Rating: **** (4 stars)
Title: Steve Winwood
Company: Island
Catalog: ILPS 9494
Year: 1977
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG+
Comments: minor stain top left corner, rough edge; original textured cover; UK pressing; original inner sleeve
Available: 1
Price: $5.00
By the early-'70s singer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood had cultivated a distinguished career with stints in The Spencer Davis Group and Blind Faith. That recognition was underscored by his success as
front man for Traffic (see separate entries). Curiously, in the wake of Traffic's long and painful death, throughout the mid-'70s Winwood was content to pursue a
low-key career, limiting his efforts to occasional dates as a sessions musician and occasional producer for artists including the late Sandy Denny, George Harrison, Gary Wright and Stomu Yamashta and Go (see separate entries).
Having signed a solo deal with Island (Traffic's longtime label), Winwood's first true solo effort was released in 1977. Co-produced with Chris Blackwell,
"Steve Winwood" found the artist backed by an all-star cast, including former Traffic
alumnus's Reebop Baah and Jim Capaldi, guitarist Junior Marvin and drummer Andy Newmark. Showcasing six extended originals, material such as "Time Is Running Our" and "Vacant Chair" reflected a
percolating R&B and rock influence. Elsewhere, "Hold On", "Luck's In" and "Midland Maniac" were reminiscent of Traffic's jazzier endeavors (the comparison underscored by the fact they were all co-written with Capaldi). Smooth and polished, the collection served to showcase Winwood's multitude of talents. Unfortunately, while ever tasteful, nothing on the set exactly sizzled. Moreover, Winwood's comeback came as punk was reaching it's creative peak. While the album sold
respectably, particularly in the States where it hit #22, singing the praises of punk and disco madness, many critics saw fit to trash the effort. In hindsight, the result stands as one of the year's best offerings. (The set was originally released with a textured cover.)
"Steve Winwood" track listing:
1.) Hold On (Jim Capaldi - Steve Winwood) - 4:33
2.) Time Is Running Out (Jim Capaldi - Steve Winwood) - 6:30
3.) Midland Maniac (Steve Winwood) - 8:32
4.) Vacant Chair (Vivian Stanshall - Steve Winwood) - 6:54
5.) Luck's In (Jim Capaldi - Steve Winwood) - 5:23
6.) Let Me Make Something in Your Life (Jim Capaldi - Steve Winwood) - 5:33