What's Our Music Director's Favourite Album EVER?

Everyone has a favourite album. Maybe it’s a classic, maybe it’s obscure, maybe it’s old, maybe it’s new, but no matter what it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

For our Music Director, that album is unequivocally Stevie Wonder’s 1973 classic Innervisions. How much does he love it? He owns the CD, an original pressing of the vinyl, a (still-sealed) reprint of the vinyl and the book of sheet music (even though he reads sheet music as well as he reads Egyptian hieroglyphics). He would also buy the tape, reel-to-reel and 8-track (if you know anyone selling).

Why does he love it so much? Let’s let him explain…

“Every time I listen to Innervisions, it lifts me up, puts a smile on my face and fills me with creative inspiration. Not everyone knows this but the album was almost entirely written, produced and performed by Stevie Wonder himself. He is pretty much the greatest one-man-band ever, and this album really captures him at his creative peak. Plus, it is Funky with a capital F!”

“Funky with a capital F!”

Can you remember the first time you heard it?

“I can’t remember where I was but the first time I heard the album I was blown away as soon as “Too High” started. The bass intro pulled me in and from that point forward I always try to listen to this album from start to finish.”

What’s your favourite song?

“Actually, my favourite Stevie song is “Superstition” (which was on his album before this, Talking Book) but on Innervisions it has to be “Higher Ground”. I first heard the Red Hot Chili Peppers version and loved Flea’s amazing bassline. Then I found out it was a Stevie Wonder cover. That, along with Stevie’s Motown connection to Michael Jackson, is what really got me into Stevie Wonder’s catalogue in the first place.”

Were you even born when this album came out?

“Nope! And it wasn’t in my parent’s record collection either. But I loved Michael Jackson since before I can remember and I just followed him down the Motown wormhole. Good music isn’t constrained by eras, it’s just good music. I like music from all decades, but if I had to pick one decade it would probably be the ’70s even though I’m an ’80s baby!”

Have you ever seen Stevie Wonder in concert?

“I sure have and it is easily one of the greatest concerts I’ve ever seen (and I’ve been to a few). My Mom flew out to Vancouver and we went together and we both had the best time. Such an amazing memory. And not only did he play “Higher Ground” for me, but he also ended the concert with a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” on the talkbox!! Best. Concert. Ever!”

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