“Stevie Wonder, just like I pictured him.” Seeing Stevie perform every number from Songs in the Key of Life last night at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center was to participate in four hours of joyous hilarious heartbreaking musical prayer with some of the best musicians alive—including a six-piece horn section, two drummers, six backup singers, members of the Brooklyn Symphony, India.Arie, Nathan East on bass (amazing), and, oh yes, the man who’s sung me through every significant love of my life (and I’m not just referring to love affairs). Generous and genius, he played at least four instruments and led long passages of jaw-dropping improvisation. When he sang “If It’s Magic” I broke down in happy tears, and I’m guessing that, along with everyone in attendance last night, I’ll be weeping them all week long. “Don’t block your blessing,” he told us as a reminder to treat everyone with the love and compassion we each deserve. We couldn’t have blocked his bright brilliant beauty if we’d tried.
“Stevie Wonder, just like I pictured him.” Seeing Stevie perform every number from Songs in the Key of Life last night at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center was to participate in four hours of joyous hilarious heartbreaking musical prayer with some of the best musicians alive—including a six-piece horn section, two drummers, six backup singers, members of the Brooklyn Symphony, India.Arie, Nathan East on bass (amazing), and, oh yes, the man who’s sung me through every significant love of my life (and I’m not just referring to love affairs). Generous and genius, he played at least four instruments and led long passages of jaw-dropping improvisation. When he sang “If It’s Magic” I broke down in happy tears, and I’m guessing that, along with everyone in attendance last night, I’ll be weeping them all week long. “Don’t block your blessing,” he told us as a reminder to treat everyone with the love and compassion we each deserve. We couldn’t have blocked his bright brilliant beauty if we’d tried.