Steve Winwood could possibly be Rock n Roll's greatest legend that not enough people know a lot about. Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith are just a few of the collectives that Winwood has masterminded as he has gradually earned the utmost respect in the music business. When Winwood was only 15, he entered the music business playing the Hammond B3 and blowing people away with his spectacular voice as the lead singer for the Spencer Davis Group. Hits such as "Gimme Some Loving" and "I'm a Man" got his name on the map early before he left the group to be a founding member of the groundbreaking group Traffic. Traffic is seen by many to be rock's first jam-band because of Winwood's ability to lock in a groove with Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason, and Chris Wood while leaving ample room for improvisation. Winwood also stretched out his repertoire to the guitar, which can be heard on such Traffic hits as "Dear Mr. Fantasy." Around this time, Winwood met up with guitar-master Eric Clapton and the two formed supergroup Blind Faith along with Ginger Baker and Ric Grech. The project was short-lived, but their self-titled album is still considered a classic. One of Winwood's best qualities is his ability to "get with the times." Once Traffic split up, Winwood had a successful solo career throughout the 80's with hits that included "Higher Love," "Valerie," and "Back in the High Life Again." Winwood continues to release albums quite proficiently and has toured throughout the current decade. Winwood was included in Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007 and he is currently touring with Clapton all around the world. Steve Winwood may never receive the individual attention he deserves, but behind the godly praise that guys like Clapton, Hendrix, and Jimmy Paige receive, Winwood is a Rock God in his own right. This Tuesday, who honor Steve Winwood's greatness.
The first video this week is from way back in 1967 when Winwood was still tickling the ivories for the Spencer Davis Group. Winwood's vocals in this clip are absolutely mind-blowing; it's no wonder this song is such a classic. If I could recommend an album, the Traffic album "Live at the Canteen" features great takes of this tune as well as "Medicated Goo," "Dear Mr. Fantasy," and others.
Next up is a nice live take of Traffic doing "Light Up or Leave Me Alone." Jim Capaldi sings this one, but Winwood steps up on the axe for a few solos. The whole band looks like they might have "lit up" before this tune.
80's Winwood was perhaps most famous for the upbeat "Higher Love." But another great tune, while totally soaked up in 80's cheesieness, is "Back in the High Life Again." Here's the official music video for the song.
While a bit shaky on the video quality, the final video shows Winwood being joined by Eric Clapton on stage for "Dear Mr. Fantasy" in 2009. The two clearly show-off their unfathomable chops, but check out Clapton's drummer, Abe Laborial Jr., tear up the kit as well.
stevewinwood.com
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