"Quería que existiera un diálogo musical entre Marvin Gaye y Bob Marley". Aloe Blacc revela la inspiración para la portada de What's Going On
On his most recent album, Aloe Blacc crafted a "musical dialogue between Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley"
"Stand Together," the 46-year-old singer's first original album in five years, was just published.
Aloe's rendition of the late Marvin Gaye's landmark 1971 song "What's Going On" incorporates Bob's reggae instrumentation with Marvin's lyrics and message about social discord.
Aloe stated in an interview with National Public Radio (NPR): "Well, Bob Marley is one of Marvin Gaye's neighbors. And because of the manner that Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye, two musicians, came up with message music, I wanted to do this kind of musical conversation between them, so it's roots reggae and classic soul.
"I believe that one of the things I'm attempting to convey to my peers is that, as much as you want to enjoy yourself as an artist, do so while also providing some substance, as there is a chance for that enjoyment to spill over into happiness and action..."
"And I learned that from 'Buffalo Soldier' just as much as I did from 'What's Going On.'?"
The police brutality event that Four Tops member Renaldo "Obie" Benson witnessed when the group's tour bus landed in Berkeley on May 15, 1969, served as the inspiration for Marvin's song "What's Going On." The episode that became known as "Bloody Thursday" occurred in Benson when anti-war protesters staged a demonstration at the city's People's Park.
After Benson and Motown songwriter Al Cleveland wrote a song about what Benson witnessed and his worries, they gave it to Marvin, who decided to take it on.
Aloe's album "Stand Together" was produced in collaboration with the charitable group of the same name, whose efforts served as inspiration for the record. Each tune is associated with a non-profit organization, thereby promoting causes that have a positive social influence.
'Stand Together' also conveys themes of solidarity, fortitude, community, and group advancement, all of which support Aloe's dedication to using music as a tool for change and good.
When asked how the LP came to be, Aloe responded, "I consider what my heroes—Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela—would have to say.
"Every one of my heroes had to face their alleged adversaries.
"They had to communicate with them. They had to negotiate in rooms with them.
"And at the end of the day, we have to be able to listen to our better angels."
"Stand Together" is currently available for purchase and streaming.
The "Stand Together" song list:
"Stand Together," which Jason Mendelson produced
The producers of "Breakthrough" are Joel Van Dijk and DJ Khalil.
The producer of "Grow Together" is Matt Parad.
The producers of "What's Going On" are Jason Mendelson and Greg Spero.
Stargate is the producer of "Love in Control."
Stargate is the producer of "My World."
Oak Felder is the producer of "Don't Go Alone."
The producers of "One Good Thing" are Matt Parad, Hunter Hayes, and Alex Wilke.
Eric Krasno and Aloe Blacc are the producers of "Not on My Watch."
"Never Let You Down" (Juggglerz, producer)
Aloe Blacc is the producer of "Daddy Told Me So."
"Shine" (produced by Greg Spero, Farmer Greif, and Aloe Blacc)