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Carmen McRae said once that Stevie Wonder is a genius, and I should add that his discography is the greatest proof that Carmen was not just giving her opinion, but actually describing a fact, a musical indisputable truth.

A great example of his Wonder-touch is Stevie Wonder´s Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants, usually cataloged as representing the B-side of his vast oeuvre, due to its extremely experimental nature. You may remember that I previously mentioned this album here, suggesting that it is the perfect soundtrack to enhace the healing energy of taking care of plants, but it is certainly much more than that.

The album would be classified today as conceptual. All tracks revolve round the subject brought to light by the controversial 1973 book The Secret Life of Plants, by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, which served as the basis for the homonymous 1979 documentary, directed by Walon Green.

The soundtrack, by Stevie Wonder, was released separately under a slightly modified title. In fact, the change was subtle, but it reinforces the independent character of the work in relation to the book and the documentary. Now, the journey is what matters. And what a ride!

The careful listener will be rewarded with an album with a unique atmosphere. With his genius touch, Stevie creates a dreamlike aura that makes any controversy seem unimportant, just as he would do again in the 1991 movie Jungle Fever, but this is another story.

Anyway, my journey to the journey of Stevie has to do with the fact that no matter where I live, there will be plants around me. No matter how big or small, how well or poorly lit the rooms are, I always manage to keep green spots on the house (and yes, I am very proud of it).

It was a matter of time until the book by Tompkins and Birdbook fell into my hands, but by then I still did not know about the soundtrack. As a matter of fact, I only became aware of it because of… another re-interpretation!

The song was Flower Power and it was part of the 1991 album Slow Food, from the Brazilian jazz group Nouvelle Cuisine. They also deserve a full text on their contribution to the transition from the colourful music scene of the late 1980s to the minimalist 1990s, but for now I can tell you that I was immediately hooked by the arrangement.

Ironically, it was the strong bossa nova influence that brought me to the Mr. Wonder. As you can see, flower power always finds a way.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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Lucy is flying right now, while you read this. We cannot see her, but she is up there, somewhere in the big blue sky, diligently fulfilling her mission . You probably read about the space probe sent to a twelve-year journey to many asteroids, and yes, the name is a direct mention to the Beatles´s song.

Earlier on the blog, I shared my reflections with you on space missions. This time, instead of a holistic approach, I would like to address the topic from a different perspective. A very personal one, based on the benefits provided by those who never leave Earth: plants.

Growing up in a house, with a garden and a backyard, plants have always been around me. Although apartments have been my reality for quite a while, I always have a few plants at home. Ok, more than a few (it is not my fault, they multiply themselves, you know?)

Beyond aesthetics, I truly believe plants are, in may aspects, real diamonds (sorry, Lucy), and I am not even talking about the importance of the Amazon forest or the urge for more urban green areas. We do not have to go that far. Let me simply talk about my adorable little plants.

They saved my day many times already, and yet sometimes I forget to nurture them. Well, not last week! I bought this great organic plant compost and followed my usual ritual: jazz playing, cinnamon incense (strongly recommend the masala kind) in the air, a hot cup of tea and lots of time.

No rush, no mobile checking, no further worries. Just some quality time taking care of my plants. Ever tried? A miracle worker! To dive deep: Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants

Meanwhile, Lucy keeps on flying high. Down here we keep on our usual mess, plenty of bad things, as we are quite aware of, but also full of wonders, as we frequently forget about.

Be seeing you!

G.F.