Yep, I moonlighted at my second job last night, filling in for the concert review writer from the local paper to cover the Winwood show at The Fox. I wish as what a gig that would be; having rock star access to any show and giving your two cents on what you heard. I think there is only one main reviewer in the metro Detroit area (and he's a good one) so it sounds pretty much like a lottery ticket job. One in a million.
Back to the show. First of all, it was an older crowd; MUCH older. I was the baby in the house at 50. My apologies to any elders we may have nudged fleeing after the show. When its time for Timmy Leaves to leave, he does so get the hell out of the way fella in the walker!
A perfect venue as The Fox is as nice as they come. The main act did not disappoint as the White Ray Charles can play him some organ/piano/guitar/bass, etc.... A simple stage with four or five throw rugs flanked on the stage with a group of five, sometimes six band mates, all right near each other. Other than some 70's lights that went for a bit, it was as simple of a stage as they come. No dancing and long stories; just some great music. Winwood plays a 'jillion' instruments and was close to being outdone by a band mate (don't know names) who also had the organ/piano, rocked some flute and handled all of the horns.
Leading off with "I'm a Man" had me wanting to stand and get funky but restrained to some toe tapping and large melon bobbing. Close your eyes and it was Ray Charles up there abusing that organ.
Those wanting their Blind Faith fix got it with "Can't Find My Way Home" and "Had to Cry Today," the latter witnessing Winwood doing his Clapton guitar impression better than Clapton himself.
The Traffic fans also got their fix with "Dear Mr. Fantasy," "John Barleycorn Must Die" (awesome flute), "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys," and my favorite of the night, "Empty Pages;" the toe tapping of all toe tapping songs.
The "Back in the High Life" album (yes, have it on vinyl) could be a concert by itself but surprisingly only heard "Higher Love" from that collection. "Roll With It" from his other solo album again had the need to bob and tap.
Last, but not least, the group closed the night with some Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin" and the contingent in the crowd rose EVER SO SLOWLY and exited.
I wanted more as the catalog still has pretty much an entire second show that could have been played: "While You See a Chance," "Medicated Goo," "Walking in the Wind," "Split Decision," "Back in the High Life," "Spanish Dancer" and "Talking Back to the Night" to name a few.
Mr. Winwood, if you're reading, if you want to play the second set, we're having a music festival in August here locally; about a 100 or so good people. My contact information is on my profile here. See what you can do. Thanks for the entertainment.
Trail Head
