All Things Deep - Reviews - DJ Spinna & Bobbito: Wonder Wrote It

DJ Spinna & Bobbito Garcia - Wonder Wrote It

It goes without saying that Stevie Wonder is perhaps the most beloved musician currently walking the planet. Nonetheless, the mighty tandem of Bobbito Garcia and DJ Spinna have gone out of their way to document Wonder's musical impact with this marvelous collection of rarities, cover versions, and songs that he wrote for other artists.

The brilliance of Wonder's vision lies in his ability to communicate with all walks of life, making his work the pulse and conscience of humanity. Accordingly, the compilers of Wonder Wrote It include performances that cut across the stylistic map. Soul music does make up the bulk of selections, but there are also representatives from jazz (Blue Mitchell, Christian McBride), Latin (Sergio Mendes), rock (Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck) and reggae (Third World), proving indeed that Wonder is a world talent.

Highlights are many, and balanced between hits and more obscure choices. Compositions such as "It's A Shame," "I Can't Help It," and "Tell Me Something Good" are well-known and among the biggest hits for the Spinners, Michael Jackson and Rufus respectively. For the more discenerning fan, cult items like Gary Byrd's "The Crown" and "Rocket Love" by Yesterday's New Quintet are among the most wanted Wonder rarities to be issued on CD in some time. If the classic music isn't enough, the live performances and interviews should remove any reservation about picking up these discs.

Even if Stevie never makes another album, his legacy is assured. Look for this to be the first of several Wonder tribute projects.

Released 2001 and 2002 on Fruitmeat

Selected Tracks:

Volume 1
Sergio Mendes - The Real Thing
Gene Harris - As
Stevie Wonder - Flower Power
Jose Feliciano - Golden Lady

Volume 2
Gary Byrd - The Crown
Stevie Wonder - Overjoyed (live)
Minnie Riperton - Stick Together
Third World - Try Jah Love
Prince w/Stevie Wonder - Maybe Your Baby