Album Information:
Album ID: 9786
About Steve Winwood:
Steve Winwood is an English musician who is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was born on May 12, 1948, in Birmingham, England, and was raised in a family with strong musical roots. His father was a semi-professional musician, and his older brother played guitar.
At an early age, Winwood showed a passion for music and started playing the piano and guitar. He joined different bands in his youth and eventually formed a group called the Spencer Davis Group in 1963 with his brother and Spencer Davis. The band had several hits in the UK and the US, including 'Gimme Some Lovin' and 'Keep on Running.' Winwood's soulful voice and his command of different instruments, including the Hammond organ, became his trademark.
In the late 1960s, Winwood formed another band called Traffic with guitarist Dave Mason, drummer Jim Capaldi, and flautist Chris Wood. The band's sound combined elements of rock, jazz, and psychedelia and became hugely popular. Winwood also launched a successful solo career around this time with his debut album 'Winwood' in 1971, followed by 'Arc of a Diver' in 1980, which featured the hit single 'While You See a Chance.'
In the 1980s, Winwood continued to experiment with different styles and collaborated with artists such as Phil Collins, Chaka Khan, and James Taylor. He also achieved commercial success with his hit single 'Higher Love,' which won several Grammy Awards in 1987. He released several other albums in the following years, including 'Roll with It' and 'Back in the High Life,' which featured successful singles like 'Valerie' and 'The Finer Things.'
Winwood's career has spanned over five decades, and he remains an inspiration to many musicians and fans around the world. His signature sound, which blends rock, soul, and jazz continues to attract new listeners, and his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of his generation is firmly established.
About the album Refugees Of The Heart:
Refugees of the Heart is an album by Steve Winwood, released in 1990. It is a collection of 9 tracks that showcase Winwood's diverse songwriting and musical talents. The album is a mix of rock, blues, and soul, and features a number of influential musicians.
The album opens with 'You'll Keep on Searching,' a soulful, upbeat track with harmonious backing vocals and a catchy chorus. The next track, 'Every Day (Oh Lord),' is a bluesy tune that showcases Winwood's powerful vocals and impressive musicianship on the Hammond organ.
The album's title track, 'Refugees of the Heart,' is a standout with its driving beat, infectious melody, and memorable hook. It features a great guitar solo and gospel-style backing vocals that add to the emotional impact of the song.
'Let Your Love Come Down' is a funky, R&B-tinged track with a memorable bass line and dynamic vocals from Winwood. 'One and Only Man' is a driving rock song with a hard-hitting rhythm section and soaring guitar work.
'On Higher Ground' brings the tempo down a bit with its gentle, atmospheric soundscapes and ethereal vocals. 'I Will Be Here' features a beautiful acoustic guitar melody and heartfelt lyrics about commitment and love.
Finally, the album closes with 'Phoenix Rising,' a powerful rock ballad with soaring guitars and a memorable chorus that showcases Winwood's vocal range.
Overall, Refugees of the Heart is a fantastic album that showcases Steve Winwood's immense musical talent and diverse range of influences. With its mix of rock, blues, and soul, the album is a masterclass in songwriting and musicianship that has stood the test of time.
Members:
Steve Winwood is a solo artist and has had various band members throughout his music career. Some key members of his bands include:
1. Jim Capaldi - Capaldi was a British musician and songwriter who played drums and percussion for the band Traffic, which Winwood was a member of. He co-wrote many of the band's biggest hits, including 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' and 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.' Capaldi passed away in 2005.
2. Chris Wood - Wood was an English musician who played saxophone, flute, and keyboards in Traffic alongside Steve Winwood. He was an integral part of the band's sound and contributed to many of their songs. Wood passed away in 1983.
3. Ric Grech - Grech was a British musician who played bass and violin in Traffic. He joined the band in 1970 and played on their album 'John Barleycorn Must Die.' Grech passed away in 1990.
4. Jim Gordon - Gordon was an American musician who played drums on Winwood's solo album 'John Barleycorn Must Die' as well as on Eric Clapton's album 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.' He was a respected session drummer, but unfortunately suffered from mental health issues and was eventually incarcerated for murder.
5. Andy Newmark - Newmark is an American drummer who played on Winwood's solo album 'Arc of a Diver.' He has also played with many other artists over the years, including Roxy Music, David Bowie, and George Harrison.
6. Nile Rodgers - Rodgers is an American musician and producer who co-produced Winwood's album 'About Time.' He is best known for his work as a founding member of the band Chic and his collaborations with artists such as David Bowie, Madonna, and Duran Duran.
7. Jose Neto - Neto is a Brazilian musician who played guitar on Winwood's album 'Junction Seven.' He has also worked with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Michael Franti, and Harry Belafonte.
Track List for Refugees Of The Heart:
1. 'You'll Keep on Searching' (5:36) - The opening track of the album starts with a slow, mellow guitar riff and then gradually builds up with Steve Winwood's soulful vocals. The song is about the struggles one goes through in life and the endless search for happiness.
2. 'Everyday (Oh Lord)' (6:19) - This track is a gospel-influenced song with strong organ and piano melodies. The lyrics urge the listener to seek strength from a divine power in everyday life situations.
3. 'One and Only Man' (5:00) - A catchy, upbeat tune with a groovy bassline. The song talks about a man who stands out from the crowd, and how he tries to cope with the attention and admiration he receives.
4. 'I Will Be Here' (4:55) - A romantic ballad with a bittersweet tone. The melody is simple but effective, and Winwood's vocals deliver the emotional weight of the lyrics beautifully.
5. 'Another Deal Goes Down' (6:01) - A jazzy number with a sophisticated instrumental arrangement. The song describes a shady business deal where everyone involved has something to lose.
6. 'Running On' (5:52) - This song has a more rocking edge than the rest of the album, with powerful guitar riffs and dynamic drum fills. The lyrics are about overcoming obstacles and never giving up, no matter what.
7. 'Come Out and Dance' (5:35) - A funky dance tune with a prominent bassline and horn section. The song encourages the listener to let go of their inhibitions and enjoy life to the fullest.
8. 'In the Light of Day' (8:10) - The longest track on the album, 'In the Light of Day' is an epic, multi-layered composition that showcases Winwood's skills as a songwriter and musician. The song combines elements of rock, jazz, and soul to create a sweeping, cinematic sound.
9. 'There's a River' (4:38) - The closing track of the album is a contemplative, acoustic ballad with a folksy feel. The lyrics speak about the power and majesty of nature, and how it can provide solace and perspective to those who seek it.
Discography for Steve Winwood:
Here is a complete discography for Steve Winwood in chronological order:
Albums:
1. Spencer Davis Group - Their First LP (1965)
2. Spencer Davis Group - The Second Album (1966)
3. Traffic - Mr. Fantasy (1967)
4. Traffic - Traffic (1968)
5. Blind Faith - Blind Faith (1969)
6. Traffic - Last Exit (1969)
7. Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die (1970)
8. Traffic - The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971)
9. Traffic - Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory (1973)
10. Steve Winwood - Steve Winwood (1977)
11. Steve Winwood - Arc of a Diver (1980)
12. Steve Winwood - Talking Back to the Night (1982)
13. Steve Winwood - Back in the High Life (1986)
14. Steve Winwood - Roll with It (1988)
15. Steve Winwood - Refugees of the Heart (1990)
16. Steve Winwood - Junction Seven (1997)
17. Steve Winwood - About Time (2003)
18. Steve Winwood - Nine Lives (2008)
Singles:
1. Spencer Davis Group - 'Keep on Running' (1965)
2. Spencer Davis Group - 'Somebody Help Me' (1966)
3. Spencer Davis Group - 'Gimme Some Lovin' (1966)
4. Traffic - 'Paper Sun' (1967)
5. Traffic - 'Hole in My Shoe' (1967)
6. Traffic - 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush' (1968)
7. Blind Faith - 'Can't Find My Way Home' (1969)
8. Traffic - 'Empty Pages' (1970)
9. Steve Winwood - 'Hold On' (1980)
10. Steve Winwood - 'While You See a Chance' (1981)
11. Steve Winwood - 'Valerie' (1982)
12. Steve Winwood - 'Higher Love' (1986)
13. Steve Winwood - 'Back in the High Life Again' (1986)
14. Steve Winwood - 'The Finer Things' (1987)
15. Steve Winwood - 'Roll with It' (1988)
16. Steve Winwood - 'Don't You Know What the Night Can Do?' (1988)
17. Steve Winwood - 'One and Only Man' (1990)
18. Steve Winwood - 'Everyday' (1994)
Other Releases:
1. Traffic - Welcome to the Canteen (1971)
2. Traffic - On the Road (1973)
3. Steve Winwood - Chronicles (1987)
4. Steve Winwood - The Finer Things (1995)
5. Steve Winwood - Revolutions: The Very Best of Steve Winwood (2010)