Stuff

Stuff Live at Montreux 1976 may not be "the single greatest gathering of the history of modern music,” as the liner notes proclaim, but it’s a landmark concert nonetheless. Stuff were a quintet comprised of ’70s era session pros who played with the likes of Steely Dan, Joe Cocker, Van McCoy, Donny Hathaway and well, the list goes on and on. Their vinyl offerings went sadly unheralded but this DVD is perhaps the perfect showcase for their individual and collective talents. Cornell Dupree and Eric Gale trade inspired guitar licks on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” and "That’s the Way of the World,” while Steve Gadd knocks out a nice Bernard Purdie vibe on "Gadd’s Groove.” Gordon Edwards’ anchored bass and Richard Tee’s tasteful keyboard flavourings complete this funky stew, which comes to a simmer with guest vocalist Odetta on "Oh Happy Days,” the result of which is a moving, seamless fusion of gospel, soul and jazz. Live at Montreux 1976 is sho’nuff good stuff.