Concert review: Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood deliver an old-f...

In the above review, there is a critical tone regarding the lack of recognition for the the drummer. Yet this review fails to even mention ( or publish a detailed photo of) the bassist: Willie Weeks, who started out his career playing in St Paul garage bands....real in depth reporting....

Ray Charles didn't write Georgia. It was written in the 30's by Hoagy Carmichael, the same guy that wrote stardust. As for Winwoods voice being ravaged by age, I thought he was in great form and sings as effortlessly and soulfully as he did in his youth. I loved the traffic tunes (I haven't heard "Glad" in 30 years) and Voodo chile, slight return was a nice and unusual nod to Jimmy. Fortunately they restrained themselves and didn't play wonderful tonight. If eric would dump that acoustic version of Layla, I'd be happy.

Willie Weeks was solid all night. Other than the fact the drummer looked quite a bit like Shrek, he really drove the band.

It was a real treat to see these two guys together. They seemed to be having fun and their playing was relaxed and musical.

I was bummed....Very little pop in their performance (s). I expected much more.

I totally agree with the general feeling that it was like good friends enjoying playing together. They DID make it feel like a more intimate setting than a hockey arena, and that was fine. I enjoyed it thoroughly, except for the acoustic Layla, which is not a strong version and was not really done too well. But the rest of the concert was most enjoyable indeed.

Easily the best of the 3 Clapton performances I've seen. It was great to see him playing on Winwood's turf instead of the other way around. And not pulling out the traditional pop hits was a great choice.(Could have done without Cocaine - feels pretty canned every time.)

I hadn't seen Winwood in concert for 20 years. I thought his voice stood up very well.(His hair dye is another matter. Very McCartney-esque.) Their 20 minute jam on Voodoo Chile was the hit of the evening for me. I won't forget that anytime soon!

@music fan: The review said nothing about Ray Charles writing "Georgia On My Mind." Charles' version is the most familiar, by far. It's impossible to separate the two in the ears of most listeners.

Actually, that's exactly what it says. Here is the cut and paste:

Elsewhere in the set, Winwood took a solo turn at the organ to play Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind

Your correct in that it's certainly the definitive version but a critc certainly should give credit where it's due. Hoagy is actually a pretty interesting cat in his own right.

The show, in my opinion, was professional at best. A great back up band and some true classic moments. It always amazes me how many people cheer Cocaine (it is an anti-drug song). There were great versions of Well Alright, Tough Luck Blues, Glad and Dear Mr. Fantasy. And I must say Voodoo Chile will stay with me for a long time. Clearly the show's hightlight moment (a long one at that).

It did lack the fire and passion of EC's last Xcel appearance with Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhall III pushing EC to heights unknown.

All in all, EC is still God, Winwood has some great songs and a great voice (a the Hammond B-3 on Voodoo was transcendental), his band is great. And last, but not least, no Wonderful Tonight (the lamest of all EC songs)!

I thought concert was excellent!! I wanted to hear the Blind Faith material live, delivered from the core of the "Super group" and they delivered! I am surprised that Steve Winwood is not recognized for his extraordinary guitar playing as well.

I'd rather go to a Hannah Montana concert.

What a great show! I have had a chance to see both Clapton and Winwood before (I saw Clapton @ The X in 2006 and saw Winwood open for Tom Petty at the Target Center last summer). But, this show had a different vibe which was refreshing probably because of the smaller quintet arrangement. Winwood and Clapton were both right on the money all night and the interplay between them on guitar and organ respectively was mesmerizing. Clapton shown through on many of the tracks and the same could be said for co-keyboardist Chris Stainton. Willie Weeks on bass did well but the bass was too heavy in the mix for my taste.

A fantastic show indeed and as others have said, Steve is not only a great organ player but he can really hold his own as a guitarist as well. A pleasing and fun show, period.

I just saw the fantastic Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton tour last night in Denver. Wanted to see what others had posted else where. Very pleased that most of these bloggers in MN felt like I did last night, elated!! I have been a long time fan of both. Loved the bands, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos and Traffic. Never a fan of their pop music. So needless to say I was so pleased that they didn't go there too much. Loved the blues and their old hits of Blind Faith. They are great!

Weak outing wrote:

I was bummed....Very little pop in their performance (s). I expected much more.

YOU HAVIN A LAUGH ! Pop its the fuvckin blues master of the world and you want pop ? give yourself a shake .