The MARK’S VINTAGE VINYL page features something from Mark’s collection of recordings from over the years. Most of it is on vinyl – hence the name – though there will be a few entries from his CDs (remember those?).
Arc of a Diver, by Steve Winwood
- Second solo album by Steve Winwood, released in December 1980.
- Winwood went solo after stints in 3 of the most iconic British bands of the 60s and 70s. He was a founding member of The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith. His time with Traffic got him into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
- He grew tired of touring, so he started recording at his own home. His first solo album was released in 1977.
- For Arc of the Diver, he co-wrote all of the songs, played all of the instruments, and produced and engineered it himself. It was a significant change from his psychedelic rock days with Traffic. This album was much more of a pop soft rock album, with a touch of synthesizer – very contemporary for 1980. And Winwood’s distinctive soulful vocals are excellent – Rolling Stone ranks him at #33 of the Greatest Singers of All Time.
- The album peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 album chart, and was certified platinum. The 2 singles that charted were While You See A Chance, which peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #2 the Mainstream Rock Radio chart; and the title song Arc of a Diver, which made it to #48 and #11 on those same charts.
- It was a no-brainer for me to grab this album. I liked the mellowness of it, and I liked the cool cover artwork. Here is the video – pretty weird – to the classic track While You See A Chance. Love the keyboards, love the drumbeat, love the vocals on this song.