... Colin..Essex .UK
My favorites solos are from the both percussion but because I play these instruments, but all solos are realy winderful and I have a great great great pleasure to listen this song. Thanks a lot mister Stevie Wonder and thanks a lot to the band !!