Guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist, Traffic cohort Jim Capaldi create 1990 LP
By Ken Lay
Throughout the mid-1960s and early ‘70s, Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi were the driving artistic forces behind the psychedelic-rock/jazz-fusion band Traffic.
Capaldi toiled in obscurity after the band split for a second time. For a while, Winwood largely did the same, but as one of rock’s most versatile musicians with a top-notch voice, he did have a minor hit with “Talking Back to the Night” in 1982 and enjoyed more success with works such as “Arc of a Diver” (’80) and “Roll With It” (’88).
Winwood’s solo breakthrough, though, came in the form of 1985’s “Back in the High Life,” a record that included contributions from Joe Walsh, James Taylor, Chaka Khan and others. The LP spawned several hit singles and finally established the former Traffic, Spencer Davis Group and Blind Faith frontman as a bona fide solo artist.
In 1990, Winwood hit music-store shelves with “Refuges of the Heart.” Capaldi was back on board, and the album ultimately would set the stage for a Traffic reunion album and tour four years later. It also produced a hit single in “One and Only Man,” which was co-written by the pair of musicians. It was the duo’s first contribution to appear on a Winwood solo LP since his self-titled album in 1977.
Reminiscent of Traffic’s glory days, it easily is the album’s best track – although a love song of sorts about a man who is secretly in love with a woman who is being badly mistreated by her current romantic partner isn’t exactly popular material.
While that song stands above the rest, there are other smooth selections, such as the funky tunes “Another Deal Goes Down” and “Come Out and Dance.” The sentimental ballad “I Will Be Here” is another solid composition.
Most of the songs were co-written with Will Jennings, who provided lyrics for some of Winwood’s classic tunes like “Valerie,” “Higher Love” and “While You See a Chance,” the musician’s first big solo hit.
While not a commercial success, “Refuges of the Heart” is a must-listen for Winwood fans. It’s an underrated charmer with some hidden jewels.
