It’s funny that Macy Gray’s big hit a dozen years ago was “I Try,” Earlier this year Gray sort of participated in “Covered,” an album of remakes credited to Gray. Willner is propping up Gray again on the new “Talking Book,” a song-for-song remake of Stevie Wonder’s smash album from 1972. Kudos to the producer for his deferential treatment of the material: Most songs are politely spruced up, tightened and sharpened without major disruption, though he takes a few chances that pay off, including a revamp of“Superstition” that overhauls the squeaky, familiar funk of the original into an atmospheric and torchy about-face. The release of Gray’s version of “Talking Book” coincides with the 40th anniversary of the release of the original, and a press statement quotes Gray as saying her album is, “my own personal gift to Stevie Wonder.”
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