(May 29, 2019) Keyboardist and producer Mike Blankenship cut his chops working with such notables as Lauryn Hill, Sheila E., and Ledisi, as well as longtime SoulTracks fave, Sy Smith, who he calls “truly my musical sister.”
Mike and Sy are also both avid Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder music lovers, and that love now extends to a new collaboration between them. One of the great cuts from MJ’s Off The Wall was the Wonder composition, “I Can’t Help It.” The original version is a classic and many strong covers of it have been made over the past 40 years, but none quite like this.
Mike provides a keyboard-laden, kinda jazzy, kinda electronic new take on the song, while Sy rides over the top will cool, relaxed vocals that work just right with the arrangement. The collab really works for us, and we think SoulTrackers will dig it too.
So we’re proud to present the World Premiere of this great new version of an old favorite. Check out “I Can’t Help It” and tell us what you think!
By Chris Rizik
World Premiere!
Mike Blankenship feat. Sy Smith
“I Can’t Help It”
