stevie wonder It is a natural wonder – a national treasure that must be protected at all costs.
Unlike other living music greats of his generation – from Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger Elton John And diana rossWonder’s fellow Motown icon – the “Superstition” singer hasn’t toured in years. Not since their 2014–15 “Songs in the Key of Life” tour.
So when Sir Stevie announces his surprise “Sing your song!” Last month on the “As We Heal Our Nation’s Broken Hearts” tour, it became a must-see event. That is, if you were lucky enough to live in one of the 11 cities that will be getting 11 rare shows on this mini tour — just like New York was at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.
At 74, Wonder was clearly inspired by his new single “Can We Heal Our Nation’s Broken Hearts” — released a week after performing at the Democratic National Convention in August and delivering a message of hope ahead of the presidential election.
“I wrote the song because in the air I could feel hearts being broken by negativity, hatred, racism, bullies,” he said on stage.
He then reminded the crowd about the high standards that need to be reached as the election approaches: “I want to say this to all of you about all leaders and future leaders…the gift of being a leader. Being given means that the Most High has given you the responsibility to live in the light of truth.
After giving his opening statement to the audience patiently waiting for the music in the arena, Wonder said, “But I’m not here to preach” and then took the piano and sang “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart.”
And at the end of the song, the answer to that question was an enthusiastic “Yeah, yeah!” In response to Wonder from the crowd. It’s hard to think of another artist who can inspire such hope in an audience of eccentric New Yorkers.
But such is the magic of Stevie. And they wowed concertgoers with their amazing display of talent – from the jams “Hotter Than July” to “As If You Read My Mind” and “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” to next-level funk. . “higher ground,” A song that felt as important as it did 51 years ago.
Wearing his heart on his purple-suit sleeve, Wonder basked in the glow of the field “you are the Sunshine of My Life,” recapturing the youthful exuberance of his early years on his 1973 No. 1 hit, “For Once in My Life” and “My Cherie Amour,” Which he prefaced with the stories behind the songs. In fact, he spent the whole night talking charmingly, joking that the big house looked like his living room.
And as if he needed to win us over any more, he also wore a black cap with the Yankees logo.
There was none of the production spectacle you are used to seeing at the Garden. But in its place were far more musicians than are usually seen on that stage – with percussionists, a brass section and a string orchestra.
The latter brought sweeping grandeur to its solemnity “Village Ghetto Land” – from Wonder’s 1976 magnum opus “Songs in the Key of Life” – as the singer stood powerfully at the mic. Although his voice remains remarkably good – still impressing in his upper register and on those runs – he had some rough spots here.
But all was forgiven as he moved on to “Living for the City” – singing the “Innervision” epic in the city that inspired it – and then “Songs in the Key of Life” classics “Sir Duke” and “I Sung “Wish”. Which were delivered and received with pure joy.
The ’80s playfulness of “I Just Called to Say I Love You” – one of the few Wonder hits that hasn’t aged well – was quickly rescued by the soulful ’70s soul. “Superstition.”
Wonder ended the show appropriately with two closing tracks from “Songs in the Key of Life”: “As” and “Another star.” Introducing the latter, he sings, “For you, there may be another star/But through my eyes, I only see your light.”
But for us, there will never be another star like Stevie.
