Derek Nash Talks ‘The Wonder Of Stevie’ 2026 UK Tour

Mar 10, 2026 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Cannonball PR

Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder throughout his entire career, ‘The Wonder Of Stevie’ is a 6-piece which features vocalist Noel McCalla (voted one of Britain’s top soul singers – Blues and Soul Magazine), award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash (a member of Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004) and a world-class live band. Derek Nash spoke to us regarding this year’s tour:

You are currently continuing your UK Tour with Noel McCalla ‘THE WONDER OF STEVIE’. How did you both first meet each other?

I first met him in his early days singing with Morrissey Mullen in London. He then worked around Europe with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band for nearly 20 years, so we lost touch and only when he returned did we end up on a private show together, and musically we just clicked.

How did the idea of celebrating the Stevie Wonder songbook arise?

On that private show we only did one Stevie Wonder tune, ‘Mistra Know it all” but he was so superb in his interpretation that I phoned him up the next day with the idea of doing a whole show of Stevie Wonder music. It took some time to persuade him as he saw Stevie as a genius and of course still with us, almost that the material was sacred ground, but now the audience response is so good we know we’re doing a good job. So much so that it’s nearly 9 years of shows now.

Who is in the band on the tour?

Neil Angilley – keys – Vanessa Mae, War of the Worlds

Nic France – drums – Bill Withers , David Gilmore, Tanita Tikaram

Jonathan Noyce – bass – Gary Moore, Jethro Tull

Tim Cansfield – guitar – Bee Gees, Annie Lennox, Swing out Sister

Given the extensive back catalogue, is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a song selection process?

We like to get the audience involved, ask for them to requests if we haven’t covered them on the show they see. We do move around the set and change from night to night, but there are cornerstones you just need to play!

The repertoire is so vast I’m always on the lookout for the next one to perform.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Born – Stockport – Industrial, solid, edgy, great old Buildings.

Live – Frinton on Sea – Quiet, tranquil, amazing natural seaside

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Mk VI Selmer Alto and Tenor Sax, old Beucher Soprano Sax (1926), Roland Aerophone for the Harmonica solos, AMT Radio Mic

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I loved “The Fabulous Baker Boys”- Dave Grusin score, so maybe a Jazz life story , real or imaginary. I think “Straight Life” – the Art Pepper story has real roller coaster feel.

What makes Derek Nash happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happy – playing with any great musicians, I really don’t do Function gigs any more, so I’m privileged. 22 years with Jools Holland so far has been amazing, the Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion, (15 years), Sax Appeal my own band for over 45 years !!! Plus of course The Wonder of Stevie, the band are amazing to play with, and audiences love the show.

Unhappy – Lorries overtaking each other at 1/2mph difference !