The Wiz: The Great Pop Goes Groovy...
What connects an Indian turban 👳🏿♂️, a living legend who is 100% rock 'n' roll ⚡ and one of the earliest psychedelic folk hits?
Iggy Pop & Dr. Lonnie Smith - "Sunshine Superman" (Donovan cover)
I have always loved artists crossing genres. It is not only the chance to explore 🔍 unfamiliar territory, but also to hear their confidence outside their comfort zone. The stronger that confidence, the more the authenticity we recognize in their usual work travels with them across the boundary!
There is one man known for being 100% rock 'n' roll, 100% performer and an explosion of authenticity 💥: Iggy Pop.
Just a few weeks ago, he released a mesmerizing, minimal spoken-word video for a 74-year-old poem by Dylan Thomas.
The piece was recorded for his wonderful latest album, "Free" (2019), which ventures well beyond the raw, feral rock usually associated with Pop. More experimental and somewhat darker, it drew praise and strongly reminded me in atmosphere of the farewell album by his late friend David Bowie. Distortion sometimes gives way to trumpets 🎺 and free jazz. The mood is different, more reflective and weightier than we are used to. And it is beautiful!
But we have gathered for a different experiment, so let's lift our spirits with Superman's sunshine ☀️!
One day, Mr. Pop went to hear the 78-year-old Dr. Lonnie Smith. He is neither a doctor nor Indian, but the title stuck, along with his long beard, mustache and Indian or Sikh-style turban. For most of his six decades as a working musician, this Hammond B3 master has moved between jazz, funk and groove, all very close to my heart.
After the show, Iggy invited himself to play with Smith. Their collaboration began with a wonderful cover of Donovan's 55-year-old psychedelic folk classic 🌈, "Sunshine Superman". Their version is groovy and uplifting, and Iggy sounds terrific, completely at ease in this new territory!
Donovan's wonderful original:
1 + 1
Having enjoyed their jam, these two Florida residents recorded another cover, this time of a Timmy Thomas song. Here is the original:
Their version has not yet been revealed, but will soon join "Sunshine Superman" on Smith's new album, "Breathe" 🌬️, due March 26 through Blue Note Records. The album also includes recordings from a special week of New York performances celebrating the Doctor's 75th birthday a few years ago.
Having been lucky enough to see Pop scorch 🔥 a stage around two years ago, I would love to experience his attitude and charisma in this groovy jazz setting. May we all get to crowd around our favorite stages again soon!
Enjoy!
O.Miz🎧
In the image: the Doctor's row, with his new album artwork in the middle. The middle row shows the two geniuses and Donovan's 1966 album cover. Iggy's row, from the right: the Dylan Thomas video artwork, his latest album cover and Iggy in his natural habitat, tearing up the stage! 🤘
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