Photos by: Marc Millman Written by: Brian Lynch

On April 24 and 25, Steve Winwood came to The Capitol Theatre and showed why he is a rock 'n' roll legend. Winwood focused on material from his early career with Traffic, Blind Faith, and The Spencer Davis Group. The 100-minute sets Steve performed each night displayed his talents on Hamonnd B3 Organ and guitar. Steve's band of Richard Bailey, Jose Neto, Paul Booth, and Edson "Cafe" Da Silva displayed superlative skills across the board throughout their jam-centric performances.

Steve began both shows with a loose marimba beat jam which was very similar to Eric Clapton's cover of "Eyesight to the Blind." Steve then eased the crowd into the familiar organ chord intro for "I'm A Man". He wrote this when he was only 18-years-old in 1966, but this track has stood the test of time. Steve's trademark voice has not changed at all since he was a teenager and it was strong the entire performance. A saxophone solo is highlighted and the tune ends on a duel drum jam to kick off the evening.

The second song slot the first evening is a cover of Buddy Mile's "Them Changes." The hook riff is played with power on Winwood's organ. The Saturday evening performance had the Traffic tune "Rainmaker" substituted into the second song slot. This track is a listener's song vs. a dancing number. The tune was highlighted by emphasis on Steve's vocal interplaying with flute taking the instrumental lead.

"Pearly Queen" with its snarling guitar riff is when the band begins to open up into extended jamming. Steve's guitarist, Jose Neto, delivered a screaming guitar solo into a long organ solo by Winwood pushing the song and the band into a lengthy rendition.

Winwood stepped out from behind his organ to play guitar on the Blind Faith classic "Can't Find My Way Home." The crowd all started shouting with joy as he hit the familiar guitar riff. The guitar tone on his Telecaster had an acoustic tone, and his voice remained on-point throughout the tune. He poured his heart out on vocals with this track. Both evenings, the crowd jumped to their feet at the end of the song to give Winwood a standing ovation. He was clearly humbled by the response.

Both evenings Winwood remarked, "They tell me that I was here 45-years-ago," and, "They even have posters to prove it!" He remarked that his show is mainly centered around material that is just as old. He then introduced a "more recent number" as he played his 2008 song "Dirty City" which he recorded with Eric Clapton. Winwood switched to a Fender Stratocaster and laid into scorching, extended solos mixed with an emphasis on Edson "Cafe" Da Silva's conga playing.

The band launched into Traffic's "The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys" and the crowd erupted as soon as they recognized what they were hearing. Again Jose Neto delivered a wild guitar solo, fanning his instrument to bring the song to a climactic peak. Paul Booth played another beautiful sax solo to follow. The band then went directly into the Traffic instrumental "Glad," and each musician was given an opportunity to shine with solos of their own.

Traffic's "Light Up Or Leave Me Alone" extended out into an epic performance. This was a very long rendition in the neighborhood of 15 minutes, with each musician taking a solo spotlight. We heard an organ solo into to a sax solo into congos into drums. Winwood introduced the band to the audience at the conclusion.

"Higher Love" closed out the main set. It is the lone track from Steve's very successful chart topping comeback in the 1980s. Attendees expecting a 1980s Steve Winwood show were rewarded, and they jumped to their feet to dance. Winwood said good night and they leave the stage.

The encore began with Traffic's "Dear Mr. Fantasy." The Capitol Theatre has seen its share of artists covering this track, but to hear Winwood sing it was at an entirely different level. Winwood's plaintive voice on this track melted the room. The audience had left their seats, and walked to the front of the stage to enjoy this masterpiece.

Winwood moved back to the B3 Organ to play "Gimme Some Lovin" to bookend both evenings. Steve Winwood has had more chart topping success than many bands combined. He could have played any number of 100 songs and the result would have been the same. You would have seen a show of pure hits and high quality musicianship.

      Photos by: Marc Millman The Capitol Theatre Photo Gallery [gallery link="file" columns="4" ids="|"]