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David Perlmutter's avatar

Stepney is astonishingly underrated, at least in part due to his undeserved early death and also because he didn't have much of a hit track record (of the songs mentioned here, "There Is" was the only one that made it on the charts). But these recordings and his work with Earth, Wind and Fire are a solid sonic legacy.

Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

Not to mention as well his work with Terry Callier which I should know more.

David Perlmutter's avatar

(Writes down) Terry Callier...

Emm as in Music's avatar

Robert, this is wonderful. I hope you are aware of the anthology of Stepney recordings International Anthem made. I think you'd love it. And as outrageous as Les Fleurs is, i think it may be the last thing i want to hear ever and your description gets at why...

Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

Thanks, Emm, as always!

I am aware of the recording but not beyond that. Another recording to keep an eye out for.

Hearing "Les Fleurs" for the first time was fairly mind-blowing for me as well as hearing the rest of the Minnie Riperton's debut - one of the most deeply emotive records I have ever heard. It's also neat to trace the roots of that album to Stepney's work with Ramsey Lewis.