Stuff is a band I never heard of before even though the members are all very familiar to me. They are Cornell Dupree and Eric Gale (guitars), Gordon Edwards (bass), Richard Tee (keyboards) and Steve Gadd (drums). If you look back at many of the top albums of the 70's you will find these musicians names scattered all over them (some of the most in demand session players of that era). Stuff play a mixture of funk, soul, r&b, jazz, pop, and blues.
I have listened to other Live At Montreux CD/DVDs put out by Eagle Rock Entertainment and they have been of excellent quality and this CD is no exception. This is mainly an instrumental recording, with one vocal track. The tracks consist of about half originals and half cover songs. Listening to this CD the first thing I noticed was how good the mix is for a live recording, it has a warm and clean quality to it. Every player can be heard distinctively but no one overpowers the others it is a complete band sound. Another very impressive part of this recording is how uplifting it sounds. These guys can get into a groove and play the heck out of it and then seamlessly change into the next groove. One of the most important qualities of live music, recorded or in person, for me, is that the band is having fun and enjoying that time. To my ears this really comes across on this CD from the ballads to the funkier songs there is a real free and playful sound. The more I listen to this CD the more subtle complexities I hear in the arrangements and interplay of the musicians. This will definitely give this recording longevity. The band takes a simple melody and stretches it, each player adding his own personal flavor to it ending up with some powerful songs.
I am definitely recommending Stuff's Live at Montreux 1976. Simply, this is top-notch musicians playing good feeling music. Okay there is nothing overly complex here, but this is a CD you can listen to at any time. You can have it playing in background while you do the housework or you can put on headphones and listen in detail to what each player is doing. It works both ways because the melodies are very strong and musicians know how to play them to there full extent. Again I have to state how good the CD sounds, there's a lot of acoustic piano and it sounds like the guitar players just plug straight into amps (great tone, no need for added effects). The music of Stuff sure kept my foot tapping from start to finish. So if you are looking for a little change from your prog diet try this Stuff out.
Track listing
1. Foots
2. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
3. The Gadd Solo
4. Stuff's Stuff
5. That's The Way Of The World
6. Feelin' Alright
7. Lift Every Voice And Sing
8. Oh Happy Day
9. Ode To Stuff
10. How Long Will It Last
11. It's Your Thing
12. You Are So Beautiful
13. Boogie On Reggae Woman
14. Do It Again
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