Winwood grew up in Birmingham, England, a prodigy in a family of musicians. Goofy video notwithstanding, it is a tour de force performance that has to be seen to be believed.Īnd somewhere in between is this plaintive mid-tempo number from his first solo album released in 1977, with sinuous synth lines, beautifully measured intervals of seconds and fifths and a lovely guitar solo (a la Miles Davis) at the fade on “Hold On.” Spencer Davis Group and Traffic There’s the song’s classical structure, built on ascending and descending semi-tones and repeated three-note beats, and the seamless chord changes and organ playing that combines the bluesiness of American soul master Jimmy Smith with the melodic richness of Franz Schubert.Īt the other end of the spectrum is Night Train from 1980, a fiery Concerto in D Minor for Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals, in which, astonishingly, Winwood performs every instrument.
There’s his overdubbed bass and lead guitar lines. First is Winwood’s rich vocals with its two-octave range, from tenor falsetto to bass, and his wonderfully jazzy organ playing. Just three minutes long, there’s plenty to admire. It’s an obscure but deliciously upbeat number from 1968: More than half a century ago this was the gateway song that first led me to his music, for which I still have an insane attachment. So let’s rectify your ignorance of Stephen Lawrence Winwood right now! Herewith a number of my favorite compositions that hopefully will give you some appreciation – new or renewed – for his genius.
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