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Biografía
Steve Winwood’s ‘80s solo career saw the musician adopt a slick and polished blue-eyes soul persona, however before going solo Winwood had an eclectic career spanning decades and genres. Growing up in Handsworth, Birmingham, UK, with a semi-professional musician father, Winwood was a part of the rhythm and blues scene playing the organ and guitar on tours for esteemed artists such as Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker and Chuck Berry.
Aged 14 Winwood joined the Spencer Davis Group with his older brother Muff and collaboratively had the 1965 No. 1 hit single “Keep on Running” after which Winwood was able to purchase his own Hammond B-3 organ. He was noted for his surprisingly Ray Charles-esque vocals with a maturity and soulfulness way past his years.
Tired of the pop-single format Winwood explored his rock & roll and jazz interests and formed the band Traffic with guitarist Dave Mason, hornist Chris Wood and drummer Jim Capaldi, all of whom had played on Spencer Davis Group’s records. Merging the sounds of R&B, psychedelia, and British pop folk, Traffic released their debut single “Paper Sun” in May 1967, followed a year after with the album “Mr. Fantasy”, before the band split.
Winwood then looked to old friend Eric Clapton who had recently diverged with his band Cream. The two began playing together, along with ex-Cream drummer Ginger Baker, which eventually led to the band Blind Faith, named after the faith record labels were putting into the collaboration. The band released their self-titled debut in the summer of 1969 but the pressure was too much and Blind Faith broke up before the year’s end. Winwood subsequently played in the supergroup Ginger Baker’s Air Force however departed after their debut performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
With the aim of creating a solo album Winwood took to the studio in 1970 however he gradually invited more ex-Traffic member so much so it became a reunion. Traffic subsequently released the albums “John Barleycorn Must Die” in 1970 and “The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys” in 1971 after which they reached their peak of commercial appeal. The band broke up in 1974 and Winwood spent the next few years as a session musician.
Finally going solo, Winwood released his self-titled debut in 1977 to disappointing results in the wake of a punk revolution, however his follow-up “Arc of a Driver” where he played all the instruments himself became a platinum selling hit in the U.S. After another disappointing album “Taking Back to the Night” in 1983, Winwood left it until 1986 to release “Back in the High Life”, a sophisticated and polished pop affair. The album sold over three million records and spawned his first No. 1 single “Higher Love” which also won a Grammy for Record of the Year.
Winwood has subsequently released the chart-topper “Roll With It” in 1988, "Refugees of the Heart” in 1990 and the Traffic reunion album “Far From Home”. Returning to his solo career his released “Junction Seven” in 1997 co-produced by Narada Michael Walden, the critically acclaimed “About Time” in 2003 and “Nine Lives” in 2008.
Críticas en vivo
What a brilliant show at the Fox Theatre in Oakland on 26June2014! It was obvious from the start that the band put a lot of time into the sound check. The acoustics, which are normally very good in this refurbished 1920's venue, were crystal clear. Another nice touch was the stage setup. The musicians were arranged in a semi-circle, so you could see each one at any time without craning your neck or turning in your seat. The players were all professionals and it really showed! They just rocked! Each had various solos throughout the set. Even a rather long and entertaining drum solo, which the other musicians stood behind the set to admire. Steve's voice was as good as ever. And he appeared to be having a great time, especially when out in front of the band for one of his superb guitar solos (using both Gibson and Fender guitars).
The material spanned his entire career - Spencer Davis, Blind Faith, Traffic and solo selections. The only misgiving I had was that there were no selections from 'As the Eagle Flies'. The band had a jazzy bent to it, which would have lent itself to those tunes. The show was 1 hr 30 mins with a 15 minute, 2 song encore. Can't wait to see him again on the Tom Petty tour later this year.
Ecotype
Birmingham born musician Steve Winwood seems to have the midas touch when it comes to selecting bands to work with, he has been a key member of The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith and Go as well as having his own successful solo career where he scored a number of hit singles and was awarded two Grammy awards.
Now touring solo with his own proficient backing band, the demand to see the musician live remains ever present and fans of all ages gather to hear classic tracks and witness expert piano playing. The rapport between the musicians onstage is fantastic and they clearly still enjoy playing tracks including 'Fly' and 'Back in the High Life Again'. The majority of the covers this evening are taken from Winwood's time with Blind Faith, huge cheers are heard for the introductions of 'Can't Find My Way Home' and 'Dear Mr. Fantasy'. The instrumentals and acoustics are crystal clear this evening and give these classic tracks a new lease of life, whilst those who prefer his work with 'The Spencer Davis Group' are also catered for as Winwood saves 'Gimme Some Lovin'' for the encore.
sean-ward
Magnificent performance, Winwood and his crack band easily moved through his catalog of great songs...wonderful long instrumental breaks, he's assembled a band that recreates that classic Traffic sound with sax, flute, along with organ and guitar...
If he comes your way, don't miss him...
BTW, his daughter Lili opened and has a nice stage presence for a young performer...Her singing and style are at times reminiscent of Laura Nyro...
yippie70
Awesome concert ! Especially since the wind was so fierce at this venue every thing was blowing around.. But Steve powered through it in superb form. We thought he had never sounded better, just showing what real talent is. Enjoyed his set list, all the favorites, but a couple of surprises, like assistance in a duet with daughter Lilly. The apple didn't fall far from that tree !
SSLTD
The man still rocks his ass off. I saw him open for Steely Dan in July 2016 and saw him at the Fox Theater September 6, 2017. He sounds amazing, his voice sounds the same as it did in the Spencer Davis Group and Traffic. Steve's daughter, Lily, opened for him and was incredible herself. She was a one woman band just her voice and a guitar and she sounded excellent.
pemig75
I saw him at the Fabulous Fox Theater in St.Louis and it was awesome!His daughter Lilly opened for him and she has an amazing voice as well. He did indeed play his greatest hits!! Encore was John Barleycorn and Gimme Some Lovin. His old Traffic tunes transported me back to younger days!! Just closed my eyes and let the music take me away...superb
christy-davis-3
Had a great time. Music brought back lots of memories and the light show was amazing. Paired with Steely Dan just added to the amazement.Everyone was dancing in their chairs. The standing ovation lasted 5 minutes after they were finished playing. Not one person stay seated. Not even me and i am disabled.
suzan-hugen
My review of Steve Winwood, go see him. He has been in so many great bands The Spenser Davis Group, Blind Faith are just two of them. A great piano player and guitarist. I saw him open for Santana at Jones beach in 2011. A great performance by SW. I came away wanting more of his music
kevin-p-donovan
High expectations faded... his voice is amazing and the band is great, but 1h 40min spent with few very long songs and far from the best selection. Apollo is not the best venue, but I have been in excellent concerts there. Disappointing
telmalon
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