Traffic

Traffic Live Performance of 'Dear Mr Fantasy' from Santa Monica Concert

Santa Monica, CA, United States

• In January 1972, Traffic was in a pivotal phase of their career, having just released their critically acclaimed album "John Barleycorn Must Die" in 1... Read Full Description >

  In January 1972, Traffic was in a pivotal phase of their career, having just released their critically acclaimed album "John Barleycorn Must Die" in 1970. This album marked a significant transition for the band, as it featured a more ensemble-oriented sound compared to their earlier work, blending rock, jazz, and folk influences. The live performance captured in the video "Traffic - Dear Mr. Fantasy" showcases the band in Santa Monica, a testament to their evolving stage presence and musical exploration. By this time, Traffic had solidified their lineup, prominently featuring Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood, who together crafted a rich sound that resonated with both fans and critics. Notably, "Dear Mr. Fantasy" is one of their signature songs, embodying the band's penchant for lyrical depth and improvisational flair, which is vividly illustrated in their live performances during this dynamic period.

Traffic Live Performance of 'Rainmaker' at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

• In January 1972, Traffic was in a dynamic phase of their career, having released their acclaimed album "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys" just months... Read Full Description >

  In January 1972, Traffic was in a dynamic phase of their career, having released their acclaimed album "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys" just months prior in November 1971. This period marked a significant evolution in the band's sound, characterized by their blend of rock, jazz, and rhythm and blues. The live recording of "Rainmaker" at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium demonstrates the band's ability to deliver powerful performances, showcasing their improvisational skills and unique musicality. Notably, the song "Rainmaker" was a staple of their live repertoire and exemplified the band's lyrical depth and complex arrangements. The live performance captured in this recording exemplifies Traffic’s willingness to experiment and redefine their musical boundaries during their height of creativity in the early 1970s, solidifying their status as one of the pioneering bands of the era.

Traffic Performs '40,000 Headmen' Live at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Santa Monica, CA, United States

• In early 1972, Traffic was at a pivotal point in their career, following the release of their album "John Barleycorn Must Die" in 1970, which marked a... Read Full Description >

  In early 1972, Traffic was at a pivotal point in their career, following the release of their album "John Barleycorn Must Die" in 1970, which marked a significant shift towards a more ensemble sound incorporating jazz and rock elements. By the time of the live recording of "40,000 Headmen" at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, the band was evolving their musical style and solidifying their reputation for dynamic live performances. This concert was part of their tour promoting "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys," which would be released later in 1971. An interesting fact about Traffic during this period is the involvement of multiple key members, including Steve Winwood, who played a crucial role in crafting their unique sound. The live setting emphasized their improvisational skills, capturing the essence of their synergy as a band during a time of significant artistic growth.

Traffic Live Performance of 'John Barleycorn Must Die' at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Santa Monica, CA, United States

• In January 1972, shortly after the release of their album "John Barleycorn Must Die," Traffic performed live at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Thi... Read Full Description >

  In January 1972, shortly after the release of their album "John Barleycorn Must Die," Traffic performed live at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. This album marked a significant moment in the band's evolution, as it was their first album after reuniting following a hiatus. Featuring a blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences, "John Barleycorn Must Die" was well-received and showcased their mature sound, with the title track becoming a fan favorite. The live recording captures this pivotal period in Traffic's career, emphasizing their strength as a live band and their ability to translate studio complexity to the stage. Notably, this concert also reflects the band's adventurous spirit, highlighting their improvisational skills and musicianship, which were foundational to their identity as a group that transcended conventional rock boundaries.

Traffic Concert: 'Light Up or Leave Me Alone' at Santa Monica Civic Center

Civic Center
Santa Monica, CA, USA

• On February 21, 1972, Traffic performed a live concert at the Civic Center in Santa Monica, California, capturing a pivotal moment in their career. Le... Read Full Description >

  On February 21, 1972, Traffic performed a live concert at the Civic Center in Santa Monica, California, capturing a pivotal moment in their career. Leading up to this recording, the band had released their acclaimed album "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" in late 1971, which marked a significant shift toward more intricate compositions and a fusion of rock and jazz elements. The live performance of "Light Up or Leave Me Alone," a track from this album, showcases the band’s evolving sound and their improvisational skills, highlighting their status as an influential act in the early '70s music scene. Notably, this concert is one of the few filmed live performances of the group from that era, providing fans with a rare glimpse into their dynamic stage presence and the chemistry among band members, including Steve Winwood's virtuosic keyboard work and the unique arrangements characteristic of Traffic's style.

Traffic - Live Performance of 'Glad' and 'Freedom Rider' from 1972 Concert

The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Santa Monica, CA, United States

• In February 1972, when Traffic performed at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, they were riding high on the success of their album "John Barleycorn Mu... Read Full Description >

  In February 1972, when Traffic performed at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, they were riding high on the success of their album "John Barleycorn Must Die," which had been released in July 1970. This album marked a significant turning point in the band's career as it was their first project after the departure of founding member Steve Winwood. The live recording features the tracks "Glad" and "Freedom Rider," showcasing the band's blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences that characterized their sound. Notably, this period saw traffic solidifying their lineup with members such as Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood. Just prior to the Santa Monica concert, the New Musical Express reported on personnel changes within the band, including the departures of Jim Gordon and Ric Grech, signaling a transformative time in their history. The live performance captured the essence of Traffic's evolving artistry during this dynamic phase of their career.