From GIVIN’ IT UP
Written by Al Jarreau, David Foster & Jay Graydon
Released in October 2006, Givin’ It Up was an event for contemporary jazz and R&B audiences. It marked the first collaboration between two legends, guitarist and vocalist extraordinaire George Benson and iconic vocalist Al Jarreau. John Burk, who went to the Grammy podium in 2005 for his work on the late Ray Charles’ Genius Loves Company cd, produced Givin’ It Up. The record was a listening pleasure for music lovers who appreciated the classic, sophisticated sounds of two gifted performers. Both Jarreau and Benson were in fine form and gave noteworthy performances throughout the project.
“Boogie Wonderland” was the first single released from Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1979 album, I AM. Co-written by up ’n’ coming songwriters Allee Willis, who already co-wrote EWF’s smash “September,” and Jon Lind, who was responsible for American jazz pianist and composer Ramsey Lewis’ “Sun Goddess,” “Boogie Wonderland” was Earth, Wind & Fire’s first stride into the disco field. The result was commercially and artistically astounding. The song became an out-of-the-box hit by reaching the top ten on both sides of the pond which paved the way to the double platinum triumph of I AM. On this spirited anthem, the band kept their trademark lush orchestrations and smart chord progression that were above the average disco stuff heard on radios in those days. The fantastic vocals by Maurice White and Philip Bailey with a noteworthy support from female R&B group The Emotions were a total knock-out as were Willis’ personal lyrics. The backing track of the tune was smoking hot with guest David Foster who co-wrote the bulk of I AM with White and Willis plus being right on target with his rhythmic acoustic piano playing.