I agree. I love Traffic. I would even put them in my top five to ten greatest (rock) bands of all time. A lot of people won't understand, but for those in the know who really know music, this is some of the most progressive, sophisticated, tasty, and timeless rock and roll ever created.

Dave Mason's Alone Together is one of the desert island disks for me.

Low Spark and Alone Together are two albums I’ve never gotten tired of. Ok, let’s add Barleycorn.

Have to say Shoot Out At the Fantasy Factory is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any of them.

" Walk in the Wind" wonderfull!! I love this track! My regrets.

I remember buying the first Traffic album when it came out. I was doing my regular trek thru the Moorestown Mall stores with record departments, entering thru the Woolworth's record section, going thru the racks before heading down to Gimbels to check out their record racks. Then head back to an indie record shop, We Three Records. Before doing Sears & Wanamakers record departments, I stopped in the Singer Sewing Center which had a record section among the sewing machines. There on the bottom slot I saw Traffic's Heaven Is In Your Mind, not knowing anything about it. Turned it over and saw Steve Winwood's name. Knowing he was from the Spencer Davis Group I bought the album unheard, took it over to a friend's house because his father had a great stereo, and put it on. We were blown away by how great, and different the album was. It remains in my current rotation over 50 years later!

I grew up with this music. Traffic records were always great uplifting and mellowing music when the hard rock and psychedelic sounds had saturated the ears of my roommates and I. They're definitely in the top tier of all those classic rock bands. 1965-75 is an incomparable decade for music. I've kept all my Traffic records which I was buying when they were issued, even when I had to get their CDs.

Thanks for doing this video - Traffic / Winwood are seriously underrated, particularly the 1970s output. Greatest Hits Live from 2017 is a terrific Winwood retrospective.

Low Spark, such a great title track.

Great show of one of the greatest Rock Bands in the history of Rock .☮️

I adore all of Traffic's works. Low Spark is the highlight of Winwood's work. John Barleycorn is another. Haunting and beautiful jazz rock folk that puts you in a state of musical euphoria. Can't believe you still have mint copies of the original albums and copies of old reviews. Your are a master collector. I am on my 3rd and 4th copies of their LP's as most were lost, trashed or left with former girlfriends. At age 68 I still enjoy all of their albums, and the solo efforts. Its great to hear another enthusiast's praise their work. Thank you. Craig from Benicia

I love Traffic!

Great overview of the Traffic albums, such a great band. I wanted to point out a solo album by Winwood called, About Time from 2002. I think you will really enjoy this album, it’s a three piece band and it’s a very groove driven record. I think it’s only on cd format.

Traffic, 13 years old, my first rock show. Formative.

I got into Traffic in the fall of 2002 after buying the CD of Last Exit for $7 during The Wiz's liquidation sales en route to the chain going under. I wound up making a few trips to Tower Records in Manhattan to buy the rest of Traffic's catalog as well as the first few Rhino CD remasters of the Chicago catalog. Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory is my favorite Traffic album. I think it's just about perfect. The hard rock of the title cut, the more jazz like dream that is Roll Right Stones, the acoustic perfection of Evening Blue, another jazz workout with Tragic Magic and then the closer Sometimes I Feel So Uninspired, which starts out down but then builds up into this inspirational anthem about overcoming what''s bringing you down, which I could relate to in 2002. And Winwood's guitar in that final track was just great. It would be a desert island disc for me.

I always thought that Steve Winwood's first (self-titled) studio album released in 1977 was seriously underrated. It's pretty funky and features Jim Capaldi and Rebop Kwaku Baah.

Two overlooked songs from Low Spark are Hidden Treasure and Many a Mile to Freedom still play in my head while I'm working

Traffic liked to have musical conversations. Stevie always like to jam it out. A lot of bands from that era did. I have always loved that.

I have my top 10 greatest albums of the 70s which include things such as Jeff Beck blow by blow. blue oyster cult agent of fortune,almost all Steely Dan,Aerosmith get your wings,Starship Spitfire just to name a few, but right in my top five is traffic, John barleycorn, which I believe came out in 1970 exceptionally fine music throughout that entire record …Great band.

Traffic is easily one of the most important bands of the great rock era.

In my top 5 bands all time . My favs are traffic 2 John barley corn , low spark

I was at that show @ Winterland, amazing show. Thinking back, it was an amazing moment in time. Thanks to Bill Graham, We were able to see some of the legends up close and personal and Traffic always stood out.

I 100% agree that the 2nd album, the eponymous Traffic is their best. It has that perfect fusion of what each of the four members brings to the band. Don't be Sad; gorgeous! That opening Fender Stratocaster riff is so soulful and beautifully sung by Mason. Like you said, Perfect Record.

I never tire of the song Low Spark. It takes you on a journey, and the lyrics are so wry and insightful.

I got into traffic around 1980 and immediately loved them. I picked up all their albums pretty quickly. It's hard to pick my favorite era as they are all good. Alone together is a great album by Mason. It's hard to find anything bad by these guys.

Solid songwriters, Winwood was a magnficent singer, they were were inept improvisors.

Walking In The Wind has currently been my favorite Traffic tune for quite a while now. Gritty lyrics and Steve's rompings on the Moog make this a stunning groove. Oh and that killer bass. Yeah.

I found "Oh How we danced" in a pile of records at our cottage. Loved it, and don't know why it wasn't bigger.

1994 Far from Home and many tour dates supporting it is worth a tip of the hat. Thanks Norman its a gift to hear your take on aspects of the good stuff.

This was great. Hard to define the group. Really enjoy the little I’ve heard so far.

Great band...Traffic - John Barleycorn - Low Spark - When the Eagle are all perfect records with different peculiarities. this makes Traffic huge.

Finally 👍🏽, for me Fab Four, Traffic, Byrds and then the rest …great job in covering their spectrum with solo works, one of your top videos/review ever …thank you Sir !👏👏👏

Super informative video Mazzy. I'd never heard of Traffic until my more sophisticated college roommate turned me on to them some four+ decades ago. And now I'm learning that their catalog is far more extensive than I realized. Thanks for the education on a band I love. 👍👍 On a related note, how on earth could anybody have thought that "Heaven Is In Your Mind" would be a bigger hit than "Dear Mr. Fantasy"? That intriguing rhythm in Mr. Fantasy just draws the listener in. One of the best songs ever i.m.o.

Yes, it's a great band. Like all their albums.

Incredible live organ improv by Winwood on Feelin' Good.

Great video, thanks for showing Traffic the love! Mazzy, you are so right about those UK pink Islands. I’d had that version of “John Barleycorn” on my want list for eons. This past December we went to see my daughter in the UK. We went to Harrogate for the Christmas markets, and walking around about 3:30 I see a sign “Record Fair today”, with the dealers starting to pack up. Needless to say there was one there for 40 pounds and he graciously came down to 30.

Good one! Big Traffic fan here, thanks for shining a light on them today!

I can't believe I don't have Heaven on Your Mind. Wheat Combine for the Canadian release. Amusing. Thanks.

Great background on Traffic. You might like their album Far From Home, it came out in the UK in1994. Its dedicated to Chris Wood.

I'm sure I won't be the only viewer to ask about the reunion album "Far From Home" Capaldi/Winwood did in the '90's, which got excluded here. Certainly NOT displacing "John Barleycorn" to my ears, BUT a worthy comeback, and I'm grateful they chose to put it out especially since Jim Capaldi died not long after this came out. (I know they DID tour, but concerts are beyond my tolerance now).

2nd lp is in my top 15 of all time. Love debut too, top 50. Got various pink labels myself too

Thank you Norman for this outstanding video traffic is really incredible band I was just a kid when they were popular but I was always aware of them I didn't really get into them until the 90s and I have since discovered all the great Spencer Davis stuff as well Steve winwood is a musical genius and he is still going strong

Been listening to Traffic for years. (Definitely be on the outlook for pink Island label). Appreciate all their albums- my mood dictates which one I listen to at any given time. Thanks for talking about them

Who doesn't love Traffic? Under-rated band. If you haven't yet, go see Steve Winwood while he's still touring. Dave Mason is, too. I'm with you Mazzy, those first 2 albums are the best and most cohesive, especially that 2nd album.

Mazzy love your feature on the great group Traffic love Steve Winwood’s voice he a killer organ player and is no slouch on guitar . Mazzy damn now I have to seek out those UK Pink Labels I’m droolin’ 🍻.

Great presentation, Mazzy. I'm a big fan of all versions of Traffic too, as well as all solo work by Steve, Jim, and Dave (although I only really like "Alone Together" from him.) My favorite song on "When the Eagle Flies" is "Dream Gerrard."

We saw Spencer Davis around '67 in London.

Thanks for doing this review. Saw Traffic in around 1975 at the Colston Hall, Bristol being supported by a group called "Sour Grapes" - in fact Richard & Linda Thompson plus Danny Thompson on bass - the 1st but not the last time I've seen the wonderful R Thompson. Secondly, on Jim Capaldi's version of 'Oh how we danced' I think Paul Kossoff is on guitar - & sounding pretty good as usual.

I have Steve Winwood solo records from the 80s. Thanks for the pink label Isand tip. 😊

I love Santana’s version of Dealer. Great video Mazzy.

One of my fave bands - genuinely progressive in the sense that they were risk takers, experimenters, improvisers who never stayed still and followed their own paths regardless of trends - true original Island artists in that sense.. The 1977 Steve Winwood solo album really should have been mentioned as it is pretty much a Traffic record with the addition of Willie Weeks and Andy Newmark on bass and drums on a few tunes. Also noticing that Arc of a Diver was very influential on Mark Hollis from Talk Talk and that Traffic laid the groundwork for that experimental phase of the band. Great video!

Traffic are fantastic. I hadn’t listened to them until recently, when Digital Gramaphone was bigging them up! Great band profile Mazzy.

The second self titled Traffic album was my introduction to Traffic and will always remain my favorite. The version of Feeling Alright from this is LP tops all the other hyped up versions by others artists. I love Mason's more relaxed interpretation (and the way it should be done anyway).

'John Barleycorn...", just BRILLIANT ! "The Low Spark...", more BRILLIANCE !! Dang, I HAVE to go listen to them, right now !!

Saw Dave a few yrs ago , huge outdoor concert he opened for Rod Stewart , felt like no one knew who he was until he played a radio friendly hit from late in his career , I forget what it was now , he ev3n commented to the crowd , “ there is one you know I guess “

one of your best reviews - maybe easy when the music is so good? not a folk-rock band, but rock-folk. not jazz-rock... rock-jazz (w/ solid R&B throughout). songs too long? screw that... not long enough. I could always listen to Low Spark over again (& did). great to see the review slip out of the cover - we should all investigate our ancient scrolls. Barleycorn>Low spark>Shoot Out are among the best 3 album sequences in rock history (& it's a short short-list). {the Swampers were pure Muscle Shoals (distinct from nearby Memphis). met David Hood a couple times a few years back. very nice, thoughtful, humble guy (& a player!). insight to "the path not taken" given the chance to make tons more $$$ on the road... w/ attendant risks of a short career-life.} Traffic albums will be listened-to & their music played live centuries from now (if we make it that far). cheers,

Love Traffic! Thanks for putting this together.

I worked backwards from Steve Winwood’s Arc of a Diver to his Traffic and Spencer Davis Band years as a young teen. Fantastic music. John Barleycorn Must Die is a high point in their catalog.

I love Traffic!!

2nd album looks like money to me i like it so much--saw them early twice--just great band

Saw them at Winterland in 1974. We caught the early show and got back in line for the nightcap.

Excellent episode, Maz. Traffic is one of the great underappreciated bands. I "only" saw them on the Low Spark tour.

Great video and have loved Traffic for years. Further info : They wrote and played songs (including the title song) of the film soundtrack ‘Here we go ‘round the mulberry bush’ plus Dave Mason co-produced the awesome debut album by UK band Family ‘Music in a dolls house’

You’re really on top of your game with this one Mazzy!

Traffic is one of my favorites!! Also, I love Joe Cocker's version of Feelin' Alright best!

Great præsentation of an important English band. My favorite is Welcome to the canteen. A beatiful lp, with Gordon at his best.

Enjoying this episode so much!

Thank you..well done...much appreciated..learned a bit here

The first Traffic songs that crossed my way were "Paper Sun" / "Hole In My Shoe" both uplifting, enjoyable songs - not on their EU studio albums at the time but on single only. One of my favourite Traffic songs is "Rollright Stones" (from the "Low Spark..." album). I knew the record since it came out, but only realized 'bout 20 ys. ago, that the "Rollright Stones" were a real place, a stone circle in the northern Cotswolds (Heart of England). So I went there and was surprised to find such an interesting remote historic monument in the middle of nowhere. Most people are heading for Stonehenge, maybe Avebury as well, but only few got an idea where/what the "R.S." are. All in all: Traffic in my opinion is one of the most complex band in Rock-Pop history. Mazzy yis totally right. Thanks.

Thanx 4 THEGREAT expose on 1of my favorite iconic British bands,,, that I agree should have been much more ‘heralded for the greatmusicality, thanmanyof their ‘more popular ‘contemporaries

Great appropriate reviews of Traffic albums, my favorites too. My group does 40k HEADMAN AND CYRYING TO be Heard. Thanks NORMAN❤

Great band.

The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys = my mis spent teenage years..........................

Traffic has remained on the periphery of my music listening but I need to look deeper to the albums with Dave Mason. Steve Winwood, however, is always an automatic purchase when there is a new album since his self-titled solo album. I would had shown off Arc Of A Diver over Back In The High Life.

“Traffic” is also my favorite Traffic album and one of my top 10 albums.

Wow, what a great video! Feeling' Alright with Dave Mason & The Quarantines during lockdown was a welcome distraction during those times.

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day norman

Thank you. You are such a pro.

I recently purchased the live record “welcome to the canteen” and man I am not disappointed. It’s got some great songs on it and the band is in fine form.

Local band to me! Wonderful stuff Mazzy

I picked up one of those (Mr Fantasy, mono press) in my favourite record shop recently.

Great post, Mazzy. The cottage where the band got their heads together in the country is still there, on the outskirts of a quiet village. So too is the pub where they probably got out of their heads.

I get to tell my Stevie Winwood story! I was a HUGE Stevie fan during his SDG days, had every album, etc, so when they came to Detroit in 04/68 we, of course, went, but no Stevie!! Muff was still in the band, but Stevie was lost in Traffic. So after the show we went down to the loading dock to find out why and the lead guitarist from the opening act was loading his pickup and I started yelling "Where's Stevie?? Where is he??" The guitarist was not in the mood and told me in very clear terms to go f myself. At that point my buddy leaned over and whispered "What an a.. hole!" And that jerk was Ted Nugent from the opening act, The Amboy Dukes. Many, many years later I texted my friend "you were the first to call him an " a.. hole! " " That cannot possibly be true, " he replied Finally, i, too, have an autographed, Canadian "Traffic Reaping" album!! How weird is that.

I like Steve's Back In The High Life album, but the albums Steve Winwood and especially Arc Of A Diver are less "produced" which makes them better for my taste. I totally agree that Dave Mason never put out another complete album like Alone Together. His It's Like You Never Left is one that I've always enjoyed. I bought it because George Harrison played on it, but was pleasantly surprised. The song that got a lot of air play from it is Every Woman which I think is a very good song. Thanks for doing the Traffic show, it brought back some great memories. Thanks for the information on the pink label Island records too.

Feeling Alright may well be Dave Mason's most soulful tune...his love of American RB and skill as a musician and songwriter was a great match with Winwood's amazing talent and influences.

Love traffic such an underrated band I thought it was interesting the point you made about the track sometimes I feel so uninspired What I find really interesting about that tune is how they arranged that song to be extremely vague and sparse musically to match the meaning of the lyrics To me that really shows how good they were at their craft

A band I've loved since my teens. You did a great job 👍 and I would expect nothing less. Excellent musicians made wonderful albums. Greg

A terrific take on Steve, Traffic and the solo work of the band members. After Little Feat, Traffic are one of my favourite bands. I got into them when a friend let me listen to this album his older sister got, and I was blown away by Dream Gerard and its jazzy meticulous meandering. A fan ever since. Cheers Mazzy!

Traffic could do the spectrum ,i have them all but John Barleycorn Must Die is a favourite

Hi. My favorite is also the self-titled one. It’s a perfect record for sure. Great band.

Hey Mazzy - great take on one of my favorite bands. I bought the eponymous album when I learned that they had a version of "Feelin' Alright" on it (had purchased the Joe Cocker record in '69 and thought it was the best cut on that record). I still have my US OG of Last Exit.

Great to see this Mazzy...Traffic was a fantastic band, with the self-titled (second), 'John Barleycorn', and 'Low Spark' being extra-high points for a band with almost nothing but high points...

John Barleycorn was released in the UK in a gatefold sleeve on a pink label originally.

Always great to see another Mazzy vid!. Traffic is near the top of that eternal "if I could have seen a band" list for me. I know you just highlighted some of the solo material, but Winwood's first and "Short Cut Draw Blood", by Jim Capaldi are two people should also give a listen to. cheers

"Heaven Is In Your Mind" MUST be enjoyed via headphones and under the influence of acid. There is continuous background music between every cut on the album - no dead air. It is very subtle (when not stoned). My fave TRAFFIC release.

Saw Traffic in Detroit when they were touring Low Spark. They must have played 3 hours and the music was absolutely captivating ande never too long. I have to admit though the sound and the time perception was, er, artificially enhanced.

Side one is classic.

Thanks for covering Traffic. I love all those early albums. Traffic was an acquired taste for sure. I dont have any of the Island copies, but love the American versions. That Dave Mason solo album is about as good a rock album as there is. Not a klunker in the bunch, but my marbled copy is way too noisy. Im a little too long in the tooth to be out searching for new copies, but if I stumbled across one, I'd grab it. Thanks again.

Great overview. I think my first marveled record was that Dave Mason album as well. Nazz Nazz was my first translucent (red) album. Those variants were mind blowing then.

Really loved this posting, Mazzy. I agree almost entirely with your assessment of Traffic. I also rate the eponymous second album highly- although it doesn't get such support from the critics. Remember that 'John Barleycorn Must Die' was also a gatefold sleeve (originally) in the UK. The only difference was in the coarse weave hessian design being a plainer organic grey in the UK version. Don't forget Traffic also contributed to the 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush' movie soundtrack and a solo album by Gordon Jackson.