Previews and Reviews - Stevie Wonder

PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS

By Steve Chess
November 16, 2007

The last time that Stevie Wonder performed in Southwestern Pennsylvania was in 1972. That show is now the stuff of legend. He was actually the opening act for The Rolling Stones. It has been said by more than a few of the attendees (of that show) that, as he began performing, it very quickly became apparent that Stevie Wonder was a (the) headliner.
Scroll ahead about 35 years to Friday, November 9th 2007 at what is now called Mellon Arena. Stevie Wonder, no longer the callow youth, once again graced a local stage. Greeted by thunderous applause and cheering, he was led to an open area of the stage by his daughter, Aisha Morris (one of his 7 children). While daughter Aisha stood at his side he engaged in a brief monologue, during which he attributed his return to touring to his mother’s spirit ( she died in 2006), urging him to do so.

Stevie and Aisha then sat dawn, he to a Yamaha grand piano and she to a keyboard rack. The opening song (duet) was “Love’s In Need Of Love Today.” It was indeed the old Stevie, but he was just warming up. The pacing of the set seemed a little awkward at first, but one might expect a few bumps in the road when a tour is planned (as this one was) in just a few weeks.

The songs that he and his band chose to perform seemed to be a fairly representative sampling of an extremely successful career that has spanned more than forty years. Material was gleaned from albums including, “Songs In the Key of Life,” “Musiquarium,” “Innervisions,” “Talking Book,” “In Square Circle,” “Hotter Than July,” and “A Time to Love.”

I believe that the real story was (as it was some 35 years ago at the same venue) Stevie Wonder’s vocal mastery. Guided by his perfectly measured breath, subtle phrasing and resonant tone throughout a broad range, Stevie’s vocals carried the show. Incredibly, the songs became more vocally challenging as the show progressed. He allowed daughter Aisha more of a lead role in a duet of, “How Will I know,” but Stevie still did most of the heavy lifting for most of the show. Songs like “I Wish,” “For Once In My Life,” “Superstition” and tribute to Duke Ellington, “Sir Duke” were delivered with undiminished quality throughout. His backup singers (including Kimberley Brewer, Keith John and daughter, Aisha Morris) were certainly more than adequate, but they were nearly eclipsed by Wonder’s enormous talent. Long time bass player, Nathan Watts provided the necessary guidance to the rhythm section along with some exquisite bass patterns.

After performing most of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours,” Stevie suggested that the song could be released as a Country hit. He then proceeded to perform it as such…complete with authentic dialect. He also sang a few bars of “Since I Don’t Have You,” a hit made famous by Pittsburgh band, The Skyliners. Though he didn’t say so, it may have been a tribute to Skyliners original member, Joe Versharen. Joe died less than a week before the show.
Since he hadn’t toured in almost 15 years, there are some that have wondered if Stevie Wonder still has “it.” This 2007 “A Wonder Autumn Night” tour should put to rest all of those apprehensions.