Breathing New Soul into Superstition
Bernard Purdie & MC Revolution’s reimagining of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition arrived in August 2025, bringing together an unprecedented assembly of Grammy Award-winning artists to honour one of music’s most influential figures. The track, which has placed them on the Grammy Awards first round ballot under the category “Best New Arrangement – Instruments and Vocals,” represents a bold collaborative effort from the newly formed “MC Revolution” project – a partnership between guitarist/producer Mark Kassa and bassist/arranger Christian Fabian that is dedicated to celebrating the legends who shaped modern music.
Taking on Superstition is ambitious. This Motown classic is etched into the collective consciousness of popular music, and any attempt to reimagine it invites immediate comparison. The original was a masterclass in one-man-band virtuosity, with Stevie writing, performing, and singing every part himself, layering a swung 16th-note snare pattern with the percussive attack of his Hohner Clavinet D6, a synthesised Moog bassline, and a punchy horn arrangement. The lyrical content, examining superstition and rational thought with almost philosophical depth, gave the track substance beyond its irresistible groove.
Executive Producer Mark Kassa and Christian Fabian did an outstanding job organising this project. What’s notable in this jazzier version is the calibre of talent: Three-time Grammy winning producer Lonnie Park, Mark Kassa, Christian Fabian and Bernard Purdie co-produce and perform on the track alongside Grammy Award winning musicians Tony Lindsay (8x w/Santana) on vocals, Alex Acuña (Weather Report), Delfeayo Marsalis, Ryan Shore, Ricky Kej (3x) , Kitt Wakeley (2x), Anita Lerche, and Anibal Martinez.
The band takes this classic and gives it a fresh, modern twist. Mark Kassa’s Detroit-influenced guitar stays funky and genuine throughout the verses then adds attitude in his guitar solo. Christian Fabian’s bass, shaped by his time at Berklee and his collaborations with legends like Lou Rawls and Chaka Khan, holds everything together while engaging in a brilliant musical conversation with Bernard Purdie’s drums. What’s most compelling about this recording is Bernard’s presence. Now in his early 80s and inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2013, Purdie remains an influential force in R&B, soul, funk, and jazz.
Bernard’s career spans more than 4,000 recorded songs as both a sessional drummer and recording artist, and as founder of Encounter Records, he has produced five albums. Bernard’s signature “Purdie shuffle” – a precise use of triplets against a half-time backbeat – has become one of the most recognisable patterns in drumming. Notably, Led Zeppelin’s Fool in the Rain features this technique. Hearing him play on a song made specially to celebrate his career makes the whole project even more meaningful. His work over the years has become an important part of music history, and this tribute honours that while he’s still alive to enjoy it.
MC Revolution has set ambitious goals with its stated mission to honour the greats of our time, and it has certainly come out swinging. The quality of musicians involved and the execution of this debut showcase the genuine effort to create meaningful music that bridges generations and pays respect to those who built the foundation we all stand on. As the first release from MC Revolution, this version of Superstition shows exactly what the project is aiming for – serious music made with care and respect.
Superstition by MC Revolution can be found on all major music streaming platforms via https://orcd.co/mcrevolution.