Traffic

Traffic Full Concert Live Performance in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA, United States

• Traffic was at a pivotal point in their career during the live recording at Santa Monica on November 30, 1971. Prior to this performance, the band rel... Read Full Description >

  Traffic was at a pivotal point in their career during the live recording at Santa Monica on November 30, 1971. Prior to this performance, the band released their landmark album "John Barleycorn Must Die" earlier that year, which showcased a blend of rock, jazz, and pop elements and solidified their standing in the progressive rock scene. The Santa Monica concert captured the band at a time of creative evolution, as they were transitioning with the addition of new elements to their sound. Interestingly, this period followed the departure of key member Dave Mason, who had left in 1970, prompting the remaining members to experiment with their musical identity. This live performance is particularly notable as it reflects Traffic's improvisational strengths and their ability to engage audiences with extended instrumental sections and rich, textured arrangements. The concert ultimately highlights the band's influence and experimental ethos during this dynamic time in their history.

Traffic - Live Performance of 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Santa Monica, CA, United States

• Traffic's live performance of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on November 30, 1971, came during a pivotal time in their career... Read Full Description >

  Traffic's live performance of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on November 30, 1971, came during a pivotal time in their career. The band had released their studio album "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" just weeks earlier, on November 8, 1971. This album marked a significant phase in Traffic's evolution, showcasing their blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences, and was notably well-received, becoming one of their most recognized works. Interestingly, "Dear Mr. Fantasy," originally featured on their 1967 debut album, played a crucial role in establishing their identity and continues to be one of their signature songs. By the time of this live recording, Traffic was solidifying their reputation for exceptional musicianship and their ability to craft extended, improvisational performances, a hallmark of their concert experiences that thrilled fans and critics alike.

Traffic - Full Concert Live in Santa Monica 1972 (Remastered)

Santa Monica, CA, United States

• Traffic was at a significant turning point in their career around the time of the live recording in Santa Monica on November 30, 1971. Prior to this c... Read Full Description >

  Traffic was at a significant turning point in their career around the time of the live recording in Santa Monica on November 30, 1971. Prior to this concert, the band released the album "John Barleycorn Must Die" in July 1970, which marked a shift toward a more cohesive sound, blending elements of rock and jazz. Following the Santa Monica concert, they went on to produce "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys," released in November 1971, which would become one of their most acclaimed works. The live concert showcases the band's improvisational prowess and unique blend of styles, reflecting not only their musical evolution but also the enthusiastic reception of their multi-genre approach. Interestingly, the performance captured in this concert highlights the chemistry between band members during a dynamic period, as they navigated both internal changes and the burgeoning popularity of their music.