Clapton & Winwood - Opening Night

This was one for the ages.

A few months ago I was bored and flipping through the TV dial (you classic rockers can appreciate the reference.) Lucky me! PBS was airing some rare footage of the first public appearance of the first "supergroup", Blind Faith at a free outdoor concert in London.

I was struck by the cherubic faces of musical prodigy Stevie Winwood and the demure, shy, reserved guitar virtuoso, Eric Clapton.

The songs were rough around the edges, the sound quality was suspect at best, but the brilliance of their musical ability was undeniable. These guys were the real deal.

The reunion of rock legends Clapton and Winwood on February 25th, 2008 at New York City's Madison Square Garden left this fan and about 20,000 others deliriously wrung out by the final curtain call.

Almost 40 years after that "dry run" these two masters (accompanied by keyboard, bass and drums) put on a clinic in reliving rock memories.

The cherubic looks have long since faded. They have been replaced by confident, grateful smiles and nods of mutual acknowledgment, kinship and respect.

Banter was virtually non-existent. Clapton addressed the crowd only once -- mid-set as he sat alone on the stage, preparing for his only solo number. To paraphrase, he said that he knew he was going to have to say something, and that this the time to say it. He just didn't know what to say.

He didn't have to say a word. The music was doing the talking for him and Stevie.

Winwood followed with his one solo – a fabulous cover of the Ray Charles classic "Georgia." It was nothing short of magical.

These songs were a solo sandwich served in a set list that was a hearty meal for hungry rock-n-roll ears. And best of all, it was non-stop. Song after song seamlessly segued. It appeared almost effortless, indicative of chops well honed through the years. Vocals were as strong as ever as Stevie still commanded control of both timbre and range.

"Had to Cry Today" opened the evening with both gentlemen trading guitar licks. One almost forgets just how accomplished a musician Steve Winwood truly is until you witness him trading licks with Slowhand.

The set list included:

• "Lowdown Dirty Shame"
• "Forever Man" – with blistering licks from both
• "Changes" – with Stevie making Buddy Miles blush, had he been in the house
• "Presence of the Lord" – almost spiritual with traded vocals
• "Glad"
• "Well Alright"
• "Pearly Queen"
• "Tell the Truth"
• "Behind the Face"
• "After Midnight"
• "Split Decision"
• the aforementioned solo numbers
• "Little Wing" into a 60’s jam inspired version of
• "Voodoo Child"
• "Can’t Find My Way Home"
• "Dear Mr. Fantasy"

"Crossroads" was the encore and, in all honesty, there were two blues numbers whose titles escaped me. Hey, the 70s weren't easy!

Privileged is the only word to accurately describe my feelings for being fortunate enough to have been in attendance at this show. And at $179.50 for side stage seats in the Garden's 300 section (one tier below nose bleed) you almost needed to be privileged to attend. It was worth every single penny…and then some!