The Wonder of Stevie – Sat 25 March

After a superb introduction at Paul Jones and Friends at G-Live we are delighted to present a night of Stevie Wonder with Noel McCalla and Derek Nash at Godalming Borough Hall.

Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder throughout his entire career, the mesmeric vocalist, Noel McCalla, and award-winning saxophonist, Derek Nash, have put together a band of top musicians to play a wide-ranging back catalogue of classic hits, from 1970’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered through to hits from Talking Book, Innervisions, Songs in the Key of Life and Hotter than July.  Playing hit after hit, from the dance floor classics I Wish and Superstition to beautiful arrangements of My Cherie Amour and Overjoyed, the set will also include compositions by Stevie Wonder that others have had massive hits with.

Noel McCalla’s long association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers” (Blues and Soul Magazine) and, for more than 19 years, Noel’s searing, soulful vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann’s “Earth Band”. He also provided vocals on Mike Rutherford’s highly acclaimed album, Smallcreep’s Day, and is often featured with jazz funk band, Mezzoforte.

Derek Nash has played in Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion. He has won several British Jazz Awards throughout his career fronting Sax Appeal, his Acoustic Quartet and the funk band, Protect the Beat. Derek has performed live, on record and on television with Gregory Porter, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Amy Winehouse and many, many more.  At the forefront of the British jazz movement, Derek Nash is “one of the most versatile saxophonists in the UK today” (The Guardian)

The all-star band features Neil Angilley – piano, Tim Cansfield – guitar,  Jonathan Noyce – bass, Nic France – drums.  Musicians whose credits include Bill Withers, The Bee Gees, Gary Moore and  Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.

”Rarely have I heard the music of Stevie Wonder interpreted with such finesse, energy and all round brilliance” – The House of Soul 

Our Audience’s comments………………………

A superb trawl through an eclectic and vibrant songbook, played with real elan and gusto. A thrilling show. Go see…

Seasoned, brilliant musicians, with an awesome pedigree bringing a rare homage to Stevie’s wonderful material. No lie, I enjoyed this show more than Stevie’s show at Hyde Park last summer. This is no plastic ‘tribute” act. It’s the real deal. It’s fabulous.

What an amazing night. I’m a massive Stevie fan and you were all a credit to the man and his music. Amazing first class musicianship and Noels vocals were simply stunning. You left me wanting more