Tampa Calling

Concert Review
Tom Petty w/Steve Winwood
Wed., July 16, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

Tom Petty could have probably done his current arena tour with a no-name opener but instead opted for Steve Winwood, a rock ’n’ roll veteran with a history-making resume that includes stints in the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith, plus a successful solo career in the 1980s. Maybe we’d been better off with an up-and-comer, though.

7:35 Update: Winwood finds his faith

Winwood, on organ and lead vocals, takes the stage and promptly leads his band through a tedious jazz-rock workout laced with extended flute runs. The next number is the Spencer Davis Group hit “I’m a Man” but it’s stretched out into another meandering yawn that’s just slightly more vibrant than the opener. Winwood’s backing unit includes two percussionists and a flute/sax player that render each song a fusion-style bore. Things finally improve at 7:50 when Winwood offers a heartfelt reading of the Blind Faith classic “Can’t Find My Way Home,” which benefits from the slow-burning sax playing coursing through the sweet, familiar melody.

8:15 Update: Not high enough

Winwood is in good voice but his jam band excursions fail to take flight. He’s just launched into his big ’80s hit “Higher Love” but it sounds grounded. Double drum sets dominate the mix, the sax seems far too prominent as well and the solo lacks verve. The song is barely recognizable and not in a good way. Too bad, this is a tune I recall fondly from my childhood. Am I becoming that person who only goes to concerts for nostalgia fixes and can’t stomach deviations from the original version? Yikes. I hope not. I hope it’s just that Winwood and his percussion-heavy backing crew is just indulging in way too much mindless noodling. Yeah, that’s it.

8:25 Update: Fantastic finish
Following a quick band intro bit Winwood dips into his Traffic catalog for an appropriately spacey rendition of the stoner anthem “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” It’s replete with an extended, intergalactic guitar solo that has the packed house — I’m guessing 15,000 at least — roaring in approval. I, too, am thoroughly impressed. Winwood’s voice is strong, expressive and forceful. The band is tight and feisty. The mix is spot on. It’s the rock ’n’ roll jolt I’ve been craving since I entered The Forum more than an hour ago. Oh wait, there’s more. We all know this one. It’s Spencer Davis Group time again and Winwood is singing “Gimme Some Lovin’” like it’s, well, a long time ago. Not quite sure what year that gem hit the airwaves. Early 1960s? Before my time, by decades, but I sure recall digging it on classic rock radio over the years.

Petty is scheduled to take the stage at 9 p.m. Stay tuned. I’m going out for a cig.

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