They still need to do John Barleycorn Must Die - especially this live version. Absolutely sublime! th-cam.com/video/pnkHP_v3CYw/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=fabaldo
Steve Winwood, the lead singer on this song came to fame at 16 years old with a song called Give Me Some Lovin. He was a prodigy. He helped create Traffic which was a very popular band in its day. Went on to join Blind Faith with Eric Clapton then had a spectacular solo career. I mean one of the greats although a bit underrated for some reason. Again, a musical prodigy and genius with a stunning and very distinct voice❤️❤️❤️❤️
Winwood was the greatest child prodigy of all time. The lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon was a seasoned pro by age 19 as well. There were literally dozens of them in the early Seventies. Why? Because every suburban block had a local garage band of thirteen-year-olds that aspired to be rock stars. We are talking about a time that even within the POP genre, the Osmonds, The Cowsills, and The Jackson Five were not out of the ordinary. A numbers game really. The larger the talent pool, the more chance for a prodigy to be found. Like I said, Winwood was the greatest child prodigy of all time.
John Barleycorn Must Die is my favorite album of theirs. But really all of their music is great. Their music, along with Blind Faith, Spirit, Jonathon Edward’s, and others in their style were my weekend morning, mellow, move slowly into the day music. I’m so glad you all finally made it to Traffic (just “Traffic”).
I Knew It I knew it I Knew it!!!! I spent all these years telling everyone that the music of the 60's and 70's was the best ever and you guys Confirm this every day THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS!!!
Steve Winwood was also in Blind Faith and sang "Can't Find My Way Home" The band also included future Cream artists Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton. I highly recommend this one.
I used to work at a group home for developmentally disabled adults and sometimes id bring my guitar to work and play this for them. I've never seen anyone so appreciative. Great people and i miss them very much... R.I.P. Ryan...
Traffic's "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" is a masterpiece! It may be too long for you guys to react to but I highly recommend it, especially since you like sax.
Everything this song is is what's missing from today's music. The willingness to experiment, throwing in some really cool transitions, playin the hell out of every instrument, and smothering it with emotions and a cool vibe. I am sooooo glad I grew up in this era listening to this music!
One of my all-time favorites. I sang along. So the next time you see an old man or lady in the supermarket or on the road, remember that they were once the cool kids, and in a way, they still are. Because this was their music.
Agree, everything on that album (John Barleycorn Must Die) is great! I also really like Glad, Freedom Rider, and John Barleycorn, which is like a 500 year old folk song.
The genesis of the lyrics is great too. He was in a rut for ideas for a song , and under time pressure , so he sang about what he directly related to - the empty pages of his notebook.
Traffic is such a great band and Winwood is such a great artist. But then everyone in this band are great artists. They were a supergroup of their time.
The first words out yer mouths are always the best. “Oh my goodness!!!! Wow wow wow“ Thanks for the smile. I love watching amber sway to any tune with looks of surprise and wonder and a harmonica for example. She emulates the joy of music. And Rob. The man of a thousand air instruments. You’re the best man
Senior year 1975. I can’t tell you how much we listened to this! I probably won’t tell you what we were doing but it was the seventies and it’s legal lots of places now. Lol
This song/album was among the psychedelic ‘playlists’ of its time. This band existed before all of the bands you mentioned. They were at the forefront of their music and their time.
The next Traffic songs you should react to are "Empty Pages" and "Light Up and Leave Me Alone" (with Jim Capaldi on lead vocal). A couple of Blind Faith songs worth checking out are their cover of Buddy Holly's "Well Alright" and "Sea of Joy".
In case you aren't aware Winwood was primarily the keyboardist, playing bass pedals in a live setting, while Dave Mason was the guitarist and Chris Wood played sax and Capaldi drums. For this track, they played live in the studio, with Winwood switching to guitar, Mason to bass and Wood to keyboards.
So great young folks appreciate how this song goes down inside and rips your emotions. For me, it reminds me of my late hubby, Henry. We're both children of the 70's and grew up on this music and grew into appreciating these songs. I miss my man.
I was 15 when I first heard this song in 1967. Made me an instant Traffic fan. I have to agree with other comments here. Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys is beyond classic. It is Traffic at its finest. Also gotta say; Jay, I love you, bro, but Amber...girl watching you react to these old tunes always puts a huge smile on this old dude's face. You get it. girl. I am very fortunate to have lived through the music of the 60s and 70s and beyond. Made me into the musician I am today...still. Love and peace to you both. God bless all in my family here!
This came out in 1967 and is further proof that the mid 60's through to the end of the 70's was the best time fore music, and you know what is really good? this was my time!!!!!
You made my day with this one!! I love anything that Steve Winwood does, and this is one of his big ones. Even Marvel used it for the opening song of Avengers Endgame. Traffic are in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, too..they're just so talented.
Traffic was so good in the early years when Dave Mason was playing guitar with the band. This is from that time, as was their (original) version of "Feeling Alright". However, my favorite piece of Traffic this the first three songs (Side One from album days) : "Glad", "Freedom Rider", and "Empty Pages". The last song truly songs exactly like Steve's solo work 7 years later. If you have to pick only one song to represent Trafic, it would be their maxum opus "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, as everyone else has already pointed out.
It's now forgotten, there was a time in late 60's UK when, multi-instrumentalist Windwood as a guitar player, was considered up there with Clapton, Beck, Townshend & Page. The Winwood guitar break in Mr Fantasy is a superb example of Psychedelic fusion/jazz/rock blues.
Traffic is a deep well. Lot of great songs. "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys", "Empty Pages", "Medicated Goo", John Barlycorn Must Die", "You Can All Join In", "Feelin Alright", "Glad", "Pearly Queen"...
Dear Amber, hearing you describe how the music from this time period hits you is amazing. I am 64 so I was fortunate to live when this stuff first came out ( well maybe this one was a little before that ). I am so glad you two are finally hearing the amazing music of the late 60's and 70's. Enjoy the journey. There is so much Southern Rock you have not heard yet that you will love like The Outlaws, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, The Charlie Daniels Band etc.
Right on Amber. You describe how the music back in the day would just fill your heart and soul and really make you feel it. And don't worry, Traffic put out a lot of great music and I'm sure you'll love all of it.
As noted below, Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is a must follow-up to this. But Traffic has many other songs to check out including: Glad/Freedom Rider, Empty Pages, Rainmaker, Shoot Out At the Fantasy Factory, Evening Blue, Pearly Queen, Feelin Alright, and the fantastic 40,000 Headmen. That can get you started!
This "baby" was born in 1967. It predates most of those iconic bands that you mentioned, except maybe Pink Floyd that *I think* technically started in 1966. As others mention, Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys is a must listen from Traffic.
Their live version of Gimme Some Lovin, from their live lp Welcome to the Canteen, is one of the great jams of all time. And for the record, their lp John Barleycorn Must Die, is one of the most well-written lps of all time. A masterpiece.
The blues play Steve Jamed Out, this is a quintessential blues rock song. very indicative of the late '60s and 70's his performance with Eric Clapton on the crossroads is worthy of exploration.
Hi Amber and Jay, the album Mr. Fantasy, came out in December 1967, when I was 15, I'm now 71 and it still sounds great. I have found your musical journey of discovery absolutely fascinating, it's great to see how much enjoyment you get listening to music that I listened to maybe before your parents were born. As you go on your trip through time, try and work out the instruments you are listening to, I think it will increase your pleasure immeasurably. We used to do it by reading the sleeve notes, but nowadays, I guess Wikipedia, will tell you all you need to know. Keep on discovering and re-lighting the fire in old people's bellies. Mark, London, England.
Traffic was an amazing band. Another couple of amazing songs by Traffic are (my favorite,) "John Barleycorn Must Die" and "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys." Dave Mason had a number of great solo songs, but the keyboardist of this band, Stevie Winwood has had an amazing career, with bands like "The Spencer Davis Group," "Blind Faith," "Traffic" and "Ginger Baker's Air Force." And his solo career was very successful as well. Steve Capaldi on drums has performed with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Alvin Lee and Cat Stevens, and Traffic was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
*YESSSITY-YESSITY-YES-YES-YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!* I told you so. (Over and over and over, in fact.) You can make an argument that Traffic are not one of the top 10 bands of all time, but if you try to say they're not Top 20, all I will do is laugh. Line up for this song: Steve Winwood, guitar, lead vocals Dave Mason, bass, harmonica, backing vocals Chris Wood, organ, backing vocals Jim Capaldi, drums, backing vocals (The maracas are played by Jimmy Miller, the band's producer.) Normally, it would be reversed, with Steve on bass (or keyboards, if necessary) and Dave on guitar, but they switched it here. So that's Steve Winwood on the solo, but Dave put that bass to good effect, too. Chris Wood was a multi-instrumentalist, like John Helliwell of Supertramp, playing flute and saxophone as well as organ. While Mason wrote and sang his own tunes, the other songs were written by Winwood and Capaldi, usually as a duo. The only problem with this early phase of the group (this is from the debut album) was that Dave Mason wasn't 100% committed to being part of a band. So after the album came out, he quit temporarily and produced a record for band called Family, while the other three went on tour. But Mason came back and did most of the songs for the second album, especially his all-time classic, "Feelin' Alright?". Years later, Joe Cocker would do a very successful cover of that song, but IMO Cocker's version is a bit Joe-by-numbers and loses a bit of the specialness of the Mason/Traffic original. Other songs from this period include "Smiling Phases", "Roamin' Thru' the Gloamin' with 40,000 Headmen" and "Medicated Goo" by Winwood/Capaldi and "Hole in My Shoe" and "You Can All Join In" by Mason. However, after the next tour, Mason left the band again, and Winwood decided to explore other options, forming Blind Faith with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker and adding bassist Rick Grech, from Family (the band that Mason produced). As you'll recall, that only lasted one album, and Winwood then thought to revive Traffic as a trio with Wood and Capaldi. That album featured the classic "Freedom Rider" and they brought in Grech for the tour. That clicked, and after trying a third time with Mason (only lasted for six shows), they kept on with the absolute classic "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys", perhaps the song Traffic is best known for nowadays. HOWEVER…that song runs 11.41, so you might have a problem. I HOPE you find a way to deal with longer songs (because you also missing out on "July Morning" by Uriah Heep and a pile of great long songs by The Doors and Yes, for example) because this should NOT be missed. Even though there are several other top songs from this period ("Rainmaker", "Light Up or Leave Me Alone", "Rock and Roll Stew") it would be a huge pity to miss "Low Spark", I say. Only eight studio albums Amber, but that gives plenty of material. Thank you, so very very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it and thrilled if my cajoling had any effect. (Does this mean I should keep agitating for PRE-Stevie Fleetwood Mac? [I actually think they were better in the Bob Welch days, heretical as that seems. Try "Hypnotized" or "Sometimes" or "Prove Your Love"] Or should I ease up, lol?) And, as mentioned recently, this is the opening song for "Avengers: Endgame" There is a Tony Stark tribute video set to this song that I watch regularly. Think I'll put it on now. Peace.
At 14 he was the lead singer for the Spencer Davis Group, at 16 he joined Eric Clapton & the powerhouse, at 19 he formed Traffic at 21 he joins up with Clapton again in Blind Faith then at 25 he went solo secured in the legendary category of musicians
Jay & Amber, you'd like their "Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys"!! You'll love Steve Winwood's "The Finer Things", "While You See A Chance" and "Back in the High Life Again"!!!!
I was literally just re-listening to this first album and "John Barleycorn Must Die" a few days ago. This song, 'Coloured Rain', and the haunting 'No Face, No Name, No Number' to name a few from "Mr. Fantasy", and the first three tracks, 'Glad', 'Freedom Rider', and 'Empty Pages' from Barleycorn is arguably the best first side of an album ever.
low spark of high heeled boys, feelin alright, light up or leave me alone, pearly queen, rock and roll stew, medicated goo.... so many Traffic classics to choose from
Great choice, Winwood's lead guitar work is superb. In the 80's he was better known as a keyboard player and singer with more mainstream pop hits like Higher Love.
One of the iconic groups, and iconic voices, of the late 60s early 70s. If you would like to really hear the beginnings of Traffic, get ahold of 40,000 Headmen, By Traffic. It's one of the first songs at the start of the hippie era..... The greatest era of all time for music and for love and peace. You know, the Woodstock era!!
I loved it when it came out, but I was too young to really appreciate it. Thank you both, and your viewers, for this blast from my past. Y'all are about the only reaction channel I watch with any regularity. This boomer thanks you.
Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys is a MUST. Please do the long version with all the solos studio version. After that you should back track to early Traffic with John Barleycorn Must Die.
I knew you two would absolutely love this gem of a song. It has everything that you two love about 60s music. It's a little psychedelic like Amber said. It's bluesy. Steve Winwood's voice is killer. Everyone is a master at their instruments. Glad you got to finally hear it.
![โรงเรียนตอนตี 2 โคตรหลอน..!! [โรงเรียนไดเม่]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2MAEMwqVYh8/mqdefault.jpg)
If you like this, you will love listening to Traffic’s, Low Spark Of High Heal Boys. That one is epic.
They still need to do John Barleycorn Must Die - especially this live version. Absolutely sublime!
th-cam.com/video/pnkHP_v3CYw/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=fabaldo
Also John Barlycorn Must Die
High-Heeled
Yes, the 11 minute version.
Low spark of high heeled boys is best head space song of all time
It's inconceivable but true that Steve Winwood was only 19, was the co-composer, sang lead, and played multiple instruments.
When he was started in Spencer Davis Group, he was only 15.
15 is correct!
Played organ with Jimmy Hendrix on "Voodoo Chile!"
60s Steve Winwood (Spencer Davis Group), 70s Steve Winwood (Traffic) and 80s Steve Winwood (solo) are like 3 different, equally incredible artists
Also Blind Faith and his collaboration for the album 'Go' are worth remembering.
Traffic and Steve Winwood are incredible!!! Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is a must listen to single as well as the album!!!
live … the live version of low spark
Love that song, but Gimme Some Lovin' is also a "must listen". Who are we kidding? It's Traffic. It's all good.
Came here to say the same thing ❤
Add me to the list for Low Spark of High Heeled Boys!
This album sounds as if it could have come out today. Timeless perfection ahead of its time.
Steve Winwood, the lead singer on this song came to fame at 16 years old with a song called Give Me Some Lovin. He was a prodigy. He helped create Traffic which was a very popular band in its day. Went on to join Blind Faith with Eric Clapton then had a spectacular solo career. I mean one of the greats although a bit underrated for some reason. Again, a musical prodigy and genius with a stunning and very distinct voice❤️❤️❤️❤️
Don't forget the Spencer Davis Group.
@@howardhales6325 Yes, I believe he sang " Give Me Some Lovin " with Spencer Davis ( whatever happened to Spencer Davis? ).
very underrated guitarist, and a multi-instrumentalist. Steve is a treasure trove of God-given talent.
@@johnsilva9139pencer Davis died in Oct 2020 at age 81.
Winwood was the greatest child prodigy of all time. The lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon was a seasoned pro by age 19 as well. There were literally dozens of them in the early Seventies. Why? Because every suburban block had a local garage band of thirteen-year-olds that aspired to be rock stars. We are talking about a time that even within the POP genre, the Osmonds, The Cowsills, and The Jackson Five were not out of the ordinary. A numbers game really. The larger the talent pool, the more chance for a prodigy to be found. Like I said, Winwood was the greatest child prodigy of all time.
Excellent song. John Barleycorn is another awesome hit by them and very different too.
That whole album is fire!
John Barleycorn must die. J? You said you want some whiskey music? Go ahead.
John Barleycorn Must Die is my favorite album of theirs. But really all of their music is great. Their music, along with Blind Faith, Spirit, Jonathon Edward’s, and others in their style were my weekend morning, mellow, move slowly into the day music.
I’m so glad you all finally made it to Traffic (just “Traffic”).
Glad turned me into a Jazz musician
Steve Winwood is a musical genius and can tear a guitar up just like he can a keyboard. He's a treasure 🪙
For the last 40 years, bands can't come close to the sound we had in the 70's. 40,000 Headmen is one of their best songs.
I Knew It I knew it I Knew it!!!! I spent all these years telling everyone that the music of the 60's and 70's was the best ever and you guys Confirm this every day THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS!!!
-#cheers-- !-
Yes sir and nothing will ever match it
Same here, nothing beats mid sixties through the 70s, best music ever, will have fans forever like Mozart!
Steve Winwood was also in Blind Faith and sang "Can't Find My Way Home" The band also included future Cream artists Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton. I highly recommend this one.
Cream ended before Blind Faith started.
Spencer Davis Group
Eric seemed like a lost puppy, looking for a home, the way he jumped from band to band.
@@Chris.Davis.2 That's kind of how he described it in his book, too.
@@howardhales6325 Really? Thanks for that information, I didn't know. I need to read his book, I bet that's a great read.👍
I used to work at a group home for developmentally disabled adults and sometimes id bring my guitar to work and play this for them. I've never seen anyone so appreciative. Great people and i miss them very much...
R.I.P. Ryan...
Props. That's a great way to spend your life.
"Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" will make you reconsider all the music you have ever heard.
Oh yeah, Winwood plays guitar too. Master musician.
Traffic's "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" is a masterpiece! It may be too long for you guys to react to but I highly recommend it, especially since you like sax.
Great song and great album -- I really like "Rock and Roll Stew," although it's Jim Capaldi singing lead instead of Winwood.
Low Spark is too good
Amber's smile when the harmonica kicks in. That's a smile of musical satisfaction right there.
Everything this song is is what's missing from today's music. The willingness to experiment, throwing in some really cool transitions, playin the hell out of every instrument, and smothering it with emotions and a cool vibe. I am sooooo glad I grew up in this era listening to this music!
One of my all-time favorites. I sang along. So the next time you see an old man or lady in the supermarket or on the road, remember that they were once the cool kids, and in a way, they still are. Because this was their music.
Thank you!
This was some of the most ground-breaking music of my generation. It helped define us as a culture.
Amber, you nailed it. Music is not the same today. This is a great example of music speaking to your soul.
Owsley
Indeed..
Traffic is one of the most underrated bands ever. They became a favorite ever since I discovered them. Anything on the album John Barleycorn Must Die.
The best version of this I've seen is when Winwood played this at Clapton's Crossroads Festival in 2007. He's an incredible live act.
Steve showed us his guitar chops in that Crossroads performance! 🔥
Empty Pages is another song by Traffic that's worth a listen. The guitar player Dave Mason had a hit with We Just Disagree, another great song
Yes, Empty Pages is a great Traffic song!
Actually Dave Mason played bass on this track. That's Steve Winwood On Guitar.
Agree, everything on that album (John Barleycorn Must Die) is great! I also really like Glad, Freedom Rider, and John Barleycorn, which is like a 500 year old folk song.
Another great Dave Mason song is Let It Go,Let It Flow
The genesis of the lyrics is great too. He was in a rut for ideas for a song , and under time pressure , so he sang about what he directly related to - the empty pages of his notebook.
So glad you discovered Traffic. Dave Mason was the lead guitarist for Traffic. He also had a solo career. You would really enjoy "We Just Disagree".
Yes on Dave Mason, I also like his song Headkeeper. We Just Disagree is also very good as you suggested.
Mason sometimes played guitar with Traffic, but Winwood played lead on Mr Fantasy.
Traffic is such a great band and Winwood is such a great artist. But then everyone in this band are great artists. They were a supergroup of their time.
The first words out yer mouths are always the best. “Oh my goodness!!!! Wow wow wow“
Thanks for the smile. I love watching amber sway to any tune with looks of surprise and wonder and a harmonica for example. She emulates the joy of music. And Rob. The man of a thousand air instruments. You’re the best man
Senior year 1975. I can’t tell you how much we listened to this! I probably won’t tell you what we were doing but it was the seventies and it’s legal lots of places now. Lol
Steve Windwood....what a voice! Great musician too. He and Eric Clapton do this live in stage many years after this and it’s fantastic as well!!! 😉
It‘s also a huge pleasure to see Winwood and Clapton performing this live together at Crossroads.
This song/album was among the psychedelic ‘playlists’ of its time. This band existed before all of the bands you mentioned. They were at the forefront of their music and their time.
Yes 68-69 ish I recall having this album in my 1st apt and was 68, and 69
They predated all the bands mentioned.
This song still gives me chills all these many years later.
The next Traffic songs you should react to are "Empty Pages" and "Light Up and Leave Me Alone" (with Jim Capaldi on lead vocal).
A couple of Blind Faith songs worth checking out are their cover of Buddy Holly's "Well Alright" and "Sea of Joy".
Ric Grech's violin on Sea Of Joy can bring me to my knees.
In case you aren't aware Winwood was primarily the keyboardist, playing bass pedals in a live setting, while Dave Mason was the guitarist and Chris Wood played sax and Capaldi drums. For this track, they played live in the studio, with Winwood switching to guitar, Mason to bass and Wood to keyboards.
Traffic were one of the best bands back in the day!!!They were very under rated&that was a real shame!!!Their music has stood the test of time!!!
Oh, thankyou, thank you, thank you. Try my fav The Low Spark of the High Heeled Boys.
So great young folks appreciate how this song goes down inside and rips your emotions. For me, it reminds me of my late hubby, Henry. We're both children of the 70's and grew up on this music and grew into appreciating these songs. I miss my man.
"Glad/Freedom Riders" by Traffic is amazing!!
I was 15 when I first heard this song in 1967. Made me an instant Traffic fan. I have to agree with other comments here. Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys is beyond classic. It is Traffic at its finest. Also gotta say; Jay, I love you, bro, but Amber...girl watching you react to these old tunes always puts a huge smile on this old dude's face. You get it. girl. I am very fortunate to have lived through the music of the 60s and 70s and beyond. Made me into the musician I am today...still. Love and peace to you both. God bless all in my family here!
Traffic's, "Low Spark of the High Heeled Boys" is a great song about the up and coming punk/ glamrock music movement. It's a long one, but worth it.
Excellent album to boot!!!!!
My favorite of theirs, loved it before I'd ever even heard of them.
@@kovie9162 Love your Mt. Rainer Icon!👍
@@greg2976 I lived in Seattle for 10 years and could see it on sunny days from my roof. Plus it's what I actually look like! 🤣
@@kovie9162 I have 2 sisters that live in Seattle! I lived out there for 2 years many years ago!!!!
This came out in 1967 and is further proof that the mid 60's through to the end of the 70's was the best time fore music, and you know what is really good? this was my time!!!!!
You made my day with this one!! I love anything that Steve Winwood does, and this is one of his big ones. Even Marvel used it for the opening song of Avengers Endgame. Traffic are in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, too..they're just so talented.
65-75 the greatest decade of music ever!
What a glorious blast from the past! Winwood's tune with Blind Faith, "Can't Find My Way Home" is a gorgeous track.
Y'all said it best, they don't make music like this anymore. Pure soul.
Traffic was so good in the early years when Dave Mason was playing guitar with the band. This is from that time, as was their (original) version of "Feeling Alright". However, my favorite piece of Traffic this the first three songs (Side One from album days) : "Glad", "Freedom Rider", and "Empty Pages". The last song truly songs exactly like Steve's solo work 7 years later. If you have to pick only one song to represent Trafic, it would be their maxum opus "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, as everyone else has already pointed out.
Glad
@@janetannerevans2320you have great taste, Glad is a wonderful piece of jazz.
Music from my youth.
I wish the young people would have great music like this in 2023 and beyond.
The bands you refered to all came after Traffic. These guys were cutting edge. This is your Hippie vibe Amber.
You're right... "music ain't made like this anymore!"
It's now forgotten, there was a time in late 60's UK when, multi-instrumentalist Windwood as a guitar player, was considered up there with Clapton, Beck, Townshend & Page. The Winwood guitar break in Mr Fantasy is a superb example of
Psychedelic fusion/jazz/rock blues.
Winwood is a fantastic guitar player
I'm sure not by those who lived through that time.
Traffic is a deep well. Lot of great songs. "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys", "Empty Pages", "Medicated Goo", John Barlycorn Must Die", "You Can All Join In", "Feelin Alright", "Glad", "Pearly Queen"...
Dear Amber, hearing you describe how the music from this time period hits you is amazing. I am 64 so I was fortunate to live when this stuff first came out ( well maybe this one was a little before that ). I am so glad you two are finally hearing the amazing music of the late 60's and 70's. Enjoy the journey. There is so much Southern Rock you have not heard yet that you will love like The Outlaws, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, The Charlie Daniels Band etc.
Two words:
STEVE.
WINWOOD.
Starting singing at 16. Dude is one of the best musicians of the past 60 years.
Traffic is great band, my favorite song is John Barleycorn Must Die from the album with same name
Excellent song❤
Right on Amber. You describe how the music back in the day would just fill your heart and soul and really make you feel it. And don't worry, Traffic put out a lot of great music and I'm sure you'll love all of it.
As noted below, Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is a must follow-up to this. But Traffic has many other songs to check out including: Glad/Freedom Rider, Empty Pages, Rainmaker, Shoot Out At the Fantasy Factory, Evening Blue, Pearly Queen, Feelin Alright, and the fantastic 40,000 Headmen. That can get you started!
Empty Pages for sure!
Walking In The Wind!
Another Traffic tune that should get on your to do list is Rock and Roll Stew.
"Piano man Jay" would especially like the song "Glad" by Traffic.
Yes!!
Traffic... "Can't find my way home"...... All time classic.
This "baby" was born in 1967. It predates most of those iconic bands that you mentioned, except maybe Pink Floyd that *I think* technically started in 1966. As others mention, Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys is a must listen from Traffic.
Old enough to say I got to see Traffic live. And since then have gone to Stevie Winwood solo concerts. Great vibe.
Their live version of Gimme Some Lovin, from their live lp Welcome to the Canteen, is one of the great jams of all time.
And for the record, their lp John Barleycorn Must Die, is one of the most well-written lps of all time. A masterpiece.
Welcome to the Canteen captures Traffic at the top of their game; so underrated.
The blues play Steve Jamed Out, this is a quintessential blues rock song. very indicative of the late '60s and 70's his performance with Eric Clapton on the crossroads is worthy of exploration.
I think it's time for some Blind Faith! The song Can't Find My Way Home is excellent!
Eventually they'll hit it. It's a must.
@vincentschmitt7597 so right you are, that they actually hit it 7 months ago, lol
@@alrivers2297 there you go.
"Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and I slipped away"......... Boston," More than a feeling".
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is the ultimate whiskey drinking cigar smoking song 🥃🚬
It’s settled….. 70’s music is the best generation for music !
“Steve Winwood” 🔥🎸❤️
I want to also thank everyone who suggested this. It was like turning your best friends onto your new favorite song. Awesome upload
Hi Amber and Jay, the album Mr. Fantasy, came out in December 1967, when I was 15, I'm now 71 and it still sounds great. I have found your musical journey of discovery absolutely fascinating, it's great to see how much enjoyment you get listening to music that I listened to maybe before your parents were born. As you go on your trip through time, try and work out the instruments you are listening to, I think it will increase your pleasure immeasurably. We used to do it by reading the sleeve notes, but nowadays, I guess Wikipedia, will tell you all you need to know. Keep on discovering and re-lighting the fire in old people's bellies. Mark, London, England.
STEVE WINWOOD GENIUS
Traffic was an amazing band. Another couple of amazing songs by Traffic are (my favorite,) "John Barleycorn Must Die" and "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys." Dave Mason had a number of great solo songs, but the keyboardist of this band, Stevie Winwood has had an amazing career, with bands like "The Spencer Davis Group," "Blind Faith," "Traffic" and "Ginger Baker's Air Force." And his solo career was very successful as well. Steve Capaldi on drums has performed with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Alvin Lee and Cat Stevens, and Traffic was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“Lo Spark Of High-Heeled Boys” must be next!! 😊
Shanghai Noodle Factory, 40,000 Headmen, You Can All Join In, Medicated Goo, Empty Pages. So many fantastic Traffic songs.
If you saw Avengers End Game this is the song featured at the beginning. Dave Mason was also in Traffic when this was recorded.
I love this song. And I really appreciate that Jay and you both give your true opinions. This is Southern Rock to the extreme.
This is soulful rock!🎉! You just never want it to end.
Traffic was one of the great groups of my teenage years. Soooo goood. Go deep diving guys. You will enjoy. Yes Steve Windwood. What a talent he was...
Ah, the memories.......
I feel privileged to have gotten to see Steve live. He opened for Bob Seger.
Steve's guitar work on this is epic. A great musician on several instruments. ☮💚🎶
He is a walking musical note!
Winwood's extended guitar solo is a thing of beauty.
*YESSSITY-YESSITY-YES-YES-YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!*
I told you so. (Over and over and over, in fact.) You can make an argument that Traffic are not one of the top 10 bands of all time, but if you try to say they're not Top 20, all I will do is laugh.
Line up for this song:
Steve Winwood, guitar, lead vocals
Dave Mason, bass, harmonica, backing vocals
Chris Wood, organ, backing vocals
Jim Capaldi, drums, backing vocals
(The maracas are played by Jimmy Miller, the band's producer.)
Normally, it would be reversed, with Steve on bass (or keyboards, if necessary) and Dave on guitar, but they switched it here. So that's Steve Winwood on the solo, but Dave put that bass to good effect, too. Chris Wood was a multi-instrumentalist, like John Helliwell of Supertramp, playing flute and saxophone as well as organ.
While Mason wrote and sang his own tunes, the other songs were written by Winwood and Capaldi, usually as a duo. The only problem with this early phase of the group (this is from the debut album) was that Dave Mason wasn't 100% committed to being part of a band. So after the album came out, he quit temporarily and produced a record for band called Family, while the other three went on tour.
But Mason came back and did most of the songs for the second album, especially his all-time classic, "Feelin' Alright?". Years later, Joe Cocker would do a very successful cover of that song, but IMO Cocker's version is a bit Joe-by-numbers and loses a bit of the specialness of the Mason/Traffic original.
Other songs from this period include "Smiling Phases", "Roamin' Thru' the Gloamin' with 40,000 Headmen" and "Medicated Goo" by Winwood/Capaldi and "Hole in My Shoe" and "You Can All Join In" by Mason.
However, after the next tour, Mason left the band again, and Winwood decided to explore other options, forming Blind Faith with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker and adding bassist Rick Grech, from Family (the band that Mason produced). As you'll recall, that only lasted one album, and Winwood then thought to revive Traffic as a trio with Wood and Capaldi. That album featured the classic "Freedom Rider" and they brought in Grech for the tour.
That clicked, and after trying a third time with Mason (only lasted for six shows), they kept on with the absolute classic "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys", perhaps the song Traffic is best known for nowadays.
HOWEVER…that song runs 11.41, so you might have a problem. I HOPE you find a way to deal with longer songs (because you also missing out on "July Morning" by Uriah Heep and a pile of great long songs by The Doors and Yes, for example) because this should NOT be missed. Even though there are several other top songs from this period ("Rainmaker", "Light Up or Leave Me Alone", "Rock and Roll Stew") it would be a huge pity to miss "Low Spark", I say.
Only eight studio albums Amber, but that gives plenty of material.
Thank you, so very very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it and thrilled if my cajoling had any effect.
(Does this mean I should keep agitating for PRE-Stevie Fleetwood Mac? [I actually think they were better in the Bob Welch days, heretical as that seems. Try "Hypnotized" or "Sometimes" or "Prove Your Love"] Or should I ease up, lol?)
And, as mentioned recently, this is the opening song for "Avengers: Endgame" There is a Tony Stark tribute video set to this song that I watch regularly. Think I'll put it on now. Peace.
Amber, Traffic has a lot of songs with saxophone!!
Paper Sun Is musical artistry. Traffic has a way of painting musical images in one's mind.
Steve winwood also plays lead guitar on this track👊
At 14 he was the lead singer for the Spencer Davis Group, at 16 he joined Eric Clapton & the powerhouse, at 19 he formed Traffic at 21 he joins up with Clapton again in Blind Faith then at 25 he went solo secured in the legendary category of musicians
Jay & Amber, you'd like their "Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys"!!
You'll love Steve Winwood's "The Finer Things", "While You See A Chance" and "Back in the High Life Again"!!!!
Traffic never forgot they're a blues band.
I was literally just re-listening to this first album and "John Barleycorn Must Die" a few days ago. This song, 'Coloured Rain', and the haunting 'No Face, No Name, No Number' to name a few from "Mr. Fantasy", and the first three tracks, 'Glad', 'Freedom Rider', and 'Empty Pages' from Barleycorn is arguably the best first side of an album ever.
low spark of high heeled boys, feelin alright, light up or leave me alone, pearly queen, rock and roll stew, medicated goo.... so many Traffic classics to choose from
This song is 100% vibes. I often get lost in this song when listening to it.
One of the best Traffic songs. "You Can All Join In" is even better!
Now you're talkin'. Next Traffic song has to be The Low Spark Of High Heel Boys.
Thank you for getting around to this wonderful band. So much more to explore...
Great choice, Winwood's lead guitar work is superb. In the 80's he was better known as a keyboard player and singer with more mainstream pop hits like Higher Love.
Amber’s soul was feeling this one….. beautiful to see how someone is taken by the music. ❤
One of the iconic groups, and iconic voices, of the late 60s early 70s. If you would like to really hear the beginnings of Traffic, get ahold of 40,000 Headmen, By Traffic.
It's one of the first songs at the start of the hippie era..... The greatest era of all time for music and for love and peace. You know, the Woodstock era!!
Traffic, cream, hot tuna and rare earth were all amazing
I loved it when it came out, but I was too young to really appreciate it. Thank you both, and your viewers, for this blast from my past. Y'all are about the only reaction channel I watch with any regularity. This boomer thanks you.
You're getting deep into my music now.
Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys is a MUST. Please do the long version with all the solos studio version. After that you should back track to early Traffic with John Barleycorn Must Die.
They were awesome in concert. Shoreline Amphitheater, reunion tour; the stars, the drifting smoke and sweet sweet music...
S.W.
I knew you two would absolutely love this gem of a song. It has everything that you two love about 60s music. It's a little psychedelic like Amber said. It's bluesy. Steve Winwood's voice is killer. Everyone is a master at their instruments. Glad you got to finally hear it.
"Empty Pages" is another one where Winwoods voice just shines... The song is phenomenal.