"Superstition" (Stevie Wonder) | Jazz Mafia ft. Trance Thompson | Jazz Mafia Presents

Stevie Wonder is possibly the closest to a universal language that our planet has. Not only does his music connect with so many cultures, age groups, and maybe even creatures from other solar systems, but the sheer number of memorable songs he's created amounts to a body of work that touches most everyone's life deeply in some way or another.

Jazz Mafia has spent much of the past few decades exploring many of Stevie's lesser-known music, which has taught us possibly more than music conservatories did. All of us musicians love those B-sides and deep cuts, but there's nothing like taking a classic song that's engrained in society's DNA, and bringing new excitement to it, respectfully of course!

This re-envisioning of one of Stevie's most known songs, "Superstition," borrows from a version done by DJ/Remix artist Opolopo. That remix mashed up the intro to Herbie Hancock's "Hang Up Your Hang Ups" into the framework of progressive Jazz-House treatment of “Superstition.” In Jazz Mafia's version, I kept that basic idea and I added a horn arrangement, a few breaks, some new chords, and an a capella horn section towards the end. Vocalist and core JM collaborator, Trance Thompson, brings new magic to this piece while clearly showing how much he's been touched by Mr. Wonder's album catalogue. Tommy O gets a lot of space to stretch out on the sax and brings it. We had a wonderful time laying this one down—One take all recorded live in one room. I love these musicians!

Anyway, a huge Happy Birthday to the one and only Mr. Stevland Morris, aka Stevie Wonder.

Song by: Stevie Wonder
Produced by: Adam Theis & Trance Thompson
Arranged by: Adam Theis (based off of a remix by Opolopo)
Recorded by: Bryan Lovett at 2240 Wood, June 26th 2019
Mixed by: Chris Paxton at Nexus Audio
Mastered by: Chris Paxton at Nexus Audio
Filmed and edited by: Nino Fernandez
Production coordinator: Jenjen Wong

Trance Thompson - lead vocals
Ross Eustis - trumpet
Tommy Occhiuto - sax
Jonathan Seiberlich - trombone
Sophie Powers - trombone
Adam Theis - bass
Shaina Evoniuk - violin
Chris Paxton - drums
Kyle Athayde - keys

HEAVIEST FEATHER

Jazz Mafia’s Heaviest Feather (HF) formed in 2017, performing that very summer at high profile festivals including Oregon Eclipse/Symbiosis. The air tight eight-piece band brings together the Bay Area’s brightest rising stars alongside its most seasoned professionals. HF regularly presents fully customized shows featuring original and new music, and a who’s who of Bay Area vocalists, from all genres. HF has performed at Kennedy Center (in collaboration with GRAMMY-winning composer Mason Bates), SFJAZZ, Clusterfest (where they opened for Wu Tang Clan), Outsidelands SF, Oakland Art & Soul, and served as the house band for award winning circus show The Soiled Dove.

JAZZ MAFIA PRESENTS

"Jazz Mafia Presents" is the new special events branch of our community, geared towards private & corporate events, as well as festivals, offering a variety of ultra-unique musical offerings with clever & carefully curated repertoire, and your favorite high energy performers from Jazz Mafia!

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