This show is a celebration of the music of hit-maker legend, Stevie Wonder. Compere and saxophonist with the band, Derek Nash (Jools Holland’s R&B Orchestra), explained from the start that it isn’t a tribute show, nor would there be any dressing up as Stevie or impersonations – it is a show to spread the joy which Wonder radiates and to totally enjoy his talent and music without any frills.
Nash introduced vocalist Noel
McCalla, formally of Manfred Manns Earth Band who sang a range of well-known, back-to-back hits such as ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’, ‘Isn’t She Lovely’,
‘I Wish’, ‘Sir Duke’, ‘Master Blaster’ plus a number of lesser known songs from
Wonder’s many albums.
The show opened with a tribute to
jazz legends, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Louis Armstrong with a rendition
of ‘Sir Duke’ from Wonder’s iconic 1976 album,
‘Songs in the Key of Life’ which featured a powerful saxophone solo from Derek Nash.
Nash provided the feel-good,
party atmosphere throughout the show and all of the songs featured saxophone solos;
he also interacted with the audience, encouraging clapping and danced amongst
them whilst playing the saxophone. Additionally, he dedicated a song, ‘Knocks
Me Off My Feet’ to all loved-up couples in the audience and the band played the
1981 hit song ‘Happy Birthday’ to Suki, a lady in the audience, celebrating her birthday.
As well as playing the saxophone, Nash also played a Soprano (a mini sax), and
an unusual electronic harmonica.
The song Wonder wrote for George
Michael and Mary J. Blige, ‘As’ featured a lead guitar solo and McCalla
performed ‘Golden Lady’ which featured a piano solo by Neil Angilley which received a standing ovation and
rapturous applause. McCalla also sang, ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’ with pianist
Angilley accompanying on the piano alone.
The other members of the band,
Tim Cansfield (guitar), Jonathan Nyce (bass guitar) and Nick France (drums)
accompanied McCalla and Nash on stage.
The band, along with McCalla celebrated
Wonder’s Latin American style with ‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing’ from his ‘Innervisions’
album and his Reggae style with ‘Master Blaster (Jammin)’ the lead single from
his nineteenth studio album, ‘Hotter than July’ from 1980, all culminating in a
party which had the audience on their feet dancing and singing. The encore celebrated
Wonder’s big hits ‘Superstition’ and ‘My Cherie Amour’.
This was a very enjoyable two
hour show in a cosy, intimate theatre which has very comfortable seating and is
ultra-modern. The show is a wonderful homage to a music legend who is still
touring and performing. The interaction with the audience is paramount from the
start and McCalla’s and Nash’s love of Wonder’s music shines through; the
audience were on a high from beginning to end. McCalla has a powerful voice
which translates Wonders music effortlessly.
The Wonder of Stevie is touring, for further details and
tour dates see https://www.thewonderofstevie.com/page/About/1/
Further information can be found at https://www.thewonderofstevie.com
Noel McCalla - for more info see https://www.thewonderofstevie.com/team-member/Noel+McCalla/1
Reviewer: Anne Pritchard
On: 26th March 2026
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