Arc of a Diver album cover

December 31, 1980

Here is Spanish dancer, my favorite track from Steve Winwood’s solo album entitled Arc of a Diver. We feature this track since it fits squarely into the definition of the Durham Cool ethos.   This album, released December 31, 1980, produced by Steve Winwood in his home studio, and as widely reported, replete with Windwood playing every instrument on this track and all the others for Arc of a Diver.

Steve Winwood is a musician’s musician, a child prodigy, Prince before there was Prince, musical genius. No content or praise, riddled with hyperbole, would do him justice. Anyone new to Steve Winwood should spend time exploring his significant contributions to Blind Faith, Traffic, and his early solo career.

Spanish dancer is one of the best groove tracks recorded in pop history. I recommend playing it for one of those top-down, windows open, drives in a beautiful area anywhere in the world. Allow this track to be the closing track for a post-pandemic porch party. No anger no frustration could survive the 1:23 mark into this groove track.


Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group

Spanish Dancer · Steve Winwood

Arc Of A Diver

℗ An Island Records recording; ℗ 1980 Island Records Ltd.

Released on: 1980-12-31

Producer, Studio Personnel, Mixer, Associated Performer, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Bass Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Drum Programming, Piano, Organ, Synthesizer: Steve Winwood
Studio Personnel, Asst. Recording Engineer: John Clarke
Composer Lyricist: Will Jennings
Composer Lyricist: Steve Winwood

Spanish Dancer

Night Train from Arc of a Diver

“Arc Of A Diver” is the second solo studio album by singer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood, released in 1980. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart, establishing him as a commercially viable act. The album was recorded at Winwood’s Netherturkdonic Studios, built at his farm in Gloucestershire; he played all the instruments, wrote all the music, and produced and engineered it himself. Reviewing for The New York Times, critic Robert Palmer wrote of the album, “Winwood’s impressive playing and arranging and utterly distinctive vocals make several of his collaborations with Will Jennings, especially the brooding Night Train, almost as memorable.” The album was also included in the book “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die” and it was voted number 455 in Colin Larkin’s “All-Time Top 1000 Albums” 3rd Edition (2000).

 

 

Nine months ago

We need this message more than ever these days. These two masters and this fantastic band did Timmy’s song justice. Bless them. Peace everyone. RIP Timmy.

James Anderson

Steve Windwood
Night Train Steve Windwood

Night Train from Arc of a Diver

“Arc Of A Diver” is the second solo studio album by singer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood, released in 1980. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart, establishing him as a commercially viable act. The album was recorded at Winwood’s Netherturkdonic Studios, built at his farm in Gloucestershire; he played all the instruments, wrote all the music, and produced and engineered it himself. Reviewing for The New York Times, critic Robert Palmer wrote of the album, “Winwood’s impressive playing and arranging and utterly distinctive vocals make several of his collaborations with Will Jennings, especially the brooding Night Train, almost as memorable.” The album was also included in the book “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die” and it was voted number 455 in Colin Larkin’s “All-Time Top 1000 Albums” 3rd Edition (2000).