Wonder counts his blessings

Stevie Wonder has reason to be overjoyed. In April, he’ll end a 10-year hiatus from studio recording with the release of his album “A Time 2 Love.” And Saturday he’ll hold his ninth annual House Full of Toys show at the Forum to benefit underprivileged kids.

At the concert, Wonder promises to preview at least one track from the album. “I don’t know which of the new songs I’m going to do,” he said. Joining Wonder on the bill Saturday are host Dave Chappelle, rapper Doug E. Fresh (a guest on the album) and artists such as Kanye West, India.Arie, Alicia Keys, Angie Stone, Joss Stone and Ziggy Marley.

At past House of Toys shows, Wonder has performed with several acts, and he’ll probably do the same this year. “I’m obviously familiar with their music, so it’ll be fun to do some stuff,” he said backstage after making a surprise appearance at the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball concert earlier this month. When that prospect is mentioned to Stone, it’s one of the few times the 19-year-old British soul singer acts her age. “Oh my God, really!” she says with a squeal.

As for the album, Wonder has talked with Snoop Dogg and Keys about contributing to two songs, and he co-wrote the title track with Arie.

“I’m always excited” about new albums, Wonder said, “but I think the difference in this excitement is that a lot of things have happened since the last project in ‘94-’95. I have a new little boy and I got married. We’ve had some great things that have happened, we’ve had some tragedies.

“Life has done what it’s done. So feeling, communicating and being able to write is a great thing.”

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Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys, the Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $35 to $250. Concertgoers are asked to bring an unwrapped toy. Info: (310) 330-7340.