Greatest Hits Live (officially titled Winwood: Greatest Hits Live) is a double CD and four-LP live album by English musician and songwriter Steve Winwood, released on 1 September 2017 by Winwood's own label, Wincraft Music, and distributed by Thirty Tigers.[4] The live album is Winwood's first album in nearly a decade and is made up of recordings from his personal archives of live performances in the span of his career.
Winwood performed songs from his solo career, as well as selections from his time in the bands Blind Faith, Traffic, and the Spencer Davis Group, as well as some covers. His band consisted of Jose Neto on guitar, Richard Bailey on drums, Paul Booth on saxophone, flute and Hammond organ, and Edson "Cafe" da Silva on percussion, whereas Winwood also switches from guitar, mandolin and Hammond organ.[5][6]
Background and release
Speaking about the live album, Winwood says, "I'm excited about the release because I have recorded every show for many years and so it evoked many memories of the performances and reactions from the fans over the years who have supported me... I suppose it is sort of a tribute to the band members and crew I've been fortunate to have with me on the road. The songs were chosen for being the ones most recognized throughout my career which have left an impression and so I hope the record will be a souvenir that brings to mind happy memories of a good time experienced at one of my shows."[7]
Critical reception
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic admits that although fans of Winwood "looking for by-the-record versions of his big tunes may be disappointed", he still praises the versatility of the live performances, stating that "the limber, flexible arrangements are appealing, the band is expert, and Winwood is in fine voice".[1] Doug Collette of All About Jazz applauds Winwood as he "re-imagines the selections, not just by some healthy improv, but also by stylistic cross-pollination that indirectly references his lesser-known endeavors."[2] Reviewing the live record for Classic Rock, Ewald Funk calls Winwood an "all-rounder", and calls the LP "An interesting introduction for newcomers, and a refresher of fond memories for contemporary witnesses."[3]
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