Steve Winwood - 4/7/2017

The set list hasn't changed greatly over the last few times I have seen Steve Winwood and the band is more or less the same. That is perhaps the disappointing aspect of what is always a great show because Steve is such a brilliant songwriter, singer, keyboards player and guitarist. There are always musical moments which make you glad you made the effort to come out and I think the top moment for me was the subtle guitar that Steve played on an excellent version of 'Can't Find My Way Home' but there was plenty more to enjoy. The support was Lilly Winwood and she has inherited the soulful musicality of Steve's vocals. Her songs were good, her singing excellent and I enjoyed as ever hearing a cover of 'Angel from Montgomery' Steve's band included Jose Netto on guitar, Paul Booth on various saxes, Richard Bailey on drums and Edson da Silva on percussion. Richard Bailey is a stand out drummer and the combo of him and Edson was superb throughout. Tracks that stick in my mind apart from CFMWH and the obligatory and brilliant 'Dear Mr Fantasy' were 'Had to Cry Today' and 'Fly' and 'Low Spark of High Heeled Boys' - always a joy. Lilly came on to do some backing vocals on 'Higher Love' and for the encore. Otherwise a fairly standard but nonetheless excellent gig.