#7 Written like Jazz, performed like Pop.

me: .. and he’s our favorite, favorite artist! 

> Huh, I’ve never met anyone whose favorite artist is Stevie Wonder.

me: yeah, everyone knows him but that’s kinda rare.

> Wait, actually I don’t know any of his songs..

me: “Isn’t she lovely”?

> Oh, right

me: “Superstition”? “I just called to say I love you”? “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”? 

> Oh.. right

The three hours of his last concert in his 2024 Tour was just magical. So magical I’d already known that I flew to Chicago for it. His music has something special that attracts musicians. He sings outside of the textbook of chords and melody, because he feels, remembers, and foresees the lyrics, chords, melody, and rhythms at any moment of writing and performing, with a holistic view of every musical component.. in my opinion.

Is his music jazz? He probably wouldn’t claim so. But Jacob Collier’s “Don't you worry about a thing” or “Overjoyed” might be. Or Esperanza Spalding’s “Overjoyed”, “I can’t help it” (Michael Jackson’s song written by Stevie Wonder). Not jazz enough? Then.. Vijay Iyer’s “Overjoyed” (What is this "Overjoyed" song so loved by jazz musicians?) How about Herbie Hancock’s “You’ve got it bad girl”?

Why is his music totally fine to be played by jazz musicians, almost as it is?

Because his music is written like jazz but performed like pop, I'd argue. And they’re great jazz! I hope you can enjoy this Spotify playlist “Stevie Wonder jazz covers,” or a lot of other stuff on YouTube. Or, of course, just his music — 261 songs or more.

Keunwoo, at JazzBuzz.OOO

PS. “The Myth of Katabasis”, Hayoung Lyou’s second album, is out!! As well as her album release live. Bonus - create a playlist with the track 1-4-7, name it Pendulum, and enjoy 😉