“I got a call from a friend that works with Stevie Wonder,” says local percussionist Steve Haney. “He mentioned that he had an opportunity for me to record with Stevie. Stevie had an idea to present a new tune called ‘Fear Can’t Put Dreams to Sleep’ at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, where he would volunteer his time to perform.”
Shortly before the late-August event, Haney was invited to record the song at Wonderland, Wonder’s L.A. studio.
“I dropped everything I was doing,” says Haney. “Stevie’s idea was to present a multicultural drum ensemble groove. We recorded as a six-piece drum group with Stevie in the recording console room on keys and vocals.” Haney played tambourine, snare, and “more cowbell” on the track.
“Next thing I know, a few days later, I was on my way to Denver to perform live in front of 84,000 people [at the Democratic Convention].… We were essentially the opening band for Al Gore, who presented a speech after Stevie’s songs.” Other performers included John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and Michael McDonald.
Steve Haney appears every Thursday with the house band at downtown’s Anthology jazz club.
– Jay Allen Sanford
More from SDReader
- More stories by Jay Allen Sanford
- Despite the rumors, San Diego has soul — Dec. 24, 2014
- Steve Haney has found himself in some wild, unexpected places — Dec. 5, 2012
- Jungle Live — July 21, 2010
- Timberlake: Very Impressive — Dec. 23, 2008
- Will Record for Massage — Sept. 7, 2006
Comments
Jay Allen Sanford
Oct. 1, 2008 @ 9:09 p.m.
After the DemCon performance, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer called Wonder’s set “a personal highlight for me.”
The gig can be viewed on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvvTO9...
Warhol
Oct. 2, 2008 @ 10:27 a.m.
It was an amazing performance! Nice to hear that a local musician was there to represent San Diego at this historic event. Great job!!! =)
funkybt
Oct. 2, 2008 @ 2:03 p.m.
What a great gig. Couldn't have been handed to a better guy.Nice work Steve!
simple
Oct. 2, 2008 @ 11:20 p.m.
Great to see a local musican share the stage with the amazing Stevie Wonder. Congratulations...
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