Deep Blue Organ Trio: Wonderful! (2011)

MARK F. TURNER,

Mark F. Turner

Senior Contributor since 2001

Considering himself a modern day 'Jazz Explorer' Mark continues to discover new and exciting music territories.

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Published: September 11, 2011

Track review of "My Cheri Amour"

Since the 1960s, Stevie Wonder's "My Cheri Amour" has remained one of the most memorable love songs in popular music. In collaboration with Motown songwriters Henry Cosby and Sylvia Moy, the hit song was originally titled "Oh My Marcia"—at the time, a tender ode to Wonder's girlfriend in his adolescent years. The two broke up, the song underwent a name change, and the rest is history.

The Deep Blue Organ Trio offers its own heartfelt rendition of the 1969 classic in its third release, Wonderful!, dedicated to the R&B legend.

The tempo is much slower than the original. The loving melody oozes from Chris Foreman's lush B3 as Bobby Broom's guitar lightly comps against delicate accents from drummer Greg Rockingham's brushes. The organ and guitar take ample turns stating the lyrics while providing extended solos. The lion's share of the vibe comes from the depth and range of Rockingham's organ, reflected in its resonance and pitch changes. With a touch of blues, some grit, a little grease, and a majestic "church meeting" presence at the end, the trio takes it up a notch and ices the song with a quote from "Ribbon in the Sky," another gem from Wonder's songbook. A "wonderful" rendition.

Personnel: Chris Foreman: Hammond B3 organ; Bobby Broom: guitar; Greg Rockingham: drums.

Record Label: Origin Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream