Live Review: Stevie Wonder’s waves of Love at Calling Festival
The fact that after a wet day full of showers the sun came finally out just minutes before Stevie Wonder walked on stage at the Calling Festival in Clapham on Sunday June 29, might be seen as sign of God… if you believe in this kind of things. For all those who don’t, it’s still good to know that one of the brightest stars in our galaxy welcomed one of the brightest stars left in the mainstream music industry.
The 64-years-old Motown legend delighted the crowd with an incredibly rich set list mostly taken from his 70s album, opening with a Marvin Gaye‘s cover soon followed by the irresistible banging rhythms of Master Blaster (Jammin’).
Wonder’s shows are not just live performances of great music. It seems like he feels the urge to instantly connect with the public through something that is much more powerful than sight: the way he uses music during his shows to help people connecting to their inner light and feeling a sense of human brotherhood generates regenerating waves of love. There is no debate over the greatness of his music or his unearthly vocal talent, and I don’t actually recall of ever hearing anyone say they don’t like Stevie Wonder, but still what really makes a difference in his shows is this particular connection he establishes with the audience. Proof was his acapella rendition of Ebony And Ivory sung along with the public, a moment that literally brought shivers to our spines and tears to our eyes.
After a very funny break from music, where he started playing jokes with the public and talking in proper British accent, it was time to dedicate a moment to the late Bobby Womack, who passed away just a few days before the show, with a cover of If You Think You’re Lonely Now, perfectly performed by Wonder’s backing singer Keith John.
The show was closed with Superstition, which drove the public crazy and only made everyone wanting more, as we realised that two hours and a half simply are not enough to hold Wonder’s wide range of great music produced over 50 years of stellar career.
Complete set list:
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (Marvin Gaye cover)
Master Blaster (Jammin’)
Higher Ground
Part-Time Lover
Maybe Your Baby
Overjoyed
Living for the City
Ebony and Ivory (Acapella)
Sir Duke
I Wish
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
You Are the Sunshine of My Life
Don’t You Worry (About A Thing)
My Cherie Amour
I Just Called to Say I Love You
If You Think You’re Lonely Now (Bobby Womack cover)
As If You Read My Mind
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
Another Star
Superstition (with Richie Sambora)
