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We had arrived early to the concert in anticipation of seeing Steve Winwood and the band perform and were promptly escorted to our seats. The venue, Charles Ives Concert Park is very beautiful; the stage is located outside surrounded by water with a water geyser in the back. I was contemplating taking a dive in the water since it had been a very hot and humid day, but refrained although it was torture to be near it!
While we were sitting there admiring the view and talking, I noticed a person walking up to the stage alone and realized it was Steve, he just sat down quietly in the back of the stage looking at the water just relaxing before the show. It was nice to catch a glimpse of him before the show and to see him enjoy the surroundings.
As the start time of the concert approached, it was obvious the crowd was getting excited; fans were sharing bits of knowledge and facts about Steve and the band with each other. Although some of the band members had been recently lined up for this tour there was no indication of that when they played. They were great together, finely tuned and visibly having fun.
A nice surprise was a vocal piece performed a cappella as a lead into the song Rainmaker by the drummer, Davide Giovannini. But that was not all; there were many treats for us that night, one in which included a great trio performance with Steve, Jay and Karl Vanden Bossche. As well as an extended encore which was wonderful. Jay Davidson, a man of many hidden talents, provided backup vocals, played the B3 , Saxophone and Flute, and noted also had a great sense of humor. Jose was amazing as always with his guitar solo's and especially his performance on my favorite the Paradis. Saving the best for last, Steve the conductor of it all. "The Maestro". It must be amazing to watch from his seat these superb talented musicians hand picked by him performing all together as one.
As we left that night we knew we had definitely been a witness to a "concert not to be missed" as a wise person once said and for a little while we all had shared in a taste of heaven.
KAREN ROBINSON
The setlist - as best I can remember is as follows
Pearly Queen
Empty Pages
Walking On
Cant' Find My Way Home
Cigano
Freedom Rider
Glad
Send A Fax (Netoband)
RainMaker
Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring
Bully
Higher Love
Back in the High life Again
Gimme Some Lovin’
Dear Mr Fantasy
I'm a man
Crossroads.
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