Songs in the Key of Life Live from City Winery

Tune in to BIRN Learn on Thursday, February 20 at 8:00 p.m. for a live broadcast from City Winery featuring Songs in the Key of Life.

Based in Boston, Songs in the Key of Life will pay tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time: Stevie Wonder. The band has not one, but four great singers, all of whom sing Stevie’s tunes in their own unique way: Ray Greene, currently lead singer for Santana and formerly lead vocalist for Tower of Power; Lance Webb, formerly of Pieces of a Dream and local funk favorite Hyptertension; and joining the band for the first time is Concetta, the sultry voiced singer who has shared the stage with numerous Grammy nominees. Songs also is adding Sheree Dunwell to the line-up for the first time, a versatile first call vocalist who has sung all over the country displaying her serious talent.

Songs in the Key of Life will dedicate this show to founding member, singer and Berklee College of Music Professor Jeff Ramsey, who tragically passed away on February 8, 2020. Jeff’s talent, warmth and smile will be missed by all who knew him.

The group will cover albums as far back as My Cherie Amour (1968) to Conversation Piece (1995), performing some of Stevie’s greatest upbeat songs such as I Wish, Superstition and Do I Do, as well as ballads including Overjoyed and Lately.

The band is backed by a strong rhythm section and four horns. Leading the horns is saxophonist Andre Ward, who has toured with Freddy Jackson, and who is a major smooth jazz recording artist in his own right. Filling in on trumpet for the ailing Scott Aruda is Yaure Muniz, one of the top trumpet players in the world. Ray Greene doubles on trombone and Lance Webb doubles on tenor sax, rounding out the horn section.

The rhythm section is tight and experienced, including several members of Boston based DownTime. The back line is led by keyboard player Dow Brain, who has played with such varied artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Brian McKnight and Tracy Bonham. Dow has toured throughout the U.S. and Japan, and is also an award winning music producer and composer, his music having appeared on The Sopranos, Ray Donovan and The Goldbergs. Laying down the groove on drums is Seth Burkhart, known for his great backbeat and showmanship, has toured the U.S. with a variety of bands. On bass is Joe “Jam” Sumrell, a fixture on the Boston music scene for many years, and one of the most in demand bassists around. Jim DiNardo, formerly of Rods and Cones, is on percussion, and guitarist Bob “Big Sky” Pierce completes the band.

The show starts at 8:00 p.m. EST and you can stream it here.