Steve Winwood | ||
| Allmusic Biography : As a solo artist, Steve Winwood is primarily associated with the highly polished blue-eyed soul-pop that made him a star in the 80s. Yet his turn as a slick, upscale mainstay of adult contemporary radio was simply the latest phase of a long and varied career, one thats seen the former teenage R&B; shouter move through jazz, psychedelia, blues-rock, and progressive rock. Possessed of a powerful, utterly distinctive voice, Winwood was also an excellent keyboardist who remained an in-demand session musician for most of his career, even while busy with high-profile projects. That background wasnt necessarily apparent on his solo records, which established a viable commercial formula that was tremendously effective as long as it was executed with commitment. Stephen Lawrence Winwood was born May 12, 1948, in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, England. First interested in swing and Dixieland jazz, he began playing drums, guitar, and piano as a child, and first performed with his father and older brother Muff in the Ron Atkinson Band at the age of eight. During the early 60s, Muff led a locally popular group called the Muff Woody Jazz Band, and allowed young Steve to join; eventually they began to add R&B; numbers to their repertoire, and in 1963 the brothers chose to pursue that music full-time, joining guitarist Spencer Davis to form the Spencer Davis Group. Although he was only 15, Steves vocals were astoundingly soulful and mature, and his skills at the piano were also advanced beyond his years. Within a year, hed played with numerous American blues legends both in concert and in the studio; in 1965, he also recorded the solo single "Incense" as the Anglos, crediting himself as Stevie Anglo. Meanwhile, the Spencer Davis Group released a handful of classic R&B-styled; singles, including "Keep on Running," "Im a Man," and the monumental "Gimme Some Lovin," which stood with any of the gritty hardcore soul music coming out of the American South. Winwood eventually tired of the tight pop single format; by the mid-60s, the cutting edge of rock & roll often involved stretching out instrumentally, and with his roots in jazz, Winwood wanted the same opportunity. Accordingly, he left the Spencer Davis Group in 1967 to form Traffic with guitarist Dave Mason, horn player Chris Wood, and drummer Jim Capaldi, all of whom had played on "Gimme Some Lovin." The quartet retired to a small cottage in the Berkshire countryside, where they could work out their sound -- a unique blend of R&B;, Beatlesque pop, psychedelia, jazz, and British folk -- and jam long into the night without angering neighbors. Traffic debuted in the U.K. with the single "Paper Sun" in May 1967, and soon issued their debut album, Mr. Fantasy (retitled Heaven Is in Your Mind in the U.S.); it was followed by the jazzy psychedelic classic Traffic in 1968. However, conflicts had arisen between Winwood and Mason over the latters tightly constructed folk-pop songs, which didnt fit into Winwoods expansive, jam-oriented conception of the band. Mason left, returned, and was fired again, and Winwood broke up the band at the beginning of 1969. Even so, by that time, he had become the unofficial in-house keyboardist for Traffics label Island, playing at numerous recording sessions. Winwood subsequently hooked up with old friend Eric Clapton, whod recently parted ways with Cream. The two began jamming and found that they enjoyed working together, and rumors of their collaboration spread like wildfire; the enormous anticipation only grew when ex-Cream drummer Ginger Baker signed on, despite Claptons misgivings over the expectations that would create. Concert promoters rushed to book the band before any material had been completed (hence the bands eventual name, Blind Faith), and offered too much money for them to refuse, despite their lack of rehearsal time. Their self-titled debut, released in the summer of 1969, was a hit, but the extreme pressure on the group led to their breakup even before the end of the year. Winwood joined Baker in a large, eclectic new supergroup called Ginger Bakers Air Force, but Winwood still had contractual obligations to Island, and he left not long after Air Forces debut performance at the Royal Albert Hall in early 1970. Winwood began work on what was slated to be his first solo LP, but he gradually brought in more ex-Traffic members to help him out, to the point where the album simply became a band reunion. John Barleycorn Must Die was released later in 1970, showcasing the sort of jam-happy jazz-rock sound that Winwood had in mind for the group from the start. Several more albums in that vein followed, including 1971s The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys, which brought Traffic to the peak of their commercial popularity in America. The run was briefly interrupted by Winwoods bout with peritonitis around 1972, but hed recovered enough to play a major role in Eric Claptons early 1973 comeback concerts at the Rainbow Theatre. Traffic broke up in 1974, but instead of going solo right away, an exhausted Winwood spent the next few years as a session musician, relaxing on his Gloucestershire farm during his spare time. He also featured prominently as a collaborator with Japanese percussionist Stomu Yamashta, appearing on his hit jazz fusion LP Go in 1976. When Winwood finally returned with his self-titled solo debut in 1977, Britain was in the midst of the punk revolution, and the music itself was somewhat disappointing even to Winwood himself. Dismayed, he returned to Gloucestershire and all but disappeared from music. He returned in late 1980 with the little-heralded Arc of a Diver, a much stronger effort on which he played every instrument himself. Modernizing Winwoods sound with more synthesizers and electronic percussion, Arc of a Diver was a platinum-selling hit in the U.S., helped by the hit single "While You See a Chance"; it received highly positive reviews as well, most hailing the freshness of Winwoods newly contemporary sound. The extremely similar 1982 follow-up Talking Back to the Night sounded rushed to some reviewers, and it wasnt nearly as big a hit, with none of its singles reaching the Top 40. Unhappy with the record, Winwood even considered retiring to become a producer (though his brother talked him out of it). Taking more time to craft his next album, Winwood didnt return until 1986, with an album of slickly crafted, sophisticated pop called Back in the High Life, which was his first 80s album to feature outside session musicians. It was a smash hit, selling over three-million copies and producing Winwoods first number one single in "Higher Love," which also won a Grammy for Record of the Year. In 1987, Virgin offered Winwood a substantial sum of money and successfully pried him away from Island; a remixed version of Talking Back to the Nights "Valerie," featured on the Island greatest-hits compilation Chronicles, became a Top Ten hit later that year. Winwoods hot streak continued with his first album for Virgin, 1988s Roll with It. The title track became his second number one and his biggest hit ever, and the album topped the charts as well; plus, the smoky ballad "Dont You Know What the Night Can Do?" was featured in a prominent TV ad campaign. Winwood had by now established a large, mostly adult fan base, but that support began to slip with his next album, 1990s Refugees of the Heart. Refugees repeated the slick blue-eyed soul updates of its predecessor, but according to most reviewers, it simply wasnt performed with the same passion, save for the lead single "One and Only Man," a collaboration with Traffic mate Jim Capaldi. Afterward, Winwood continued his pattern of following disappointments with periods of inactivity; he next resurfaced in 1994 as part of a Traffic reunion with Capaldi. Together they released the new album Far from Home, and toured the world. Winwood subsequently returned to his solo career and spent two years working on Junction Seven, which finally appeared in 1997 and was co-produced by Narada Michael Walden. However, his momentum had stalled, and the album -- which received mixed reviews -- failed to sell well. The following year, Winwood toured with his new project Latin Crossings, a jazz group that also featured Tito Puente and Arturo Sandoval (though they never recorded). He subsequently parted ways with Virgin. About Time appeared in 2003, followed in 2008 by Nine Lives. Winwood reunited with Eric Clapton for a trio of concerts in New York Citys Madison Square Garden in February 2008. Highlights from these shows were released as the 2009 album Live from Madison Square Garden. Over the next decade, Winwood played the occasional studio session -- he appears on Miranda Lamberts 2011 album Four the Record and Govt Mules 2013 LP Shout! -- while also gigging fairly steadily. In September 2017, he released Greatest Hits Live, his first solo live album. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 23 Title: The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions Released: 1971-11 Tracks: 15 Duration: 47:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Ain’t Superstitious (03:31) 2 Sittin’ on Top of the World (03:52) 3 Built for Comfort (02:10) 4 The Red Rooster (rehearsal) (01:26) 5 The Red Rooster (03:46) 6 Highway 49 (02:46) 7 Cause of It All (02:43) 8 Poor Boy (04:08) 9 Commit a Crime (03:59) 10 Wang Dang Doodle (04:31) 11 Do the Do (02:17) 12 Worried About My Baby (02:57) 13 Rockin’ Daddy (03:44) 14 What a Woman (02:59) 15 Who’s Been Talking? (02:58) |
| The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions : Allmusic album Review : For the casual blues fan with a scant knowledge of the Wolf, this 1971 pairing, with Eric Clapton, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones, Ringo Starr, and other British superstars, appears on the surface to be one hell of a super session. But those lofty notions are quickly dispelled once you slip this disc into the player and hit play. While its nowhere near as awful as some blues purists make it out to be, the disparity of energy levels between the Wolf and his U.K. acolytes is not only palpable but downright depressing. Wolf was a very sick man at this juncture and Norman Dayrons non-production idea of just doing remakes of earlier Chess classics is wrongheaded in the extreme. The rehearsal snippet of Wolf trying to teach the band how to play Willie Dixons "Little Red Rooster" shows just how far off the mark the whole concept of this rock superstar mélange truly is. Even Eric Clapton, who usually welcomes any chance to play with one of his idols, has criticized this album repeatedly in interviews, which speaks volumes in and of itself. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 23 Title: Steve Winwood Released: 1977-06 Tracks: 6 Duration: 37:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Hold On (04:34) 2 Time Is Running Out (06:31) 3 Midland Maniac (08:28) 4 Vacant Chair (06:54) 5 Luck’s In (05:22) 6 Let Me Make Something in Your Life (05:32) |
| Steve Winwood : Allmusic album Review : Rock fans had been waiting for a Steve Winwood solo album for more than a decade, as he made his way through such bands as the Spencer Davis Group and Traffic. When Winwood finally delivered with this LP, just about everybody was disappointed. Traffic had finally petered out three years before, but Winwood, using such former members as Jim Capaldi and Rebop Kwaku Baah, failed to project a strong individual identity outside the group. That great voice was singing the songs, that talented guitarist/keyboardist was playing them, and that excellent songwriter had composed them, but nothing here was memorable, and the long-awaited debut proved a bust. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 23 Title: Arc of a Diver Released: 1980 Tracks: 11 Duration: 1:53:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 While You See a Chance (05:15) 2 Arc of a Diver (05:29) 3 Second‐Hand Woman (03:44) 4 Slowdown Sundown (05:27) 5 Spanish Dancer (06:01) 6 Night Train (07:53) 7 Dust (06:19) 1 Arc of a Diver (edited US single version) (04:11) 2 Night Train (instrumental version) (06:44) 3 Spanish Dancer 2010 (06:10) 4 Arc of a Diver: The Steve Winwood Story (originally aired on BBC Radio 2) (56:32) |
| Arc of a Diver : Allmusic album Review : Utterly unencumbered by the baggage of his long years in the music business, Winwood reinvents himself as a completely contemporary artist on this outstanding album, leading off with his best solo song, "While You See a Chance." Winwood also plays all the instruments. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 23 Title: Talking Back to the Night Released: 1982-08 Tracks: 9 Duration: 40:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Valerie (04:07) 2 Big Girls Walk Away (03:54) 3 And I Go (04:12) 4 While There’s a Candle Burning (03:14) 5 Still in the Game (04:54) 6 It Was Happiness (05:01) 7 Help Me Angel (05:08) 8 Talking Back to the Night (05:48) 9 There’s a River (04:37) |
| Talking Back to the Night : Allmusic album Review : Okay, so after missing with his first solo album, Steve Winwood had hit the jackpot with his second, Arc of a Diver, finally fulfilling his enormous promise. What did he do next? He returned to the record racks only a year-and-a-half later with this retread, which attempted to turn the "While You See a Chance" sound into a formula and to a large extent succeeded, unfortunately. "Valerie" (Number 70 U.S., Number 51 U.K.), the leadoff track, had that same keyboard sound and tempo, and Winwood kept it up for much of the rest of the record, including the albums biggest U.S. single, "Still in the Game" (Number 47). Fans were dismayed, and Talking Back to the Night had an even lower chart peak than Steve Winwood. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 23 Title: Back in the High Life Released: 1986-07 Tracks: 8 Duration: 45:29 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Higher Love (05:48) 2 Take It as It Comes (05:24) 3 Freedom Overspill (05:37) 4 Back in the High Life Again (05:35) 5 The Finer Things (05:51) 6 Wake Me Up on Judgement Day (05:50) 7 Split Decision (06:01) 8 My Love’s Leavin’ (05:20) |
| Back in the High Life : Allmusic album Review : More meticulously crafted than its predecessor Arc of a Diver and more musically adventurous than its follow-up, Roll with It, Back in the High Life represents the pinnacle of Steve Winwoods 80s pop output. High production values, interlocking percussion lines, R&B backing vocals, horns, synthesizers, and ideas borrowed from various world musics enhance and update Winwoods proclivity for blues, R&B, and rock. His distinctive blue-eyed soul vocals are, naturally, at the front of the mix as well. The runaway number one single, "Higher Love," with its syncopated groove, pan-African percussion, and slick Top 40 production, kicks off this accessible set. Elsewhere, the dance-gospel of "Wake Me Up on Judgment Day," the semi-acoustic title track, and the funk-touched "Split Decision" (which proves Winwoods R&B roots were still strong) keep the stylistic wheel turning. The records success, sonically and commercially, should come as no surprise. Since his days in Traffic, Winwood has been a masterful stylistic synthesist, melding a range of aesthetics in ways that invariably connect with listeners. Back in the High Life is further proof of his remarkable abilities. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 23 Title: Chronicles Released: 1987-11 Tracks: 10 Duration: 55:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Wake Me Up on Judgement Day (05:50) 2 While You See a Chance (05:11) 3 Vacant Chair (06:54) 4 Help Me Angel (04:59) 5 My Love’s Leavin’ (05:20) 6 Valerie (04:07) 7 Arc of a Diver (05:29) 8 Higher Love (05:48) 9 Spanish Dancer (06:01) 10 Talking Back to the Night (05:39) |
| Chronicles : Allmusic album Review : Steve Winwoods Chronicles presents an extremely brief overview of his material, beginning with Arc of a Diver and including tracks from 1982s Talking Back to the Night and 1986s Back in the High Life release. While songs such as "Higher Love," "While You See a Chance," and "Talking Back to the Night" are surely give-ins, the collection suffers from the absence of "Freedom Overspill," "The Finer Things," and "Back in the High Life Again," which were all Top 20 hits for Winwood throughout 1987. "Vacant Chair" and "Help Me Angel" are mediocre efforts, but the remixed version of "Valerie," which was originally recorded on Talking Back to the Night, is indeed one of this sets highlights. For anyone who isnt familiar with Winwoods sound or style from a solo point of view, these ten tracks will most definitely suffice, but to be regarded as a collection, Chronicles is still a little thin. Also, the parent albums from which these songs originate are excellent on their own, which makes Chronicles that much more dispensable. As a quick listen, this album stands up fairly well, but for those who prefer the "in depth," theres always the four-CD retrospective entitled The Finer Things, which focuses on Winwoods solo career in greater detail, but also includes some of his work from Traffic, the Spencer Davis Group, and Blind Faith. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 23 Title: Roll With It Released: 1988-06-20 Tracks: 8 Duration: 44:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Roll With It (05:20) 2 Holding On (06:16) 3 The Morning Side (05:14) 4 Put on Your Dancing Shoes (05:13) 5 Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? (06:55) 6 Hearts on Fire (05:17) 7 One More Morning (05:00) 8 Shining Song (05:29) |
| Roll With It : Allmusic album Review : Winwood manages to reintroduce some of the R&B; elements of the Spencer Davis Group and some of the psychedelic effects of early Traffic here, though this is also an effective follow-up to the directions indicated on Back in the High Life. Contains the number one title track and "Dont You Know What the Night Can Do?" | ||
 | Album: 8 of 23 Title: Refugees of the Heart Released: 1990-11 Tracks: 8 Duration: 47:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Youll Keep on Searching (06:21) 2 Every Day (Oh Lord) (05:50) 3 One and Only Man (05:02) 4 I Will Be Here (06:02) 5 Another Deal Goes Down (04:58) 6 Running On (04:20) 7 Come Out and Dance (05:35) 8 In the Light of Day (09:43) |
| Refugees of the Heart : Allmusic album Review : The key to Steve Winwoods solo career is inconsistency. After he dashed the extravagant expectations built up by his group years with the disappointing debut album Steve Winwood, he came back with the stunning Arc Of A Diver. Then he disappointed again with Talking Back To The Night, only to come back strong again with Back In The High Life. With that track record, Roll With It should have been another flop, but it turned out to be a good followup. It was Refugees Of The Heart that was Winwoods next letdown. The distinction between a great Winwood album and one thats only okay is dangerously small -- it has more to do with performance than composition -- and on Refugees Of The Heart, as on Talking Back To The Night, Winwood was unable to invest Will Jennings pedestrian lyrics with the soulful feeling of which hes capable. The albums standout is a collaboration with ex-Traffic partner Jim Capaldi on "One And Only Man," which topped Billboards Album Rock Tracks chart, hit #9 on its Adult Contemporary chart, and peaked at #18 on the Hot 100. Perhaps noting this exception, Winwood next teamed with Capaldi in a 1994 reunion of Traffic. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 23 Title: The Finer Things Released: 1995-03-21 Tracks: 63 Duration: 5:11:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Dimples (02:20) 2 I Can’t Stand It (02:09) 3 Every Little Bit Hurts (03:28) 4 Strong Love (02:14) 5 Keep On Running (02:44) 6 Somebody Help Me (02:00) 7 When I Come Home (01:57) 8 I Want to Know (02:18) 9 Crossroads (02:19) 10 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 11 I’m a Man (02:56) 12 Paper Sun (04:15) 13 Dealer (03:12) 14 Coloured Rain (02:43) 15 No Face, No Name, No Number (03:33) 16 Heaven Is in Your Mind (04:18) 17 Smiling Phases (02:42) 18 Dear Mr. Fantasy (05:37) 19 Pearly Queen (04:20) 20 Forty Thousand Headmen (03:15) 21 No Time to Live (05:20) 22 Shanghai Noodle Factory (05:06) 23 Medicated Goo (03:36) 24 Withering Tree (03:04) 1 Had to Cry Today (08:49) 2 Can’t Find My Way Home (electric version) (mix) (05:42) 3 Sea of Joy (05:22) 4 Sleeping in the Ground (live) (04:33) 5 Under My Thumb (live) (05:53) 6 Stranger to Himself (03:55) 7 John Barleycorn (06:24) 8 Glad (06:59) 9 Freedom Rider (05:29) 10 Empty Pages (04:36) 11 The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (11:40) 12 Rainmaker (07:52) 1 Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory (06:05) 2 (Sometimes I Feel So) Uninspired (10:33) 3 Happy Vibes (04:56) 4 Something New (03:16) 5 Dream Gerrard (11:04) 6 Walking in the Wind (06:54) 7 When the Eagle Flies (04:23) 8 Winner (04:20) 9 Crossing the Line (live) (07:50) 10 Hold On (04:34) 11 Time Is Running Out (06:31) 12 Vacant Chair (06:54) 1 While You See a Chance (05:15) 2 Arc of a Diver (05:29) 3 Spanish Dancer (06:01) 4 Night Train (07:53) 5 Dust (06:22) 6 Valerie (04:07) 7 Talking Back to the Night (05:47) 8 Your Silence Is Your Song (05:16) 9 Higher Love (05:48) 10 Freedom Overspill (04:16) 11 Back in the High Life Again (04:23) 12 The Finer Things (04:14) 13 Roll With It (04:30) 14 Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? (04:29) 15 One and Only Man (04:43) |
| The Finer Things : Allmusic album Review : Steve Winwood has led a long and varied career, recording everything from straight R&B; and jazz-flavored rock to folk and pop. Over the course of four discs, The Finer Things chronicles the entirety of his career, beginning with the Spencer Davis Group, through Traffic and Blind Faith, right until his successful solo career. It includes all of the hits and many of his finest album tracks, yet the overall approach is rather exhausting -- the rarities are rarely illuminating, theyre just there for the sake of being there. Nevertheless, it is a worthwhile purchase for anyone wanting a comprehensive picture of Winwood in all of his various guises. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 23 Title: Keep On Running Released: 1996-03-18 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:06:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Keep On Running (02:44) 2 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 3 Somebody Help Me (02:00) 4 I’m a Man (02:51) 5 Every Little Bit Hurts (03:28) 6 Paper Sun (04:15) 7 Smiling Phases (02:42) 8 Heaven Is in Your Mind (04:18) 9 Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush (02:40) 10 No Face, No Name, No Number (03:33) 11 Well All Right (04:26) 12 Empty Pages (04:36) 13 John Barleycorn (06:24) 14 Happy Vibes (04:56) 15 Something New (03:16) 16 Time Is Running Out (06:31) 17 Hold On (04:29) |
 | Album: 11 of 23 Title: Junction Seven Released: 1997-06-03 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:02:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Spy in the House of Love (04:44) 2 Angel of Mercy (05:02) 3 Just Wanna Have Some Fun (04:57) 4 Let Your Love Come Down (05:48) 5 Real Love (05:21) 6 Fill Me Up (04:27) 7 Gotta Get Back to My Baby (04:52) 8 Someone Like You (04:39) 9 Family Affair (05:17) 10 Plenty Lovin (05:57) 11 Lord of the Street (06:29) 12 Come Out and Dance (04:54) |
| Junction Seven : Allmusic album Review : Steve Winwood teams up with producer Narada Michael Walden, and the result is a fine, multi-textured disc. Winwoods calling card has always been his gritty, soulful voice, and he uses it to good effect on tunes like "Spy in the House of Love." The tune opens things up with a bang--its an up-tempo, funky jam about falling under the influence of that powerful emotion. The album continues with gospel-tinged ballads ("Angel of Mercy"), well-turned covers (Sly and the Family Stones "Family Affair), and even a Cuban-inflected piece ("Got to Get Back to My Baby"). On the latter, Winwood employs some top-flight Cuban musicians, including percussionist Walfredo Reyes, and pianist, co-arranger Rebecca Mauleon-Santana. The tune is a real highlight, and defines some welcome new ground for Winwood -- hes come a long way from The Spencer Davis Group and "Gimme Some Lovin ". All in all, a fine effort from an artist who keeps his musical gift well-tuned and his ear to the ground for new influences. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 23 Title: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Steve Winwood Released: 1999-10-19 Tracks: 11 Duration: 58:08 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 2 I’m a Man (02:56) 3 Paper Sun (04:15) 4 Dear Mr. Fantasy (05:37) 5 Pearly Queen (04:20) 6 Forty Thousand Headmen (03:15) 7 Had to Cry Today (08:49) 8 Can’t Find My Way Home (03:16) 9 John Barleycorn (06:24) 10 Empty Pages (04:36) 11 The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (11:40) |
| 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Steve Winwood : Allmusic album Review : This volume of 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection may have been released under Steve Winwoods name, but thats slightly misleading. True, he does sing lead on all these songs, but there are no solo recordings here -- just Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith numbers. In that sense, its actually a welcome compilation, since its the first of its kind. True, this isnt definitive, but it has all the major songs here -- "Gimme Some Lovin," "Im a Man," "Paper Sun," "Dear Mr. Fantasy," "Pearly Queen," "Cant Find My Way Home," "John Barleycorn," "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" -- that will make it a good choice for casual fans looking to supplement a solo recordings collection. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 23 Title: Classic Released: 2001-04-02 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:09:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 2 Keep On Running (02:44) 3 I’m a Man (02:56) 4 Paper Sun (04:15) 5 Dear Mr. Fantasy (05:37) 6 Pearly Queen (04:20) 7 Forty Thousand Headmen (03:15) 8 Had to Cry Today (08:49) 9 Can’t Find My Way Home (03:16) 10 John Barleycorn (06:24) 11 Empty Pages (04:36) 12 The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (11:40) 13 Medicated Goo (03:36) 14 Sea of Joy (05:22) |
 | Album: 14 of 23 Title: Best: Well All Right Released: 2003 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:19:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Keep On Running (02:44) 2 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 3 I’m a Man (02:56) 4 Paper Sun (04:15) 5 Smiling Phases (02:42) 6 Well All Right (04:26) 7 Can’t Find My Way Home (03:16) 8 John Barleycorn (06:24) 9 Freedom Rider (05:29) 10 While You See a Chance (05:15) 11 Arc of a Diver (05:29) 12 Valerie (04:07) 13 Talking Back to the Night (05:45) 14 Higher Love (05:48) 15 Back in the High Life Again (04:23) 16 Roll With It (04:30) 17 Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? (04:29) 18 One and Only Man (04:38) |
 | Album: 15 of 23 Title: About Time Released: 2003-06-17 Tracks: 11 Duration: 1:09:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Different Light (06:36) 2 Cigano (for the Gypsies) (06:20) 3 Take It to the Final Hour (05:36) 4 Why Cant We Live Together? (06:39) 5 Domingo Morning (05:06) 6 Now That You’re Alive (05:29) 7 Bully (05:40) 8 Phoenix Rising (07:26) 9 Horizon (04:31) 10 Walking On (04:55) 11 Silvia (Who Is She?) (11:27) |
| About Time : Allmusic album Review : Steve Winwood took an extended break after the ignoble flop of 1997s Junction Seven, resurfacing on his own indie label Wincraft six years later with About Time. Where his last major-label effort fell prey to many of the trappings of a veteran artist gunning for the charts one last time -- an overly slick Narada Michael Walden production, cameos from Desree and Lenny Kravitz, songs that were too slick and unmemorable -- About Time finds Winwood scaling back things considerably, keeping himself to a trio featuring him on a Hammond organ, drummer Walfredo Reyes, Jr., and guitarist José Piresde Almeida Neto. Occasionally, congas and timbales and other percussion flesh out the rhythm, while Karl Denson plays flute or saxophone elsewhere, but these are subtle additions to a loose, laid-back, intimate album that harks back to Traffic, even if it is never as freewheeling or unpredictable as that band. Winwoods ambitions with About Time are pretty modest, actually -- to cut R&B-based tunes that bring in jazz and Latin influences and give everybody the chance to jam. Though they meander a bit too much at times, the jams are warm and appealing, and while the songs are a little indistinct, the feel of the music is good, which counts for a lot, since the last two slick solo albums felt distant (surely a byproduct of records that were designed to be Roll with It, Pt. 2). If Winwoods voice is now a little rough (which comes as a surprise), it nevertheless fits the scaled-down, relaxed atmosphere. And if individual songs arent necessarily memorable, they dont necessarily need to be -- the feel is the thing here, and while it isnt first-rate Steve Winwood, it does feel like a welcome update from an old friend, which, after several years of waiting and several uneven records, is enough. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 23 Title: The Ultimate Collection Released: 2006-01-02 Tracks: 39 Duration: 3:06:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Keep On Running (02:44) 2 Midnight Special (02:14) 3 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 4 I’m a Man (02:56) 5 Paper Sun (03:24) 6 Hole in My Shoe (02:53) 7 Feelin Alright? (04:19) 8 Time Is Running Out (06:28) 9 Hold On (04:29) 10 Vacant Chair (06:54) 11 Arc of a Diver (05:29) 12 Spanish Dancer (06:00) 13 While You See a Chance (05:15) 14 Night Train (07:53) 15 Dust (06:20) 1 There’s a River (04:42) 2 Still in the Game (04:51) 3 Valerie (04:07) 4 While Theres a Candle Burning (03:13) 5 Talking Back to the Night (05:45) 6 Your Silence Is Your Song (05:05) 7 My Love’s Leavin’ (05:20) 8 Higher Love (05:48) 9 Freedom Overspill (04:16) 10 Back in the High Life Again (04:23) 11 The Finer Things (04:12) 12 Roll With It (04:30) 13 Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? (04:29) 14 One and Only Man (04:38) 15 Reach for the Light (Theme From Balto) (05:21) 1 Medicated Goo (live) (03:37) 2 Happy Vibes (04:56) 3 Winner / Loser (04:19) 4 Crossing the Line (live) (07:49) 5 Higher Love (remix) (07:42) 6 Valerie (remix) (04:10) 7 Help Me Angel (remix) (05:01) 8 Talking Back to the Night (remix) (05:36) 9 Call on Me (02:42) |
| The Ultimate Collection : Allmusic album Review : This Ultimate Steve Winwood collection from Universal International boasts a three-disc digipack that relies heavily on the British blue-eyed soul legends solo career, while touching briefly on his time with the Spencer Davis Group and Traffic (nothing from Blind Faith. though). Boasting 39 digitally remastered cuts, including two live tracks and four remixes, Ultimate Collection will appeal to fans of Winwoods late-70s and 80s material like "While You See a Chance," "Valerie," "Back in the High Life Again," "Finer Things," and "Roll with It," but those looking for "Dear Mr. Fantasy" or "Cant Find My Way Home" will be disappointed. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 23 Title: Colour Collection Released: 2006-11-27 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:09:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 2 Keep On Running (02:44) 3 I’m a Man (02:56) 4 Paper Sun (04:15) 5 Dear Mr. Fantasy (05:37) 6 Pearly Queen (04:20) 7 Forty Thousand Headmen (03:15) 8 Had to Cry Today (08:49) 9 Can’t Find My Way Home (03:16) 10 John Barleycorn (06:24) 11 Empty Pages (04:36) 12 The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (11:40) 13 Medicated Goo (03:36) 14 Sea of Joy (05:22) |
| Colour Collection : Allmusic album Review : As part of Universals Colour Collection these previously released tracks are taken from Steve Winwoods stint with the Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, and Traffic. Recorded in the 60s and early 70s, the 14 tracks include the original versions of "Gimme Some Lovin," "Im a Man," "Cant Find My Way Home," "Dear Mr. Fantasy," and "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys." While collectors will already own this material, the casual listener should be satisfied with the selected cuts. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 23 Title: Winwood Released: 2007-10-24 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:14:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Keep On Running (02:44) 2 Somebody Help Me (02:00) 3 Goodbye Stevie (02:22) 4 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 5 I’m a Man (02:56) 6 Cant Get Enough of It (03:39) 7 Stevie’s Blues (03:50) 8 Paper Sun (04:15) 9 Heaven Is in Your Mind (04:18) 10 Coloured Rain (02:43) 11 Dear Mr. Fantasy (05:37) 12 Smiling Phases (02:42) 13 Dealer (03:12) 14 Medicated Goo (03:36) 15 Forty Thousand Headmen (03:15) 16 Vagabond Virgin (05:23) 17 Sea of Joy (05:22) 18 Empty Pages (04:36) 19 Stranger to Himself (03:55) 20 Freedom Rider (05:29) |
| Winwood : Allmusic album Review : This compilation of Winwoods group activities from 1966 to 1970 includes work with the Spencer Davis Group, Powerhouse, Traffic, and Blind Faith. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 23 Title: Nine Lives Released: 2008-04-25 Tracks: 9 Duration: 55:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Im Not Drowning (03:32) 2 Fly (07:49) 3 Raging Sea (06:17) 4 Dirty City (06:17) 5 Were All Looking (05:25) 1 Hungry Man (07:07) 2 Secrets (06:41) 3 At Times We Do Forget (05:57) 4 Other Shore (06:41) |
| Nine Lives : Allmusic album Review : Steve Winwoods Nine Lives marks a more organic return to recording. This will be good news for those who live for any resurrection of rock heroes from days of yore, and bad for those who loved his hit singles in the 1980s and 90s. Seven of these nine cuts resemble (at least partially) those found on his last album, the brilliant About Time issued in 2003. The latter was a barnstormer of a rhythm and rock album (feels like Traffic meets Santana) that never got its proper due. Winwood produced this set for his debut on Columbia. He plays loads of Hammond B-3 and guitar, but also has a small core band that includes Jose Pires de Almeida on guitar, drummer Richard Bailey, Karl Van Den Bossche on percussion, and Paul Booth on reeds and woodwinds. Those seeking an album that resembles the surprise radio hit "Dirty City" (featuring Eric Clapton as a guest) arent quite getting that. For the most part, Nine Lives begins as an introspective and reflective album that eventually cooks its way through restrained but inventive Afro-Latin grooves, bluesy, funky B-3, and acoustic and electric rock guitars. Just as often, however, that same blend of rhythmic invention graces lithe, deeply reflective tunes that address some very adult issues: separation, loss, reunion, spiritual redemption, and epiphany. The opening cut is the stripped-to-the-bone acoustic blues "Im Not Drowning" with Winwood playing all the instruments. Its a gentle but effective blues moaner. Its 12-bar structure, hosts a memorable acoustic guitar lick thats ready-made for sampling. Its followed by "Fly," a nearly eight-minute tome that wouldnt have been out of place on Arc of a Diver if itd had an unplugged element. Think of Robbie Robertsons solo material, or even the Blue Niles sparse elegance on its debut album, and you can find a place for this gorgeous midtempo ballad with a sweet soprano saxophone line that leads into the melody. Winwoods voice is so rich here, its capable of breaking your heart with its unsullied, beaten, and broken but unbowed spirit. The lyrics are almost holy in their expression of hope (more so than optimism) -- a hope that leads to a love that cannot be defeated. The albums single, "Dirty City," offers Claptons most emotionally involved guitar playing in well over a decade; too bad he didnt play like this for the slumber-worthy Cream reunion. His sense of economy makes possible his actual feel for the guitar entering into the tune, and he basically makes it happen. But he has some real help from Van Den Bossches djembes and congas, and a five-note, two-chord organ vamp from Winwood. When Mr. Slowhand takes his solo about six minutes in, its nasty sting is startling and raises the tension and release of the song as it eventually goes to fade about two minute later (it also makes the listener wonder where the hell hes been all these years and why his own records dont reflect this much invention and heat). The next track, the deeply spiritual "Were All Looking," is a funky, jazzed-up rocker with searching lyrics and a tremendously soulful presence in Winwoods voice; his singing is beautiful and powerful on Nine Lives -- time has not had its way with the thin yet authoritative and yearning luster in the grain of it. Winwood is singing his ass off, with plenty of deep soul. Here again its important to note that Van Den Bossches percussion in this ensemble, and on these songs in particular, cannot be overstated. It lends a certain flight-worthy expansiveness to Winwoods organ playing, and frees Baileys drums to explore in many of these highly nuanced, nocturnal, funky cuts (check "Hungry Man," where the doubled-up polyrhythms between the two drummers create a vibe Winwood can dig deep into and then soar with, on both the Hammond and in his vocals). Those percussion elements are what make these often lyrically introspective tunes jump to life. Van Den Bossche is also one of the reasons that About Time was such a killer. Carlos Santana might gnash his teeth over not getting to play on this recording -- his influence is all over it. The flute break blended with bubbling congas, djembes, and funky guitars on "Secrets" will make it desirable to beat hunters everywhere. Think of Herbie Mann and Wes Montgomery with Mongo Santamaria playing on Traffics Low Spark of High Heeled Boys album, and you get the picture. The final two tracks, and the other bookend, as it were, include one of the jauntiest, funkiest numbers on the set in "Sometimes We Do Forget," with a groove that is simply infectious with a bumping guitar and bassline. The closer, "Other Shore," is the only cut that recalls Winwoods early solo records, but its sparse despite its beautiful, easy R&B lilt. Again, redemption for oneself, for others, for a love that has endured the goodbyes, and the letting go that ushers in a new "hello." This is pop music with soul, with grit and the grains of revealed truth pouring from Winwoods mouth, not as a survivor but as a man who has seen enough of life to know that the sun really does rise in the morning. Nine Lives is deeper, heartier, and braver lyrically than anything hes ever done. Musically, its only rival is About Time, but its more reflective and gentler, without giving up any of the hunger which that album evidenced. This is not a comeback; its instead a rediscovery from one of our most gifted singers, songwriters, and truth-tellers. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 23 Title: Live From Madison Square Garden Released: 2009-05-19 Tracks: 21 Duration: 2:09:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Had to Cry Today (07:47) 2 Low Down (04:10) 3 Them Changes (05:10) 4 Forever Man (03:33) 5 Sleeping in the Ground (04:50) 6 Presence of the Lord (05:23) 7 Glad (04:13) 8 Well All Right (05:35) 9 Double Trouble (08:06) 10 Pearly Queen (06:10) 11 Tell the Truth (06:42) 12 No Face, No Name, No Number (04:09) 1 After Midnight (04:45) 2 Split Decision (06:25) 3 Rambling on My Mind (04:01) 4 Georgia on My Mind (05:05) 5 Little Wing (06:42) 6 Voodoo Chile (16:23) 7 Can’t Find My Way Home (05:33) 8 Dear Mr. Fantasy (07:41) 9 Cocaine (06:41) |
| Live From Madison Square Garden : Allmusic album Review : Eric Claptons new millennium has largely been defined by collaborations with friends, beginning with a duet album with B.B. King following through with a Cream reunion and closing with tours with his former Blind Faith running mate, Steve Winwood. Clapton and Winwood did three concerts together at Madison Square Garden in February 2008 and the results were fruitful enough to spawn this double-disc album -- along with its accompanying DVD set -- and a moderately scaled 2009 tour. Live from Madison Square Garden culls 21 highlights from those three nights and spreads them over two discs, sequencing the songs so Traffic numbers alternate with selections from Blind Faith, Derek & the Dominos, blues standards, a handful of Claptons hits, and a heavy dose of Hendrix, who has no less than three songs here. That extended salute to Jimi is a good indication of the vibe here -- this is a genuine shared co-billing with Clapton and Winwood trading vocals and solos almost equally. Theres not much ego here and not much hunger, either, with the two stars sliding into a relaxed groove that yields plenty of rewards. Theres a comfortable touch to their playing thats greatly appealing, and the straightforward setting places the spotlight directly on their interplay. Clapton and Winwood might roll easy but they can still create some sparks, sometimes in unexpected places, such as the somewhat forgotten 80s hits "Forever Man" and "Split Decision," both which are highlights here. Ultimately, this isnt an album of moments, but rather a sustained whole that finds Clapton and Winwood egging each other on to produce a wholly satisfying, if not quite surprising, reunion. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 23 Title: Revolutions: The Very Best of Steve Winwood Released: 2010-06-07 Tracks: 58 Duration: 4:52:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Keep On Running (02:44) 2 Somebody Help Me (02:00) 3 Gimme Some Lovin’ (02:56) 4 I’m a Man (02:56) 5 Paper Sun (04:15) 6 Coloured Rain (02:43) 7 No Face, No Name, No Number (03:33) 8 Heaven Is in Your Mind (04:18) 9 Smiling Phases (02:42) 10 Dear Mr. Fantasy (05:37) 11 Pearly Queen (04:20) 12 Forty Thousand Headmen (03:15) 13 No Time to Live (05:20) 14 Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring (03:14) 15 Shanghai Noodle Factory (05:06) 16 Medicated Goo (03:36) 17 Withering Tree (03:04) 18 Well All Right (04:26) 19 Can’t Find My Way Home (03:16) 20 Presence of the Lord (04:49) 1 Stranger to Himself (03:55) 2 John Barleycorn (06:24) 3 Glad (06:59) 4 Freedom Rider (05:29) 5 Empty Pages (04:36) 6 The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (12:26) 7 Rainmaker (07:52) 8 Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory (06:05) 9 Something New (03:16) 10 Walking in the Wind (06:54) 11 When the Eagle Flies (04:23) 12 Mozambique (04:24) 1 Vacant Chair (06:54) 2 While You See a Chance (05:15) 3 Arc of a Diver (05:29) 4 Spanish Dancer 2010 (06:10) 5 Night Train (07:53) 6 Valerie (04:07) 7 Higher Love (05:48) 8 Freedom Overspill (04:16) 9 Back in the High Life Again (04:23) 10 Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? (04:29) 11 Spy in the House of Love (04:44) 12 Different Light (06:39) 13 Dirty City (07:46) 1 This Hammer (02:18) 2 Waltz for Lumumba (04:18) 3 When I Come Home (01:57) 4 Love (03:04) 5 In the Light of the Day (09:42) 6 There’s a River (04:42) 7 Hold On (04:29) 8 The Morning Side (05:14) 9 Far From Home (08:36) 10 Holy Ground (07:50) 11 State of Grace (07:18) 12 Why Can’t We Live Together (06:42) 13 Domingo Morning (05:08) |
| Revolutions: The Very Best of Steve Winwood : Allmusic album Review : Not the first box set to distill Steve Winwood’s far-reaching career into four discs, 2010’s Revolutions: The Very Best of Steve Winwood does have a leg up on its 1995 predecessor, The Finer Things, by the virtue of covering the 15 years separating the two sets, plus adding a higher dosage of Blind Faith to the mix. Nevertheless, this 58-track box -- with its songs selected by Winwood himself -- shares a whopping 36 cuts with The Finer Things. It’s such a strong overlap that it does suggest that there’s truly a defined Winwood canon, and even though it doesn’t contain the mega-hit “Roll with It,” along with a handful of other notable tunes, Revolutions doesn’t depart from that canon. Instead, it’s a handsome, effective presentation of it, worthwhile for any serious fan who doesn’t have an extensive Winwood collection. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 23 Title: Icon Released: 2011-06-21 Tracks: 11 Duration: 55:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Higher Love (05:48) 2 While You See a Chance (05:15) 3 Valerie (04:07) 4 My Love’s Leavin’ (05:20) 5 Help Me Angel (remix) (05:00) 6 Back in the High Life Again (04:23) 7 The Finer Things (04:12) 8 Arc of a Diver (05:29) 9 Talking Back to the Night (remix) (05:37) 10 Freedom Overspill (04:16) 11 Wake Me Up on Judgement Day (05:49) |
| Icon : Allmusic album Review : Universal’s 2011 Icon compilation relies heavily on Steve Winwood’s 1986 comeback, Back in the High Life, containing six of the album’s eight tracks including “Higher Love,” “The Finer Things,” “Freedom Overspill,” and “Wake Me Up on Judgment Day.” The remaining five songs consist of singles from albums prior to that 1986 masterwork, including “Valerie” and “Talking Back to the Night,” and although the absence of any single from 1988’s Roll with It is curious indeed, there’s not a bad song here. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 23 Title: Winwood: Greatest Hits Live Released: 2017-09-01 Tracks: 23 Duration: 2:30:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 I’m a Man (06:00) 2 Them Changes (05:24) 3 Fly (08:56) 4 Can’t Find My Way Home (04:49) 5 Had to Cry Today (06:45) 6 Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (08:02) 7 Empty Pages (06:18) 8 Back in the High Life Again (08:15) 9 Higher Love (07:09) 10 Dear Mr. Fantasy (08:44) 11 Gimme Some Lovin’ (05:28) 1 Rainmaker (08:05) 2 Pearly Queen (05:22) 3 Glad (06:32) 4 Why Can’t We Live Together (06:11) 5 40,000 Headmen (04:38) 6 Walking in the Wind (07:14) 7 Medicated Goo (06:04) 8 John Barleycorn (07:07) 9 While You See a Chance (06:11) 10 Arc of a Diver (06:09) 11 Freedom Overspill (05:29) 12 Roll With It (05:46) |