Musical Musings: Five Hidden Treasures - Steve Winwood

In this episode of Musical Musings, we dive deep into the extraordinary, multi-decade career of one of rock and soul’s ultimate chameleons: Steve Winwood. From his early days as a teenage prodigy to his genre-defining work with legendary bands and his massive 1980s solo success, Winwood’s musical footprint is massive. However, instead of spinning the global chart-toppers, we are bypassing the casual hits to unearth the deeper cuts that truly define his genius. Joining the show today is special guest Ken Cheshire, who shares his hand-picked selections and deep musical insights into what makes Winwood’s catalog so enduring.

Together, we track Winwood’s sonic evolution through five spectacular, lesser-known gems. Our journey spans the raw, uninhibited supergroup energy of Blind Faith's "Sea Of Joy" and the pastoral, English-folk atmospheres of Traffic's "Rainmaker." We also explore his transition into a solo powerhouse, examining the criminally overlooked, West African-inspired rhythms of "Vacant Chair," the brilliant, entirely self-produced synth-soul of "Spanish Dancer," and the elegant, reflective global grooves of 2008's "Fly." Whether you are a lifelong devotee or a listener discovering his deeper catalog for the first time, this episode offers a rich, analytical look at the hidden treasures of a true musical master.

Check out Ken on X @klcheshire or his contributions to the Youtube channel The Music Den

Broadcast 13 July 2026

Songs in this episode:

8:33 Blind Faith – Sea Of Joy
15:10 Traffic – Rainmaker
22:11 Steve Winwood – Vacant Chair
26:59 Steve Winwood – Spanish Dancer
38:07 Steve Winwood – Fly