They still need to do John Barleycorn Must Die - especially this live version. Absolutely sublime! ruclips.net/video/pnkHP_v3CYw/видео.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.
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!!!
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”).
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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of my favorite traffic songs and one of the rare tracks where Stevie played lead guitar in addition to his keyboards and vocals. And it does have a psychedelic vibe. Saw him twice live, amazing both times.
I was fortunate enough to see Traffic in 1971 when they had expanded to a larger band. Amazing show at a little venue in Cincinnati called Ludlow Garage which is still in operation today.
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.
This is absolutely made for the psychedelic experience, if you know what I mean. This is the sort of stuff you can just get lost in. Some amazing music came out of the UK in the 60s. It's wild. And all worth digging! Much love you guys!
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".
Two songs related that you really must do! Traffic doing Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. Like nothing else. Fantastic sax, piano and Stevie singing. The other, I'm A Man by Spencer Davis Group. Chicago did a fantastic cover of it but this shows Stevie at 15, maybe 16. He was a fabulous wunderkind. He started off wanting to be like Ray Charles and you can see how well he did it in I'm A Man.
Now you are getting to the heart of the matter. Traffic is a deep and rewarding rabbit hole. Enjoy! Another group that got friends thru tough times. Thank you, Amber. Glad you dug it! Great reaction. Thanks.
It's not often that I immediately replay a reaction right after it has finished. Especially, for a song I know so well and for so long. I'm so glad you liked this one. Perhaps, this is a good time to introduce you to another band from the same era. The name of the band is Spirit, and you might as well begin with the track 'Mr. Skin'. It's got horns!
I agree with you that they need to get to Spirit also. Get a little deeper into Traffic, especially everything from their album “John Barleycorn Must Die.” But soon they need to check out the entire Spirit album “The Twelve Dreams of Doctor Sardonicus.” It’s such a great album, with one of my favorite album names of all time.
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!!
Don't you just love the way music was played and recorded 5 plus decades ago. My husband and I saw them live. It is a treasured memory of mine. Lovely to see you both love it so much. True hippie blood runs in your veins, for sure.
Yeah, they are hippies from a different century. How great it is that the music, style and vibe of that era is still cherished, I was so lucky to live it!
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"!!!!
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.
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.
It’s amazing to think that I used to listen to this music, this song, on the radio! When you heard one song you couldn’t wait to hear the next song because it would be the same band but with a NEW sound. Bands of this era had such talent to write songs and play! Once you thought you “pin-holed” a group’s sound, they would do something distinctively different. Dear Mr. Fantasy was one of my favorites…and this “album” was particularly psychedelic ☺️
You guys have touched on a few stops on Steve Winwood's storied career, from solo and Blind Faith (I think you covered Spencer Davis Group with "Gimme Some Lovin'") but Traffic is unique. They were such an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, folk and other styles that they almost became a genre unto themselves. This song shows the musicianship of the band, including Steve tearing it up on guitar as well as vocals. This era of the band featured Steve Winwood on guitar, vocals, organ and piano, Jim Capaldi on drums, percussion and vocals, Chris Wood on sax and flute as well as keys and vocals and Dave Mason on vocals and guitar - truly a killer lineup of musicians. If you ever get the chance, check out Steve doing this live with Eric Clapton back around 2009. I've seen Steve live many times and this always brings down the house. And, Amber, don't worry - plenty of Traffic music to be found. 😀
Traffic is one of those bands that you look back on and say, “Dang! They were so good!” And you immediately put them on the play list. Glad is another great song.
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!
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.
*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.
The reason I've loved rock all these years, and why it got me into playing since I was a teenager, is its diversity. Rock 'n' Roll is nothing more than taking from many genres to patch together a new sound. I didn't realize it when I was a kid, but the rock I listened to was nothing more than blues, soul, funk, country, bluegrass, jazz ... you name it, all packaged into loud, fast, intense music.
Great reaction!! There is an extended version of this that is almost 11 minutes long. It has a long stretch of instrumental in it that was specifically designed for people on acid to trip to. You will hear long segments like this in a lot of late 60s music (for example, the long version of the Doors' "Light my Fire"). That's what they are there for, and best experienced with.
Low Spark info: a jazz piece, great bass and piano dialogue, sax that sends me into orbit. This is about the music industry. The band was from the UK and the album for Low Spark was released in 1971 - one of my favorite albums ever! UK boy bands back then all wore black boots with elevated heels, hence the name of the song. The low Spark part was, in my opinion, about the impact that this type of music had on the wear a suit to the office guys (me at the time), but the change came! Seriously, give this a listen. Low Spark has had lots of reaction vids done on it, would love to watch the impact it would have n you two! 😎
"Gimme Some Lovin " Spencer Davis group , Steve Winwood. I believe he helped write this song at 16 yrs old.1960's. love Traffic Thank you Remember the English groups were incorporating R&B in to their music and shipped it back to the American fans who loved it.
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.
Yes Traffic are amazin'! My introduction to them was the first track off their 2nd album (simply titled Traffic): You Can All Join In. The groove is so incredibly infectious I was hooked! The next day I went out 'n bought their first 3 albums. Saw them live in 1970 when they toured their new album John Barleycorn Must Die. A 3 piece band that covered all the bases. Steve Winwood played bass with the organ pedals as well as lead guitar and main vocals. A most memorable concert experience.
I'm new to your channel. I'm old school and my favorites are classics like this. He played with Eric Clapton for years. They did a reunion in Madison Square Garden. Check out when they do Little Wing... You guys are doing a great job on your channel. Thumbs-up! Also live version of Eric Clapton Old LOVE... REALLY GOOD
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!
ruclips.net/video/pnkHP_v3CYw/видео.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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.👍
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.
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.
Amber's smile when the harmonica kicks in. That's a smile of musical satisfaction right there.
Amber, you nailed it. Music is not the same today. This is a great example of music speaking to your soul.
Owsley
Indeed..
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
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!!! 😉
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.
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!
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.
What a glorious blast from the past! Winwood's tune with Blind Faith, "Can't Find My Way Home" is a gorgeous track.
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.
"Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" will make you reconsider all the music you have ever heard.
This is soulful rock!🎉! You just never want it to end.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!!!!
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
This song is 100% vibes. I often get lost in this song when listening to it.
"Glad/Freedom Riders" by Traffic is amazing!!
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.
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.
It‘s also a huge pleasure to see Winwood and Clapton performing this live together at Crossroads.
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! 🔥
One of my favorite traffic songs and one of the rare tracks where Stevie played lead guitar in addition to his keyboards and vocals. And it does have a psychedelic vibe. Saw him twice live, amazing both times.
I was fortunate enough to see Traffic in 1971 when they had expanded to a larger band. Amazing show at a little venue in Cincinnati called Ludlow Garage which is still in operation today.
Steve Winwood is a musical genius and can tear a guitar up just like he can a keyboard. He's a treasure 🪙
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.
This is absolutely made for the psychedelic experience, if you know what I mean. This is the sort of stuff you can just get lost in. Some amazing music came out of the UK in the 60s. It's wild. And all worth digging! Much love you guys!
I remember going sideways in reality. You're right. Great song for that.
Oh yeah, Winwood plays guitar too. Master musician.
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.
Two songs related that you really must do! Traffic doing Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. Like nothing else. Fantastic sax, piano and Stevie singing. The other, I'm A Man by Spencer Davis Group. Chicago did a fantastic cover of it but this shows Stevie at 15, maybe 16. He was a fabulous wunderkind. He started off wanting to be like Ray Charles and you can see how well he did it in I'm A Man.
Can't forget "Gimme Some Lovin'".
Yes!!!! You have no idea how excited I am you’re finally reacting to this song!
Holy Cow is right this is an awesome ole school jam ty all , Jay and Amber you guys are so cool🦋✌️😀
This was some of the most ground-breaking music of my generation. It helped define us as a culture.
Traffic were such a cool band. Stevie Winwood is amazing - multi talented musician, great songwriter and superb vocalist
I want to also thank everyone who suggested this. It was like turning your best friends onto your new favorite song. Awesome upload
Now you are getting to the heart of the matter. Traffic is a deep and rewarding rabbit hole. Enjoy! Another group that got friends thru tough times. Thank you, Amber. Glad you dug it! Great reaction. Thanks.
The bands you refered to all came after Traffic. These guys were cutting edge. This is your Hippie vibe Amber.
One of my all time favorite songs to listen to and also to play along on guitar.
The band I'm in has been covering this for years and we always love it
It's not often that I immediately replay a reaction right after it has finished. Especially, for a song I know so well and for so long. I'm so glad you liked this one. Perhaps, this is a good time to introduce you to another band from the same era. The name of the band is Spirit, and you might as well begin with the track 'Mr. Skin'. It's got horns!
I agree with you that they need to get to Spirit also. Get a little deeper into Traffic, especially everything from their album “John Barleycorn Must Die.” But soon they need to check out the entire Spirit album “The Twelve Dreams of Doctor Sardonicus.” It’s such a great album, with one of my favorite album names of all time.
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!!
Don't you just love the way music was played and recorded 5 plus decades ago. My husband and I saw them live. It is a treasured memory of mine. Lovely to see you both love it so much. True hippie blood runs in your veins, for sure.
Great point.. how it was recorded matters too. The warmth, the richness, the tone.. so human
Yeah, they are hippies from a different century. How great it is that the music, style and vibe of that era is still cherished, I was so lucky to live it!
Oh, thankyou, thank you, thank you. Try my fav The Low Spark of the High Heeled Boys.
Traffic is great band, my favorite song is John Barleycorn Must Die from the album with same name
Excellent song❤
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"!!!!
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.
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.
Thank you for getting around to this wonderful band. So much more to explore...
Now you're talkin'. Next Traffic song has to be The Low Spark Of High Heel Boys.
Steve winwood also plays lead guitar on this track👊
It’s amazing to think that I used to listen to this music, this song, on the radio! When you heard one song you couldn’t wait to hear the next song because it would be the same band but with a NEW sound. Bands of this era had such talent to write songs and play! Once you thought you “pin-holed” a group’s sound, they would do something distinctively different. Dear Mr. Fantasy was one of my favorites…and this “album” was particularly psychedelic ☺️
If you saw Avengers End Game this is the song featured at the beginning. Dave Mason was also in Traffic when this was recorded.
You guys have touched on a few stops on Steve Winwood's storied career, from solo and Blind Faith (I think you covered Spencer Davis Group with "Gimme Some Lovin'") but Traffic is unique. They were such an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, folk and other styles that they almost became a genre unto themselves. This song shows the musicianship of the band, including Steve tearing it up on guitar as well as vocals. This era of the band featured Steve Winwood on guitar, vocals, organ and piano, Jim Capaldi on drums, percussion and vocals, Chris Wood on sax and flute as well as keys and vocals and Dave Mason on vocals and guitar - truly a killer lineup of musicians. If you ever get the chance, check out Steve doing this live with Eric Clapton back around 2009. I've seen Steve live many times and this always brings down the house. And, Amber, don't worry - plenty of Traffic music to be found. 😀
My absolute favorite song by Traffic! It came out when I was in San Francisco going to electronics school for a year in the Navy.
Amber, Traffic has a lot of songs with saxophone!!
One of Traffic's Biggest Hits, for Sure! Amber Loved the Harmonica! :) Memory Lane! Great Reaction, Guys! :) Soul captured in a Guitar! :)
Traffic is one of those bands that you look back on and say, “Dang! They were so good!” And you immediately put them on the play list. Glad is another great song.
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!
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is the ultimate whiskey drinking cigar smoking song 🥃🚬
"Piano man Jay" would especially like the song "Glad" by Traffic.
Yes!!
STEVE WINWOOD GENIUS
65-75 the greatest decade of music ever!
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.
*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.
The reason I've loved rock all these years, and why it got me into playing since I was a teenager, is its diversity. Rock 'n' Roll is nothing more than taking from many genres to patch together a new sound. I didn't realize it when I was a kid, but the rock I listened to was nothing more than blues, soul, funk, country, bluegrass, jazz ... you name it, all packaged into loud, fast, intense music.
"Empty Pages" is another one where Winwoods voice just shines... The song is phenomenal.
Great reaction!! There is an extended version of this that is almost 11 minutes long. It has a long stretch of instrumental in it that was specifically designed for people on acid to trip to. You will hear long segments like this in a lot of late 60s music (for example, the long version of the Doors' "Light my Fire"). That's what they are there for, and best experienced with.
Low Spark info: a jazz piece, great bass and piano dialogue, sax that sends me into orbit. This is about the music industry. The band was from the UK and the album for Low Spark was released in 1971 - one of my favorite albums ever! UK boy bands back then all wore black boots with elevated heels, hence the name of the song. The low Spark part was, in my opinion, about the impact that this type of music had on the wear a suit to the office guys (me at the time), but the change came! Seriously, give this a listen. Low Spark has had lots of reaction vids done on it, would love to watch the impact it would have n you two! 😎
"Gimme Some Lovin " Spencer Davis group , Steve Winwood. I believe he helped write this song at 16 yrs old.1960's. love Traffic Thank you Remember the English groups were incorporating R&B in to their music and shipped it back to the American fans who loved it.
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.
“Lo Spark Of High-Heeled Boys” must be next!! 😊
The list is endless. Spencer Davis Group. Blind Faith. CREAM .Traffic and solo genius. He's one of those musicians whose absence would be a crime.
Besides other Traffic tunes mentioned here, Winwood's Arc of a Diver deserves a listen.
Arc of a Diver is otherworldly good.
Just beautiful, and you guys both nailed it in your reaction! Thank you SO much for this one!
I’ve seen him play this live with members from the Grateful Dead post Jerry…He is phenomenal
Traffic opened for the Dead on the 1994 tour
Yes Traffic are amazin'! My introduction to them was the first track off their 2nd album (simply titled Traffic): You Can All Join In. The groove is so incredibly infectious I was hooked! The next day I went out 'n bought their first 3 albums. Saw them live in 1970 when they toured their new album John Barleycorn Must Die. A 3 piece band that covered all the bases. Steve Winwood played bass with the organ pedals as well as lead guitar and main vocals. A most memorable concert experience.
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.
I'm new to your channel. I'm old school and my favorites are classics like this. He played with Eric Clapton for years. They did a reunion in Madison Square Garden. Check out when they do Little Wing... You guys are doing a great job on your channel. Thumbs-up! Also live version of Eric Clapton Old LOVE... REALLY GOOD
One of my favorites, Its on my playlist at work !!!!
Two words:
STEVE.
WINWOOD.
Starting singing at 16. Dude is one of the best musicians of the past 60 years.
Traffic was amazing! As others have mentioned, you should next do The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys...the long version.
I have watched a lot of your videos lately. Your choices in music and your reactions are now my favorites!
I love this song i had no idea wind wood was in this band learn something new everyday !! thank you
Old enough to say I got to see Traffic live. And since then have gone to Stevie Winwood solo concerts. Great vibe.