Stevie Wonder at White River: old hits, new stylings and plenty of charm

Concert Review |

Stevie Wonder's powers are undiminished. At 58, the great Motown legend is as vital and creative as ever. He still has a wondrous, youthful spirit, and beguiling, mischievous charm.

Switching among various keyboards Friday night at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, the smiling showman delivered many of his classic soulful, funky hits, as well as some lesser-known gems, and even a new song, to the delight of the near-capacity crowd.

He played around with some vocals, extending notes, going high and low, turning lyrics into rhythmic mumblings. He got the audience involved, too, having them sing notes and snatches of lyrics, at his direction. His vocal improvisations enriched "Visions," "Creeping," "Ribbon in the Sky" and other songs, making you listen closer and fully appreciate their moving lyrics and enticing rhythms.

The richness of his voice was fully on display in a shimmering "Golden Lady," a beautiful, evocative "Overjoyed" and a fun, joyful "My Cherie Amour." He played a string of fan favorites toward the end, galvanizing the crowd with "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours," "Sir Duke," "I Wish" and "Superstition" (with Sanjaya Malakar of "American Idol" fame briefly joining in).

Backed by a 10-piece band and three background singers (including his daughter Aisha), he opened with a mix of popular and lesser-known songs, including "As If You Read My Mind," "Master Blaster," "Did I Hear You Say You Love Me," "All I Do (Is Think About You)" and "Knocks Me Off My Feet," before bringing the crowd to its feet with "Higher Ground."

During a lively, Latin-y version of Chick Corea's jazzy instrumental "Spain," he introduced every member of his top-notch band, each of whom got a solo. It went on a little too long, but the solos were superb.

Aisha's solo was followed by her dad singing "Isn't She Lovely," composed for her when she was an infant. She stood near as he sang it, caressing and kissing him.

The one new song, "Keep Fooling Yourself Little Girl," showed he still has a gift for clever lyrics and rich instrumental arrangements.

As usual, he talked quite a bit, endorsing Barack Obama, loquaciously preaching love and peace, and dedicating the show to Quincy Jones, who grew up in Seattle.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com