Traffic

Traffic: The Iconic British Rock Band

Traffic was a pioneering British rock band that emerged in the late 1960s, blending elements of rock, jazz, blues, and psychedelic music into a sound that was uniquely their own. The band’s core members—Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood, and Dave Mason—were musical innovators who influenced a wide range of genres, particularly rock and progressive music. Known for their musical experimentation, Traffic’s ability to weave diverse influences into their compositions left a lasting legacy.

1. Formation and Early Days

Traffic was formed in 1967 in Birmingham, England, by Steve Winwood, who had already gained fame with The Spencer Davis Group. After leaving The Spencer Davis Group, Winwood was joined by his friend Jim Capaldi, who played drums, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Wood (flute, saxophone). The group was initially a quartet with Dave Mason, who played guitar and provided vocals, but he would leave the band before long.

Original Lineup:

• Steve Winwood – Vocals, keyboards, guitar
• Jim Capaldi – Drums, percussion, vocals
• Chris Wood – Flute, saxophone, woodwinds
• Dave Mason – Guitar, vocals (early member)

Traffic’s early sound was characterized by an eclectic mix of rock, blues, jazz, and psychedelia, which set them apart from other bands of the time.

2. Key Albums and Musical Evolution

Traffic’s music evolved significantly over time, transitioning from their early psychedelic rock roots to a more mature and soulful style that embraced jazz, folk, and even progressive rock.

1. Mr. Fantasy (1967)

Their debut album is often considered a classic of the psychedelic rock genre. It was released while the band was still a quartet.

• Key Tracks: Paper Sun, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Coloured Rain
• Sound: A mix of psychedelic rock, folk influences, and experimental soundscapes.
• Interesting Fact: Dear Mr. Fantasy became one of their signature tracks, with its laid-back vibe and powerful instrumentation.

2. Traffic (1968)

Their second album saw the departure of Dave Mason, leaving a trio lineup. The album is a more cohesive fusion of rock and jazz, with more emphasis on improvisation and the use of woodwinds.

• Key Tracks: Feelin’ Alright, Forty Thousand Headmen
• Sound: A mix of blues, jazz, and progressive rock with more sophisticated arrangements and instrumentation.
• Interesting Fact: Feelin’ Alright was later covered by Joe Cocker, becoming a hit in the United States.

3. John Barleycorn Must Die (1970)

Regarded as one of Traffic’s most important albums, it marked the band’s transition into more experimental and folk-influenced territory. This was also the album that solidified their classic lineup of Winwood, Capaldi, and Wood.

• Key Tracks: Glad, Empty Pages, John Barleycorn (Must Die)
• Sound: A fusion of folk rock, progressive rock, and jazz, with an emphasis on acoustic instrumentation and moody, atmospheric compositions.
• Interesting Fact: John Barleycorn (Must Die) became a staple of their live performances and was regarded as one of their finest songs.

4. The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971)

This album marks Traffic’s most commercially successful period, bringing their music to a wider audience with a more accessible sound. It also became a favorite among critics.

• Key Tracks: The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Hidden Treasure, Rock & Roll Stew
• Sound: A blend of jazz, funk, and rock, characterized by complex rhythms and soulful melodies.
• Interesting Fact: The title track, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, became one of Traffic’s biggest hits, a quintessential song of the early 1970s.

5. Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory (1973)

Traffic’s sound became more polished with this album, mixing soul, funk, jazz, and rock elements. The band also began to experiment more with studio effects.

• Key Tracks: Hidden Treasure, Roll Right Stones, Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory
• Sound: A more expansive and experimental sound, blending rock and jazz with smoother production techniques.
• Interesting Fact: The album’s title track became a live favorite and captured the band’s eclectic nature perfectly.

6. When the Eagle Flies (1974)

This was Traffic’s final album before their first breakup. It had a more stripped-back, soul-driven sound, blending folk and blues with rock influences.

• Key Tracks: When the Eagle Flies, Dream Gerrard, Graveyard People
• Sound: A more organic, blues-oriented rock sound with soulful grooves and folk influences.
• Interesting Fact: Despite being their final album of the 1970s, it was highly praised for its mature and soulful approach.

3. Notable Members and Contributions

• Steve Winwood: As the principal vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist, Winwood’s soulful voice and multi-instrumental prowess were central to the band’s sound. He also played a pivotal role in the band’s songwriting.
• Jim Capaldi: The drummer and co-writer, Capaldi was integral to the band’s rhythm section and vocal harmonies, also contributing several key tracks as a lyricist.
• Chris Wood: A versatile musician, Wood’s use of woodwinds and saxophone added a distinctive, jazzy texture to Traffic’s music.
• Dave Mason: Though he left early, Mason contributed to Traffic’s early sound, particularly with his guitar work and songwriting. His departure allowed the remaining members to explore a more cohesive direction.

4. Musical Style and Themes

Traffic’s music combined:

• Jazz Fusion: Particularly in their intricate rhythms and improvisational solos.
• Blues and Folk: Elements of folk rock and blues influenced their melodic lines and lyrics.
• Psychedelia: Their early music retained traces of the 1960s psychedelic movement, though they evolved toward a more sophisticated sound.

Lyrical Themes:

• Spirituality and introspection (Dear Mr. Fantasy, John Barleycorn Must Die)
• Social and political commentary (The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys)
• Nature and mysticism (John Barleycorn Must Die)

5. Legacy and Influence

Traffic’s influence spans multiple genres, including rock, jazz, and progressive music. Their seamless fusion of different styles set them apart from many of their contemporaries and influenced generations of musicians.

Influenced Artists:

• Steely Dan: For their jazz-influenced rock and sophisticated arrangements.
• Fleetwood Mac: For their blues and rock fusion.
• The Allman Brothers Band: For their exploration of blues, jazz, and rock.

6. Interesting Facts

• Traffic’s Sound Evolution: Over their career, Traffic moved from an experimental, psychedelic sound to a more polished fusion of rock, folk, and jazz.
• Live Performances: Their live shows were legendary, with extended improvisational jams and a spontaneous energy that captivated audiences.
• Steve Winwood’s Other Projects: Before Traffic, Winwood was a member of the Spencer Davis Group and later went on to form Blind Faith and pursue a successful solo career.

7. Conclusion

Traffic remains one of the most innovative and influential bands to emerge from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their ability to blend jazz, rock, blues, and folk into a unique sound set them apart in an era of musical experimentation. Their albums, especially John Barleycorn Must Die and The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, continue to be celebrated for their genre-defying approach and their deep emotional resonance. Traffic’s legacy lives on as one of the most vital and creative forces in rock history.