#1 for weeks of August 10, 17, and 24th, 1963.
Finally, we get to an artist this year who has not only risen above and beyond his debut sound, but is a renowned musician and songwriter to this very day. Even back when he was a mere 12 year old, Stevie Wonder was already producing great studio records. However, it was a live concert version of his song "Fingertips" that was what gave him his first of many #1's.
"Fingertips" showcases Stevie as not only a talented multi-instrumentalist but also someone who's very in command and loves improvisation. While he is of course best known as a piano player, here he plays harmonica and occasionally bongos.
I'm bending the rules a bit in this review by not reviewing the single edit of the song but instead the full uncut parts 1 and 2. Why? Because I hate single edits as many times they cut out key parts of the song the artist worked so hard on. The single edit of "Light My Fire" is a perfect example. I also can't stand the polar opposite which is extended dance mixes. Nothing's worse than a 3 minute pop song extended to a brutal monotonous 12 minutes.
So if you're like me and seeking out the full version, the "Part 2" begins halfway through when Stevie sings "Everybody Say Yeah" and encourages a call and response from the audience. Before this moment, the song is more of a steady 12 bar blues groove with plenty of fine harmonica playing. It is this midpoint though that Stevie launches the song into high gear.
The backing band during part 2 is much more pronounced and Stevie helps to get the audience clapping and on their feet. Later he plays a bit of "Mary Had A Little Lamb" and soon, the song appears to be over. In fact, even his bandmates thought that the number was finished. Instead, Stevie gives us a surprise encore, and oh boy does the group cook!
Stevie absolutely wails on both the harmonica and his voice. The audience left that night knowing they experienced something truly special. Even listening to this song over 50 years later, you can tell that this kid was going places. Indeed, his early-mid 1970's output would be some of the best music ever recorded, (not that his 1960's material was any slouch). "Fingertips" was where it all began.
Final Verdict - An exciting, invigorating, and talented performance that I wholeheartedly suggest having in your record collection. But make sure it's the full version of the song!
Coming Up Next - "My Boyfriend's Back" by The Angels.
Until Next Time - I'm Little Doc' Rocker, the review wonder.
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