Wax Poetics Presents Charles Stepney: Out of the Shadows
4 videos • 372 views • by International Anthem INTERNATIONAL ANTHEM PRESENTS THE CHARLES STEPNEY DOCUMENTARY “The late Charles Stepney’s trademark sound—a dense mix of rich and flowing Baroque classical elements, complex and layered vocal arrangements, and pioneering use of electronic and avant-garde techniques—remains one of the most singular bodies of work created by any producer working in any genre of music,” wrote music scholar David Hollander in Wax Poetics Issue 21 (2007). “Brought in by Marshall Chess to revamp the dying Chess label, Stepney worked as producer and arranger on Cadet LPs for Ramsey Lewis, Terry Callier, the Dells, Muddy Waters, and the entire Chess stable of artists. In addition, his discovery of Minnie Riperton and his role in the creation of the Rotary Connection brought him instant success,” continued Hollander. The Chicago-born and -bred arranger, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter often sketched out his song ideas in his home studio. Stepney’s daughters Eibur, Charlene, and, Chanté, who have long championed their father, unearthed these recordings, which are filled with mellow drum machine loops, warm electric piano, and lucious synth solos. In partnership with Wax Poetics, International Anthem has produced a four-part documentary entitled Out of the Shadows directed by Chicago documentarian Brian Ashby.