Most of the bands we love were fans of these guys and Quick Silver Messenger Service, a friend turn in on to this: ua-cam.com/video/lDHLoLQ01JQ/v-deo.html in a mixed tape of awesomeness in the 90's
Traffic's a band that was so far ahead of its time that we still haven't caught up. To think this is from the late 60's and is still completely fresh. I've been saying "wow" to this for 50+ years!
Traffic came first in 1967. Steely Dan didn’t release their first album until 1972, one year after Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys cane out, which is Traffic’s fourth studio album.
@@3John16 enlighten yourself. Their discography is open to you to discover. it’s really up to you if you want to open yourself up to the rest of their music, or stay stubborn and judge a whole band based off a tiny fraction of their work 🤷♂️
The song is taking a shot at the record companies and executives. "Low spark of high heeled boys" is essentially saying the sheistiness of the record executives. I love his line "the man in the suit has just bought a new car from the profit he's made on your dreams. and today you just read that a man was shot dead by a gun that didnt make any noise. but it wasnt the bullet that laid him to rest. Was the low spark of high heeled boys." Just fantastic song writing from Winwood here.
There is more than one take on this song. Besides yours, it can also be about speedballs (high heeled boys). To me, that works better with all the verses. But hey, art is open to interpretation; I think we can all agree this song is brilliant.
My late husband and I used to listen to this song driving up 101 on the northern California coast, especially at dusk or in the rain. Yes, we were nicely loaded and feeling so mellow... Always makes me think of him, always makes me smile 😄
I adore, admire and highly respect you Jamal. We need more smiling, kind hearted people like you in this world. I enjoy seeing you hear my generation's music SO much. Much love to you my friend ❤
Yup..ztraffoc was earlier than Steely Dan Steve Windwood(Traffic) (keyboards)was a boy wonder only 17 with Traffic...later played with Eric Clapton in Cream)
Completely and totally agree. I've learned a lot about the music of my era from Jamel that I never understood in my doobie smoke-induced love of these tunes.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Jamel has arrived to the Chill Zone! We welcome you with open arms my Brother. Time to fire up that Lava Lamp, dim the lights, and indulge in whatever you might indulge in. Excellent reaction. This is what music is about. Experiencing all the nuances, feeling the vibe, and just being one with sound. I knew you'd love this one. Peace.
:) AAaaaahhh. Yes indeed. Isn't it too bad if Jamel doesn't do just exactly what you described and settle in to listen to the entire album from start to finish? That's what I remember most fondly. That and being with friends.
I'm a Canadian in Canada so I'm already there my brother. This version is Amazing. TRAFFIC- LOW SPARK Live Santa Monica ua-cam.com/video/R8M8R835Ck4/v-deo.html
I was talking to a friend of 50+ years about this the other day, how we could sit down and do nothing but LISTEN to a whole album - listening was a thing! and key to the whole era actually...
'Low Sparks" was my first "Headphones" song; when I really got into the sound. I waited 4 decades to see Steve Winwood live. With his first notes of "Low Sparks" I broke out in goosebumps and tears at the same time.
Best memory: High school art teacher would play this while we were all painting and doing our thing in art class. 1970's. Grooviest time to be alive xo
Looking back I usually remember the 70's as terrible - you know with the gas crisis and Vietnam and Watergate - a person could go on and on. But Jamel has reawakened the music for me and now I look back and remember how great the music was. Thank You Jamel for keeping GREAT music ALIVE.
No way! I had art class right after lunch when we would blow a j. Painting took on new meaning and if we had that music who knows what kind of creativity may have come from it.
Here's a different perspective: When I was growing up, the only chance you had to hear great music was if it was played on the radio, unless you could afford to buy albums. The joy I get in listening to these wonderfully epic songs still surprises me after all these years! I remember calling radio stations to make requests so I could tape the songs on a cassette!
Traffic IS Steve Windood,who got his start as the keyboard player with the Spencer Davis Group when he was around 14 years old,and had written the song "I'm a man" that became a major hit. One of the most gifted musicians to have ever lived.
"If I gave you everything that I own and ask for nothing in return, would you do the same for me as I would for you? Or take me for a ride and strip me of everything including my pride? The spirit is something that no one destroys." Some great ass lyrics there.
“Who feels it, knows it.” This guy feels it and shows it. It’s a pleasure to watch him feel the groove. Hit a spliff and listen to it again, dread. I love this guy.
This is one of those song's to decompress from work, a long day and driving for another 40 minutes before you get home. Anything! It sets your mind RIGHT!!!!
The more I watch you the more I realize that I was so lucky to be born when I was. My generation had some of the best music ever! I love watching you discover it!
Some of us may not have realized just how good it was back then. AM radio , 8-tracks , scratched LP and poor players. But it sounds sooo much better today!
I gotta admit, when this LP came on at a house party it was like a signal to spark up a joint. Although it WAS about 1972-73 and pot was prevalent ... so there ya go !...LOL...They played some amazing music and this was one of their BEST !..... BigAl in Mpls., MN
J, you'll love Steve Winwood's "Roll With It". Traffic started earlier than Steely Dan. This song/album came out in 1971(their 5th album). Steely Dan's first studio album 1972.
Watched Traffic perform this song live at the old New Haven Arena in the mid-seventies. Most amazing performance I ever saw. The pace and melody are truly hypnotic. I literally felt like I was floating in mid-air. It may have had something to do with sitting in the higher seats where all the smoke was rising.
All the other reaction channels just cycle through the same 20 songs but Jamel takes on Low spark??? Epic!! Dude, you’re killing it!! Congratulations!! Keep going, you’ll be at a million subscribers before you know it. You deserve it!
I saw these guys when I was 13 at George Washington University. I sat on the floor right at Stevie Winwood's feet. He was 20. I remember them playing John barleycorn and I was mesmerized. Someone passed me a joint and my sister in law grabbed it away from me. I'm 65 now and it helped define my taste in music. One of my fondest memories.
Im sitting out in fron of dunkin donuts at 6am with my speaker blasting and my eyes closed moving to the groove. Ive heard this song a zillion times, but never really appreciated it til now. Love that sax
Our music growing up was SO good, and so much of it. Resent us boomers, but no one can take away how music like this made us feel and continues to make us feel. Thanks indeed, Jamel for proclaiming its existence...
This year has been like no other. These reactions to songs I've listened to all my life are pure. It warms my soul to see such joy. Now if everybody else can get on board!
I subscribe to your channel because I enjoy your reaction to what I grew up listening to. Music, no matter the genre is for everyone to enjoy. I'm 63 and miss the great writing, harmonizing and bands that put their mark on music. Enjoy and keep rockin!
I’ve just been transported back to the first time I heard this song sitting with four roommates in a dingy, smoke filled college apartment firing up the communal hookah.
Maybe but a bit ironic since Winwood kind of went off the deep end around the time this album came out and was often too drunk to play gigs. as a child prodigy he had a hard time adjusting to real life after a while and went through some serious issues for QA quite a few years, luckily he struggled through it to later recover and continue his career
Around 1990, I was working at a rehearsal and cartage company in Nashville, Steve Winwood had rented the whole place for about 6 weeks to prep for his upcoming tour. My boss had told me to go back and pull Nigel Olssons (drummer for Elton John) kit and set it up and tweak anything it needed. As I'm doing this I can hear Steve through the wall doing this song while I'm working on the drum kit for a bit of a legend. I thought to myself "this doesn't pay much, but who the hell gets stories like this from work?"
Good info, I didn't realise that - it gives us a link to the german group Can. Although it predates Rebop joining, I remember Can's "Flow Motion" from the time being really something, and now I might have to go back and dig into Can's later albums with Rebop. Thanks for the pointer!
Great Traffic song! Virtually everything on that album is great though. Another great album is John Barleycorn Must Die. The song "Empty Pages" is a great one to try next.
This song is epic and I really enjoyed your reaction to it. Singer Steve Winwood was everywhere back in the day, from the Spencer Davis Group to Traffic to Blind Faith. You should react to Blind Faith next... "Can't Find My Way Home" is probably their biggest hit from the eponymous album. - edit: i see you already reacted to my Blind Faith suggestion... you're a step ahead of me!
"If you had just a minute to breathe, and they granted you one final wish...would you ask for something, like another chance?" one of my all-time favorite lines. and you really need to check out the concert film of them at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. it's an amazing show.
@Doug Sawyer you didn't hurt my feelings in the least. i just always wondered, with people like you, what it is you so hate about yourself and your life that you go around insulting things people say. so it's "old," as you say. what the fuck is it to you that someone comments?
@Doug Sawyer Back in the 70's, Houston had 2 album stations. They were side by side on the dial and they played nothing but album sides...they were very easy to switch between the stations, and were both VERY popular.
@Doug Sawyer which now makes an opportunity for guys like Jamel and his community of great and knowledgeable listeners. Good things happen to those who wait! Love reading everyone's comments.
Watching Jamal’s reaction reminds me of how I first felt hearing this song. It was too long for mainstream so not played or appreciated by our local popular bubblegum rock stations, but Phoenix had a great album-rock station called KDKB in the late 70s and 80s. They played a lot of Traffic, especially Low Spark, I bought the album and it’s become one of my favorites. I was and am still in awe of the sheer depth and power of this masterpiece and its expression of how the industry turns true talent into mere commodity. Elvis is a tragic example of this kind of heartless exploitation. Thank’s Jamal for giving it the attention it deserves!
It fills my soul with happiness watching a young brother grooving to this old song. It's sort of like white jazz. This is one of my favorite songs since I was twelve years old. Psychedelic and bluesy all at the same time. Dig it ! ( a joint is best )
I was 21 yrs old when I first heard this. I'm 69 now and it seems like yesterday. Thanks for the groovy grooves brother. It's a blast listening with you. Great memories!
This was one of my favorite driving tapes. That early in the morning feeling, because you haven't gone to bed yet and the sun is coming up and you're on a straight road out in the desert and you have Traffic cranked ...
I *so* love this song! Hot damn! I never get tired of listening! It has everything you'd want in a song, every genre you'd ever want, jazz, easy listening, pop, etc. You can't go wrong with a song like this. I don't know what exactly it reminds me of.
So tell me, Jamel, have you listened to this again since this reaction, or recommended it to others? This is such a great song I'm sure you have. You've been digging deep into the 70's and finding real treasures. Keep on diggin' son. ✌️😎
I do enjoy your reactions so much more than anyone else who makes these videos! I love your pure interest in the making of the music, who played what, who influenced who, 🤔 the enthusiasm is genuine and unrehersed, a real that is hard to come by in this day and age! Also love how much you have learned along this journey. Your knowledge of our music is very impressive considering you've only just begun to scratch the surface. Thank you again from the bottom of my ❤ heart for keeping our music alive and sharing it with others so they can do the same!! You are performing a dream of mine in a bigger scale than I ever could! Thank you for your great presentations, please don't ever change!
Headphones,candles,incense,alone in your room after partying or just going out earlier. Headphones were a must,cause I couldn't let parents listen,as they had to work. Great memories. Stevie Winwood is a treasure,no matter which band he happens to be with. A young genius. Oh yeah,and maybe some leftover party treats,with the headphones,etc.
Jamal, thank you. Your enjoyment of this is a pleasure to watch. I am blessed to be old enough to have been a young teen when Traffic cut their first album ( way before Steely Dan ).
They used to play it a lot on the FM station I used to listen to when it was more independent and would play ANY group or song, so I heard many songs I would never hear on regular stations.
"The title refers to an inscription written by diminutive American actor Michael J. Pollard in Jim Capaldi's notebook while they were both in Morocco. Capaldi and Pollard were planning to work on a movie that was never filmed. Capaldi said: 'Pollard and I would sit around writing lyrics all day, talking about Bob Dylan and the Band, thinking up ridiculous plots for the movie. Before I left Morocco, Pollard wrote in my book 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys'. For me, it summed him up. He had this tremendous rebel attitude. He walked around in his cowboy boots, his leather jacket. At the time he was a heavy little dude. It seemed to sum up all the people of that generation who were just rebels. The 'Low Spark', for me, was the spirit, high-spirited. You know, standing on a street corner. The low rider. The 'Low Spark' meaning that strong undercurrent at the street level.'" - - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Low_Spark_of_High_Heeled_Boys_(song)
Yup... even little dudes, counter culture weirdos, or anyone outside... can still cast a large shadow eventually is the idea. Seems as though I've heard that sentiment recently.
Traffic was before Steely Dan. Huge psychedelic rock band....piano player/songwriter Steve Winwood is a master musician, several instruments. He made a huge solo comeback in the late 80s with several top songs and albums. I love watching you help keep the best era in modern music alive. Good taste!
This song also takes me back to Friday evenings in the freshmen dorm. This song and Chameleon by Herbie Hancock were always first on the turntable.I got high off the music itself and stll do. One of my all time favorites...
Steve Winwood is so good. This song is about the record companies ripping off the artists on their record contracts. Lots of the Bands and solo artists, were being taken advantage of, because honestly, they were young and stupid. Great song from the "Classic Rock" era
Is it a glam reference, to the fact that the British pop stars of 71-74 or so were almost all glam artists like Bolan, Bowie, Elton, even Thin Lizzie I think? So the "high heeled boys" are the star performers of the day, almost all young and almost all ripped off by the labels in their early contracts?
@@loadedorygun Winwood thought that these “glam rockers” were ruining the music industry. WE all loved Bowie, T.Rex,etc. Winwood was NOT a fan. “We were children once playing with toys.” “The thing that you’re hearing is ONLY the sound of the LOW SPARK of HIGH HEELED BOYS”.
Were? They still are, though not a bad as they were, thanks to the internet. Use to be that the record companies kept 92 cents of every dollar the artist made. The worst thing was they used to trick the songwriters into selling the rights to the song. So it was only tours and merchandise that made the artists any money.
Hearing this today for the first time - and I'm a 60's flower - is a thrilling discovery. Thank you so much Jamel, you have made my day. You are spreading so much joy. Ear candy - ha ha ha, I love it. In a somewhat different vein, would you like to check out Pentangle and perhaps present one of their songs? How about Hunting Song or The Trees They Grow Tall. I'd love to see your reaction. The live performances are the best.
Empty Pages by Traffic is another fantastic song by Winwood. Thats a short 4 minute quick one, but its just as good. Also, "Presence of the lord" by Blind Faith is a must listen and one of Winwoods signature songs
"A drink, a joint or some popcorn"- fantastic! The first time I heard this album I was maybe 14 and lying on a friend's waterbed with a joint, headphones and lights off except for the stereo glow...amazing.
I've just discovered your videos, dude. Don't care if I'm late to the gig, I can dig it. You keep knocking it out of the park on song picks too.... Tull, Traffic, Blind Faith... right in my wheel house. You take me back to when I first discovered all these cats, feeling like I had almost missed out but got lucky and caught the train. Really fun to watch and listen to you discover classic stuff.
Went to see Rod Stewart in Concert in Boston about 2 years ago. Unbeknownst to me or most people that night, Steve Winwood unexpectedly dropped in, and did about an hour opening for Rod that night, running through many of his major hits. We were all blown away.....and Steve was as sharp and brilliant as ever.
"Empty Pages" is a good one. I know you dig the Grateful Dead, they covered "Dear Mr. Fantasy" fifty-eight times before Brent Mydland passed away in 1990.
Yes sir, The Dead did a fine job on that song! Widespread Panic still plays it with some regularity. (as regular as anyone with 300+ songs on the playlist can) Winwood sat in with Panic at the Lockn' Festival in 2014. There are a few shaky crowd vids of it. This is from DC in 2015 and the quality is ok. ua-cam.com/video/m_owCX9ipbs/v-deo.html
Meanwhile, in HIGH School, this was on the turntable constantly. Such a jazzy soul drifting song. Takes me back and away. Have a joint and drift away like we did.
‘KEEP GREAT MUSIC ALIVE’ Enter Promo Code ‘Jamel’ teespring.com/stores/jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store
Most of the bands we love were fans of these guys and Quick Silver Messenger Service, a friend turn in on to this: ua-cam.com/video/lDHLoLQ01JQ/v-deo.html in a mixed tape of awesomeness in the 90's
At 1:40 or so, in this video, I was sparking a blunt, when our man here Jamal said "I can smell it" 😜😜😜😜😜
@@reeferman42078 HAHAha
@@StaciaAmnaber 😂😂🌷
@Ramona Rael Winwood is not dead!
I remember a lot of seeds rolling across this album cover
Yep!
LOL ain't that the truth.
hahahaha
HA! Right you are!
Ha ha, yes.
Traffic's a band that was so far ahead of its time that we still haven't caught up. To think this is from the late 60's and is still completely fresh. I've been saying "wow" to this for 50+ years!
👍👍👍Amen! Awesome!
It was actually from 1971
71
Warms my heart to see a young person groove out to a band that’s been around 50 years thanks man ! Traffic rules , Steve Winwood is a genius
"brother Steve" is a skinny spotty pale little English teenager who had no business having a voice that electric … and yet. XD
Traffic came first in 1967. Steely Dan didn’t release their first album until 1972, one year after Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys cane out, which is Traffic’s fourth studio album.
and Steely Dan is .....not in my listening rotation EVER
@@justing42 quite sad, really..they really have some AMAZING songs and albums. It’s a shame you’re so stubborn.
@@justing42 I concur with you. There is no denying Steely Dan were very talented musicians... its just that I could never connect with their music.
@@3John16 then you obviously haven’t listened to anything else other than those first two songs
@@3John16 enlighten yourself. Their discography is open to you to discover. it’s really up to you if you want to open yourself up to the rest of their music, or stay stubborn and judge a whole band based off a tiny fraction of their work 🤷♂️
The song is taking a shot at the record companies and executives. "Low spark of high heeled boys" is essentially saying the sheistiness of the record executives. I love his line "the man in the suit has just bought a new car from the profit he's made on your dreams. and today you just read that a man was shot dead by a gun that didnt make any noise. but it wasnt the bullet that laid him to rest. Was the low spark of high heeled boys." Just fantastic song writing from Winwood here.
Funny thing as I was reading that verse he was singing it 😁
It's about drugs.
As Does "Barracuda" By Heart
The song is about drugs. Slang words in England for Cocaine and Heroin
There is more than one take on this song. Besides yours, it can also be about speedballs (high heeled boys). To me, that works better with all the verses. But hey, art is open to interpretation; I think we can all agree this song is brilliant.
My late husband and I used to listen to this song driving up 101 on the northern California coast, especially at dusk or in the rain. Yes, we were nicely loaded and feeling so mellow... Always makes me think of him, always makes me smile 😄
I adore, admire and highly respect you Jamal. We need more smiling, kind hearted people like you in this world. I enjoy seeing you hear my generation's music SO much.
Much love to you my friend ❤
YES! What she said!!! 😙
Yup..ztraffoc was earlier than Steely Dan
Steve Windwood(Traffic) (keyboards)was a boy wonder only 17 with Traffic...later played with Eric Clapton in Cream)
@@ShibaMomma143 ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Completely and totally agree. I've learned a lot about the music of my era from Jamel that I never understood in my doobie smoke-induced love of these tunes.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Jamel has arrived to the Chill Zone! We welcome you with open arms my Brother. Time to fire up that Lava Lamp, dim the lights, and indulge in whatever you might indulge in. Excellent reaction. This is what music is about. Experiencing all the nuances, feeling the vibe, and just being one with sound. I knew you'd love this one. Peace.
:) AAaaaahhh. Yes indeed. Isn't it too bad if Jamel doesn't do just exactly what you described and settle in to listen to the entire album from start to finish? That's what I remember most fondly. That and being with friends.
Smoking the best hash oil ever
@@JustMe-vk4fn Yes being with friends on a 420 Friday late afternoon!
I'm a Canadian in Canada so I'm already there my brother. This version is Amazing.
TRAFFIC- LOW SPARK Live Santa Monica
ua-cam.com/video/R8M8R835Ck4/v-deo.html
Well said. ❤️💜💚
Watching your reactions is like sitting in a room listening to killer tunes with a friend. Thanks!
Couldn't agree more!
@One Voice , Lol....Agreed. 😉😂
Fubar Gnarly, 👍🏼👍🏼
Totally agree.
I was talking to a friend of 50+ years about this the other day, how we could sit down and do nothing but LISTEN to a whole album - listening was a thing! and key to the whole era actually...
'Low Sparks" was my first "Headphones" song; when I really got into the sound. I waited 4 decades to see Steve Winwood live. With his first notes of "Low Sparks" I broke out in goosebumps and tears at the same time.
YES -- great night -time headphone song! Also Freuer's Foot DOOT!
"I don't know if i need a drink, a joint, or some popcorn."
Is the best summary of this song evar.
All 3… lol
Best memory: High school art teacher would play this while we were all painting and doing our thing in art class. 1970's. Grooviest time to be alive xo
Looking back I usually remember the 70's as terrible - you know with the gas crisis and Vietnam and Watergate - a person could go on and on. But Jamel has reawakened the music for me and now I look back and remember how great the music was. Thank You Jamel for keeping GREAT music ALIVE.
No way! I had art class right after lunch when we would blow a j. Painting took on new meaning and if we had that music who knows what kind of creativity may have come from it.
I'm pretty sure we all had the same art teacher.
@@brittwhitehead810 No...
Takes me back to high school and riding around town in a van full of friends tripping on chocolate mescaline in Bartlett, Tennessee. 🤡🥳
Steve Winwood.
Bona fide genius.
Soul filled person.
A LEGEND!
Steve Winwood on keyboard and vocals! this song always gives me goosebumps,the organ solo is the best i've ever heard.
Here's a different perspective: When I was growing up, the only chance you had to hear great music was if it was played on the radio, unless you could afford to buy albums. The joy I get in listening to these wonderfully epic songs still surprises me after all these years! I remember calling radio stations to make requests so I could tape the songs on a cassette!
Velvet Underground on 'Rock n Roll': 'Life was saved by rock n roll.'
Absolutely!
Somebody get this man a radio show. I would love to hear you doing an old school vinyl radio show. Awesome channel.
Now THAT is a capital idea. Jamel Plays Classic Rock would be syndicated nationwide.
STRAIGHT UP! JAMEL OF ALL THE REACTORS, PLAYS THE BEST TUNES.
Sure, I'm inspired to listen to this
When Traffic gets into the groove, there's no jam band better
Been listening to this song for 30 years now and it's still one of the coolest songs ever.
Traffic IS Steve Windood,who got his start as the keyboard player with the Spencer Davis Group when he was around 14 years old,and had written the song "I'm a man" that became a major hit. One of the most gifted musicians to have ever lived.
"If I gave you everything that I own and ask for nothing in return, would you do the same for me as I would for you? Or take me for a ride and strip me of everything including my pride? The spirit is something that no one destroys." Some great ass lyrics there.
Oh ya! 👍🏻
Back in the High Life did that for me...and brought me into Steve’s universe. Cheers.
Winwood is so good
Jim Capaldi I believe.
David Bowie and Tommy Bolen. Try it you will it !
Masterpiece may be overused, but this is a masterpiece.
Sorry, I can't hear a masterpiece here.It's a confused, poor song.I like Steve Winwood, but this is not his best.
@@karingraf536 Seems to be a difference of opion. You now have two votes for masterpiece.
@@karingraf536 i disagree completely!
So glad to see this being appreciated by a new generation
Traffic started a few years earlier than Steely Dan. They're English
“Who feels it, knows it.” This guy feels it and shows it. It’s a pleasure to watch him feel the groove. Hit a spliff and listen to it again, dread. I love this guy.
This is one of those song's to decompress from work, a long day and driving for another 40 minutes before you get home. Anything! It sets your mind RIGHT!!!!
The more I watch you the more I realize that I was so lucky to be born when I was. My generation had some of the best music ever! I love watching you discover it!
Some of us may not have realized just how good it was back then. AM radio , 8-tracks , scratched LP and poor players. But it sounds sooo much better today!
I've realized this for decades now. I turned music radio off for the whole of the 90s. No kidding!!
Music, movies and comedy and Jamel is sharing it all
always said i was a generation to late
I'm an old guy too, but don't write off all of todays music. Music is forever, and good music is a revolution, it rolls around without end
You know what's amazing? You have reacted to so many great songs from the 70's alone. You have just scratched the surface.
True story!
He hasn’t even reacted to Fresh Air or Who Do You Love by Quicksilver Messenger Service. Spirit group album has a few treats for him to taste. Agree?
@@sibkiss2009 ; Was it Fresh air, or Fresh Garbage?
@@captainmoretokin2172 Fresh Air was Quicksilver, Fresh Garbage was Spirit.
@@markhunter8554 . i always got the two mixed up . both classics thanks
I gotta admit, when this LP came on at a house party it was like a signal to spark up a joint. Although it WAS about 1972-73 and pot was prevalent ... so there ya go !...LOL...They played some amazing music and this was one of their BEST !..... BigAl in Mpls., MN
This joint was, is, & will always remain a work of pure rock/jazz fusion genius! #TheLowSparkOfHighHeeledBoys
Wow, I can't believe you did this song. Every song on this album is epic.
Rainmaker.
Same with Shoot Out.
on my desert island list, only 10
J, you'll love Steve Winwood's "Roll With It". Traffic started earlier than Steely Dan. This song/album came out in 1971(their 5th album). Steely Dan's first studio album 1972.
Great suggestion.
Their first album was in ‘67.
Watched Traffic perform this song live at the old New Haven Arena in the mid-seventies. Most amazing performance I ever saw. The pace and melody are truly hypnotic. I literally felt like I was floating in mid-air. It may have had something to do with sitting in the higher seats where all the smoke was rising.
All the other reaction channels just cycle through the same 20 songs but Jamel takes on Low spark??? Epic!! Dude, you’re killing it!! Congratulations!! Keep going, you’ll be at a million subscribers before you know it. You deserve it!
"But spirit is something that no one destroys..." those words sustained me more than a few times.
A classic.
It’s true tho. 👍🏻
You said it... A CLASSIC !!!!
The spirit of something and no one can
Anita R Swillinger That's because our spirits are pure energy. You cannot kill or destroy energy, you can only change it from one form to another.
@@jodyryckman9039 wasnt really looking for a science lesson...
It's the spirit... SPIRIT.
Real Talk: This song helped save my life by calming me down and putting a sane perspective on things when my world was spinning out of control...
Hey man, good for you! Winwood sure knows how to look into the soul sometimes.
Bro. This song will relax anyone. It's therapy. Steve Winwood is unfortunately one of the most underrated musical geniuses.
I remember when they actually played this on the rock stations. Usually late nights
I saw these guys when I was 13 at George Washington University. I sat on the floor right at Stevie Winwood's feet. He was 20. I remember them playing John barleycorn and I was mesmerized. Someone passed me a joint and my sister in law grabbed it away from me. I'm 65 now and it helped define my taste in music. One of my fondest memories.
Traffic was the first concert I went to still one of the best and longest
A definitive masterpiece! It rates up there with Procol Harem's "Whiter Shade of Pale", another classic masterpiece! 😷👍🎶🎸💖
Procol harrm has a special place in my heart
I love the lyrics
Im sitting out in fron of dunkin donuts at 6am with my speaker blasting and my eyes closed moving to the groove. Ive heard this song a zillion times, but never really appreciated it til now. Love that sax
*Procul Harurm :) Good group :)
Our music growing up was SO good, and so much of it. Resent us boomers, but no one can take away how music like this made us feel and continues to make us feel. Thanks indeed, Jamel for proclaiming its existence...
Word to God!
And best of all we got to hear it live!!
Amen
This was the music of our lives, sounds of our souls right here.
This year has been like no other. These reactions to songs I've listened to all my life are pure. It warms my soul to see such joy. Now if everybody else can get on board!
A perfect fusion of rock, blues and jazz.
When this was made, Steve was 23 and Joined the Spencer Davis Group at the Old age of 14.
Traffic is an ever expanding universe of complex groove and soulful musicianship. I never tire of them.
40 years later and I still get goosebumps when I listen to that intro
I subscribe to your channel because I enjoy your reaction to what I grew up listening to. Music, no matter the genre is for everyone to enjoy. I'm 63 and miss the great writing, harmonizing and bands that put their mark on music. Enjoy and keep rockin!
I’ve just been transported back to the first time I heard this song sitting with four roommates in a dingy, smoke filled college apartment firing up the communal hookah.
“Don’t know if I need a drink, a joint, or some popcorn”. Great thought, brother! Why not all 3.
LOL!!! Yeah, I cracked up out loud when he said this!!! True!!! What an amazing arrangement.
Maybe but a bit ironic since Winwood kind of went off the deep end around the time this album came out and was often too drunk to play gigs. as a child prodigy he had a hard time adjusting to real life after a while and went through some serious issues for QA quite a few years, luckily he struggled through it to later recover and continue his career
I agreed!!!
Steve Winwood was only 17 when he started singing for Traffic!
Around 1990, I was working at a rehearsal and cartage company in Nashville, Steve Winwood had rented the whole place for about 6 weeks to prep for his upcoming tour. My boss had told me to go back and pull Nigel Olssons (drummer for Elton John) kit and set it up and tweak anything it needed. As I'm doing this I can hear Steve through the wall doing this song while I'm working on the drum kit for a bit of a legend. I thought to myself "this doesn't pay much, but who the hell gets stories like this from work?"
JAMEL, NOW! YOU GET WHY THIS WAS “HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY REQUESTED!! ENOUGH SAID!
So happy Jamal got to this masterpiece.❤️
Made my day!
That's Anthony " Rebop Kwaku Baah" on congas. This is one AMAZING piece of music!!!!
FOR MORE ON REEBOP SEE MY CHANNEL.... :)
I'd rank this right up there with Steely Dan's Aja. Sublime music for your soul!
It's a masterpiece!!!
Good info, I didn't realise that - it gives us a link to the german group Can. Although it predates Rebop joining, I remember Can's "Flow Motion" from the time being really something, and now I might have to go back and dig into Can's later albums with Rebop. Thanks for the pointer!
Rebop is incredibe on Shootout in the Fantasy Factory, sounds like he has 4 hands.
This song used to transport me to a happy cool space when I was a teenager.
Always a great jazz sensibility with this song. Just in time for long format FM radio.
KZAP!
I was dating a radio station mgr who was first to put rock on FM
Great Traffic song! Virtually everything on that album is great though. Another great album is John Barleycorn Must Die. The song "Empty Pages" is a great one to try next.
John Barleycorn is brilliant!
Yes please Empty Pages!
I had this album and wore it out. One of those albums you couldn't get enough of.
OMG, Staring At Empty Pages is one of my favorites!
I have played this album hundreds of times. One of my favorites.
"I can smell it..." Lol back in the day you used to smell some other things when this album was playing... 🤣🥴
Still do...
@@ruthulrich - amen to that! and much better quality herb - for everyone - these days (No Schwag in the 21st century!)
Haha, I was thinking that same thing.
Lol
That’s what double albums were for..
This song is epic and I really enjoyed your reaction to it. Singer Steve Winwood was everywhere back in the day, from the Spencer Davis Group to Traffic to Blind Faith. You should react to Blind Faith next... "Can't Find My Way Home" is probably their biggest hit from the eponymous album. - edit: i see you already reacted to my Blind Faith suggestion... you're a step ahead of me!
Stevie Winwood was the 1st "Whiskey Bravo" from England that taught me that "soul music" was universal.
Musical genius and the grooviest backbeat in rock history.
"If you had just a minute to breathe, and they granted you one final wish...would you ask for something, like another chance?" one of my all-time favorite lines. and you really need to check out the concert film of them at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. it's an amazing show.
Watching Chris Wood play is eye opening! He's amazing!
@Doug Sawyer what's the matter...the girlfriend not Peg you tonight or something? No need to be rude.
@Doug Sawyer you didn't hurt my feelings in the least. i just always wondered, with people like you, what it is you so hate about yourself and your life that you go around insulting things people say. so it's "old," as you say. what the fuck is it to you that someone comments?
Now just, “Light up or leave me alone”. Back in the day we’d listen to the whole album, just get lost in the music for awhile.
Smoke up n Veg out. Black light and bong hit 🎸🎸🎸😁😍
Incredible album to chill with
We’d put this on the turntable and hit repeat Then crash for the night
@Doug Sawyer Back in the 70's, Houston had 2 album stations. They were side by side on the dial and they played nothing but album sides...they were very easy to switch between the stations, and were both VERY popular.
@Doug Sawyer which now makes an opportunity for guys like Jamel and his community of great and knowledgeable listeners. Good things happen to those who wait! Love reading everyone's comments.
I love everything about this song, especially the drumming and percussion.
Watching Jamal’s reaction reminds me of how I first felt hearing this song. It was too long for mainstream so not played or appreciated by our local popular bubblegum rock stations, but Phoenix had a great album-rock station called KDKB in the late 70s and 80s. They played a lot of Traffic, especially Low Spark, I bought the album and it’s become one of my favorites. I was and am still in awe of the sheer depth and power of this masterpiece and its expression of how the industry turns true talent into mere commodity. Elvis is a tragic example of this kind of heartless exploitation. Thank’s Jamal for giving it the attention it deserves!
I’ve been waiting for you to do this one....one of my all time favs
Me too!
Same...
Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood and Dave Mason. It doesn't get any better.
Love "We Just Disagree" by Mason, all great music!
@One Voice Love me some DaveMason...Alone Together is a fantastic album.
No Mason on this but Ric Grech, Jim Gordon, and Rebop Kwaku Baah!
and Stevie was still a frickin kid!!
Jim Gordon was the drummer on this album. His only studio appearance with Traffic.
It fills my soul with happiness watching a young brother grooving to this old song. It's sort of like white jazz. This is one of my favorite songs since I was twelve years old. Psychedelic and bluesy all at the same time. Dig it ! ( a joint is best )
First time I heard this song was in '87 in my friend's dorm room. He told me it was Steve Winwood's old band. I was like, "The 'Roll with It' guy?"
I was 21 yrs old when I first heard this. I'm 69 now and it seems like yesterday. Thanks for the groovy grooves brother. It's a blast listening with you. Great memories!
Oh,by the way, Traffic and Steely Dan came around at the same time.
You ain't lyin' brother.. I'm soon to be 66, & it also takes me back. God bless You & Yours.. :-)
Truly you are Reeling in the Years!
Did you ever use the record cover as a joint rolling tray?
👍🦉✌️
Some of the smokiest sax in Rock music. So glad you liked this one.
Indeed. Great, slow , indugent moments.
This was one of my favorite driving tapes. That early in the morning feeling, because you haven't gone to bed yet and the sun is coming up and you're on a straight road out in the desert and you have Traffic cranked ...
I *so* love this song! Hot damn! I never get tired of listening! It has everything you'd want in a song, every genre you'd ever want, jazz, easy listening, pop, etc. You can't go wrong with a song like this. I don't know what exactly it reminds me of.
Finally, this is just great. I love this song
“A drink, a joint, popcorn......” LOL. Always look forward to your videos Jamel! Thanks for the laugh today!!
Hash oil
All of the above!
I would suggest all 3! That’s how it was at at the time. (and for many years to follow)😉
This is the song your local rock station played at 3 am in 1987. The good old days.
Now they don't have the guts to play it at any time of day.
So tell me, Jamel, have you listened to this again since this reaction, or recommended it to others? This is such a great song I'm sure you have. You've been digging deep into the 70's and finding real treasures. Keep on diggin' son. ✌️😎
I do enjoy your reactions so much more than anyone else who makes these videos! I love your pure interest in the making of the music, who played what, who influenced who, 🤔 the enthusiasm is genuine and unrehersed, a real that is hard to come by in this day and age! Also love how much you have learned along this journey. Your knowledge of our music is very impressive considering you've only just begun to scratch the surface. Thank you again from the bottom of my ❤ heart for keeping our music alive and sharing it with others so they can do the same!! You are performing a dream of mine in a bigger scale than I ever could! Thank you for your great presentations, please don't ever change!
@One Voice 💕🎸🎶✌🎵
The whole album is great from front to back. Chris Wood, Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason, Steve Winwood. Unreal talent.
Mason wasn't with them by this time, but I agree that it's a great album along with John Barleycorn.
Headphones,candles,incense,alone in your room after partying or just going out earlier. Headphones were a must,cause I couldn't let parents listen,as they had to work. Great memories. Stevie Winwood is a treasure,no matter which band he happens to be with. A young genius. Oh yeah,and maybe some leftover party treats,with the headphones,etc.
Jamal, thank you. Your enjoyment of this is a pleasure to watch. I am blessed to be old enough to have been a young teen when Traffic cut their first album ( way before Steely Dan ).
Such an incredible song, due to it's length, it never got a lot of airplay so the people who know it, truly love it. This is a great driving song!
That's why I love satellite radio... deep tracks plays this frequently.
They used to play it a lot on the FM station I used to listen to when it was more independent and would play ANY group or song, so I heard many songs I would never hear on regular stations.
Its a great song to play when the DJ needs to take a potty break.
@@timothyball3144 yup, or in those days, perchance a toke elsewhere in the station. ;)
@@dovegrey1 yes. In Detroit, frequent airplay in the 70s along with lots of other great (and long) classic tunes.
"The title refers to an inscription written by diminutive American actor Michael J. Pollard in Jim Capaldi's notebook while they were both in Morocco. Capaldi and Pollard were planning to work on a movie that was never filmed. Capaldi said:
'Pollard and I would sit around writing lyrics all day, talking about Bob Dylan and the Band, thinking up ridiculous plots for the movie. Before I left Morocco, Pollard wrote in my book 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys'. For me, it summed him up. He had this tremendous rebel attitude. He walked around in his cowboy boots, his leather jacket. At the time he was a heavy little dude. It seemed to sum up all the people of that generation who were just rebels. The 'Low Spark', for me, was the spirit, high-spirited. You know, standing on a street corner. The low rider. The 'Low Spark' meaning that strong undercurrent at the street level.'"
- - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Low_Spark_of_High_Heeled_Boys_(song)
Yup... even little dudes, counter culture weirdos, or anyone outside... can still cast a large shadow eventually is the idea. Seems as though I've heard that sentiment recently.
Traffic was before Steely Dan. Huge psychedelic rock band....piano player/songwriter Steve Winwood is a master musician, several instruments. He made a huge solo comeback in the late 80s with several top songs and albums.
I love watching you help keep the best era in modern music alive. Good taste!
That fuzz-tone electric saxophone is so unique, it's a mystery why more prog rock musicians didn't use it.
So glad you discovered all the wonderful music so many of us have been listening to for so long!!! JD
Can't wait until he gets to Dave Mason ... usually an all-star cast ... (Alone Together)
This was my Friday 5pm song in college. Hearing it again made me want a joint, too, and I haven’t had one of those in over 45 years.
This song also takes me back to Friday evenings in the freshmen dorm. This song and Chameleon by Herbie Hancock were always first on the turntable.I got high off the music itself and stll do. One of my all time favorites...
i used to trip on it back in the 70's... anyone got some banana mescaline? LOL
@@KimMoonbmwmoonie
OMG! Mesc!!! 😂😂😂
The rythm section (bass, drums, congas & handclap) is just awesome on this piece.
Traffic opened for the Grateful Dead on their 1994 Summer Tour. When they did this song I was in heaven.
"Man in the suite just bough a new car, from the profit he made on your dreams.." wow
Ya...the music industry. Don’t worry too much..it will happen to you.
suit
In the "suite", or suit?
Steve Winwood is so good. This song is about the record companies ripping off the artists on their record contracts. Lots of the Bands and solo artists, were being taken advantage of, because honestly, they were young and stupid. Great song from the "Classic Rock" era
Is it a glam reference, to the fact that the British pop stars of 71-74 or so were almost all glam artists like Bolan, Bowie, Elton, even Thin Lizzie I think? So the "high heeled boys" are the star performers of the day, almost all young and almost all ripped off by the labels in their early contracts?
Yeah, that doesn't make sense as'the man' is killed by the 'low spark of hhb'.
@@loadedorygun Winwood thought that these “glam rockers” were ruining the music industry. WE all loved Bowie, T.Rex,etc. Winwood was NOT a fan. “We were children once playing with toys.” “The thing that you’re hearing is ONLY the sound of the LOW SPARK of HIGH HEELED BOYS”.
Drewzer154 well that’s too bad! Thanks for the explain.
Were? They still are, though not a bad as they were, thanks to the internet. Use to be that the record companies kept 92 cents of every dollar the artist made. The worst thing was they used to trick the songwriters into selling the rights to the song. So it was only tours and merchandise that made the artists any money.
A drink a joint AND some popcorn sounds about right for this tune. Just float away on the vibe!
Hearing this today for the first time - and I'm a 60's flower - is a thrilling discovery. Thank you so much Jamel, you have made my day. You are spreading so much joy. Ear candy - ha ha ha, I love it. In a somewhat different vein, would you like to check out Pentangle and perhaps present one of their songs? How about Hunting Song or The Trees They Grow Tall. I'd love to see your reaction. The live performances are the best.
This song is a journey. One of my all time favorites. Masterpiece
Stevie's other group Blind Faith's "Presence of the Lord" and "Sea of Joy".
Blind faith is my all-time favorite
And don't forget his work with the Spencer Davis Group when he was like 15 years old.
@@keithhutchins8803 had to cry today
Oh that's right Presence of the Lord what an awesome song.
Love Sea Of Joy!!
You have been, and will always be my favorite "first reactioner". The joy you express is beyond priceless. Keep it up!!!!
Had this on 8 track in my ‘62 Chevy. Great driving song.
Empty Pages by Traffic is another fantastic song by Winwood. Thats a short 4 minute quick one, but its just as good. Also, "Presence of the lord" by Blind Faith is a must listen and one of Winwoods signature songs
"A drink, a joint or some popcorn"- fantastic! The first time I heard this album I was maybe 14 and lying on a friend's waterbed with a joint, headphones and lights off except for the stereo glow...amazing.
I've just discovered your videos, dude. Don't care if I'm late to the gig, I can dig it. You keep knocking it out of the park on song picks too.... Tull, Traffic, Blind Faith... right in my wheel house. You take me back to when I first discovered all these cats, feeling like I had almost missed out but got lucky and caught the train. Really fun to watch and listen to you discover classic stuff.
Thank you! One of my all time favorites. This song is good for a rainy day.
Went to see Rod Stewart in Concert in Boston about 2 years ago. Unbeknownst to me or most people that night, Steve Winwood unexpectedly dropped in, and did about an hour opening for Rod that night, running through many of his major hits. We were all blown away.....and Steve was as sharp and brilliant as ever.
?
Lucky you! I’ve seen Rod Stewart and he was great. But to have a bonus of Steve Winwood, that had to be fantastic!!!
❤️💜💚
@@pdmullgirl it blew me away. I couldn't believe the luck to get a bonus of the legendary Steve Winwood. And he was fantastic.
you were very lucky saw him summer 88 at great woods which is no longer called great woods so i dont go back
You are lucky!
"Empty Pages" is a good one. I know you dig the Grateful Dead, they covered "Dear Mr. Fantasy" fifty-eight times before Brent Mydland passed away in 1990.
Yes sir, The Dead did a fine job on that song! Widespread Panic still plays it with some regularity. (as regular as anyone with 300+ songs on the playlist can) Winwood sat in with Panic at the Lockn' Festival in 2014. There are a few shaky crowd vids of it. This is from DC in 2015 and the quality is ok. ua-cam.com/video/m_owCX9ipbs/v-deo.html
@@tommathews3964 WSMFP!!!!🤘💗😊
@@andrealarocco4941 Love them Little Wranglers! WSMFP indeed!
I saw them play Mr Fantasy in 1989... it was fantastic.
Meanwhile, in HIGH School, this was on the turntable constantly. Such a jazzy soul drifting song. Takes me back and away. Have a joint and drift away like we did.