Stevie Wonder, the musical genius who has graced our ears for decades, has a lesser-known alias: Eivets Rednow. Who, you ask? It's none other than Stevie Wonder, playing under a pseudonym, backward spellings of his own name, during a curious phase in his illustrious career. This pseudonym was used specifically on the instrumental album Eivets Rednow, released in 1968 by Gordy Records, a subsidiary of Motown. This album is a captivating exploration of instrumental music and a testament to Wonder's boundless creativity and curiosity.
An Unexpected Musical Journey
Throughout Stevie Wonder's career, he's been known for his groundbreaking work in soul, pop, R&B, and funk. But the Eivets Rednow album is a departure from vocal-driven tracks, focusing instead on instrumental compositions. This pivot is both surprising and exciting, as it provides a fresh perspective on his musical prowess. Recorded and released when Stevie was just 18 years old, this instrumental project showcases his instrumental versatility, primarily featuring the harmonica—a signature element of his sound.
The Album's Composition
The Eivets Rednow album includes a variety of tracks that reflect Stevie's exploration into instrumental music. Notably, the album starts with "Alfie," a rendition of the famous Bacharach and David composition, where Stevie executed a soulful harmonica rendition. Unlike many traditional harmonica tunes of that era, Wonder's rendition exudes a rich texture and emotional depth. Other tracks, such as "A House is Not a Home" and "How Can You Believe," continue this exploration with harmony and melody unmatched.
Behind the Music: The 'Why' of Eivets Rednow
Why would Stevie Wonder—a thriving vocal sensation at that time—create an album of instrumental renditions? The answer lies in his insatiable curiosity and desire to continuously learn and evolve. His early experiences with music were heavily instrument-focused, with the piano, drums, and harmonica teaching him as much about melody as lyrics did. By 1968, Wonder had already achieved significant commercial success. The decision to reinvent himself with an instrumental album reflects his determination to innovate and demonstrate that musical brilliance isn't constrained to vocals.
Breakthroughs in Sound
The experimental nature of Eivets Rednow likely contributed to its uniqueness and cult status. For a blind teenager to command instruments with such finesse speaks volumes about Wonder’s innate musical genius. Each track unveils different layers of his understanding of music, from jazz and soul to the more nuanced classical influences. His approach to the harmonica goes beyond standard play, creating symphonic landscapes that manage to convey emotion without words.
The Legacy of Eivets Rednow
While Eivets Rednow wasn't a commercial juggernaut at its release, it has since been recognized as a fascinating part of Wonder’s discography. It's a reminder of the amazing journey Stevie took to become the legend we know today—a legend grounded in musical curiosity and an undying love for innovation. This album reflects his versatility and capability to engage with different music styles while still keeping his unmistakable signature sound.
Reflection on Humanity's Creativity
What Stevie Wonder did with Eivets Rednow is not just an instrumental experiment; it's an inspiring reminder of humanity's potential for creativity. His work reminds us that artistic expression is multifaceted and not confined to the mainstream molds. Just as Wonder looked beyond his commercial success to explore something different, we too can channel our curiosity to push beyond our perceived limitations.
Thus, Eivets Rednow—an alias for a crossroad in a young Stevie Wonder's career—becomes a riveting chapter in the intricate book of human artistic achievements. As we listen, we engage in a celebration of music and the power of human ingenuity.
Conclusion
Eivets Rednow is more than just an album; it's a window into the creative mind of one of the greatest musicians of our time. For those who haven't yet explored this unique piece of music history, it's a journey worth embarking on. Rediscovering Eivets Rednow allows us all to celebrate the boundless capacity of music to surprise and delight us.