Step on Step

Charles Stepney

Paru le 09.09.22 chez International Anthem
Artistes principaux : Charles Stepney
Genre : Jazz

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Since his sudden passing in 1976 at age 45 of a heart attack, Charles Stepney has become a rich source of samples for artists like Madlib, A Tribe Called Quest, and Kanye West. Though his greatest fame came as producer, arranger, and songwriter on the Earth Wind & Fire albums That's The Way of the World, Gratitude, and Spirit—the last of which was dedicated to him—Stepney, who also worked with Ramsey Lewis, Rotary Connection, Muddy Waters, The Dells and The Emotions, was called "one of those unseen workhorses whose business is other people's success." This collection of melodies, beats and grooves recorded by one of the Chicago jazz and soul scene's unsung heroes in his southside Chicago home on a four-track machine features demos of analog synthesizer riffs and wordless patterns, often accompanied by a drum machine. As such, Step on Step will really be of interest to soul and funk fans looking for deep tracks. It's the life work of Stepney's three daughters Eibur, Charlene and Chanté Stepney who can be heard in spots throughout talking about their father. They also named most of these tracks, which Stepney had left without titles. The wordless vocals of "Daddy's Ditties" are reminiscent of Bobby McFerrin; echoes of Stevie Wonder are obvious in "No Credit for This." "Mini Mugg" showcases the then-new Moog synthesizer (the daughters laugh over the different pronunciations and one shares that their father may have received the second or third Moog ever produced!). Near the end, "Notes From Dad" and "Rubie & Charles" (the latter named for the composer and his wife) have steady drum machine cymbals, and vibraphone-like notes that show the side of Stepney that worked in the sophisticated jazz world of Ramsey Lewis. Most recognizable are the several tunes that became Earth, Wind & Fire hits, including a sprightly take of "Imagination" which is introduced by one of the Stepney sisters explaining her intention to have this song accompany her walk down the aisle on her wedding day in her father's absence. Oddly, another Earth, Wind & Fire single "That's the Way of the World" appears via a wobbly electric keyboard line that barely hints at the iconic, sweeping number it would become. © Robert Baird/Qobuz

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Step on Step

Charles Stepney

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