Humble guy with a soulful voice (From Stourbridge News)

Humble guy with a soulful voice

12:31pm Wednesday 8th October 2008 in Music

Steve Winwood, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Tuesday October 7. Veteran singer songwriter Steve Winwood gave Wolverhampton some lovin' when his Nine Lives tour – named after his new album – stopped off at The Wulfrun this week.

The 60-year-old father of four's career has spanned five decades and has taken in groundbreaking acts The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and supergroup Blind Faith.

The evening was an enjoyable journey through the rock legend's lengthy career – with 60s number I'm A Man, much-loved favourites like Gimme Some Lovin' and the distinctively 80s Higher Love alongside material from the new album including Hungry Man and Dirty City.

The standing only gig clearly showcased Winwood's myriad of influences – a mixture of styles including jazz, funk and Latin – its only drawback was a tendency to stretch out some of the tracks so much that it was hard to stay attentive. But the fans didn't seem to care and lapped up the two-hour set.

There is no doubt Winwood, who shyly sat at the side of the stage for much of the show behind his Hammond organ, is an incredible multi instrumentalist with a beautifully soulful voice.

For such a talent he seemed remarkably humble and down to earth as he interacted with the audience.

Winwood, a man who just wants to get on with the music, keeps on delivering the goods.

Helen Attwood