Steve Winwood was a professional musician at age 14 with the Spencer Davis Group. Insane talent. He started playing piano at age 4. Some people are just born with it.
An important band in the history of rock and roll. A song made for the doobie, if you know what I mean. Just have to say that you guys are quickly becoming my favorite "reactors". Great song selections, intelligent observations, and letting the music speak for itself. Unlike so many other reactors you understand music, instrumentation, mixing, and song-writing. And you don't waste your time trying to decipher lyrics that aren't what they appear to be. You hear the influences of jazz, garage-band rock, classical, and even Mo-Town in these classic songs. Just finished going through your whole video catalog. Keep up the good work. Continue to learn and incorporate what you have learned into your dialog. Looking forward to seeing how your channel develops over time.
You are on the same page as I see myself. Their choices are really strong. Watched some Rush video reactions then SRV and Sabbath. GFR. They have good taste absolutely.
Awesome...so glad you guys found this! Steve Winwood on keys and vocals; he eventually went on to form a short-lived super group Blind Faith with Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Ric Grech. Keep'm coming!
Winwood didn't "eventually" go on to be in Blind Faith - he'd already been there and done that. Spark came out after Blind Faith had broken up, and Traffic re-formed.
Fabulous band, went through a several different phases. This was probably their jazziest/jammiest version. Chris Wood was a brilliant sax player. Loved running his sax through a fuzz pedal. His distorted wail on the fade-out is spine-chilling
@@johnhoerl7326 I’m pretty sure it’s his Hammond going through a fuzz, I heard the interview so long ago I can’t be sure if he specified what keyboard or not. It’s mostly single notes but if you listen closely you can hear a few places where he hits more than one note…
@@bstaff1901 Must be a Hammond, or maybe a Farfisa? Doesn’t sound like a Mellotron or a Minimoog even accounting for the distortion, and I can’t think of any other synths at the time that would have been capable of that sustain
Traffic was a British rock band formed in 1967 that blended elements of psychedelic rock, folk, jazz, and blues. The band consisted of Steve Winwood (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Jim Capaldi (drums, vocals), Chris Wood (flute, saxophone, keyboards), and Dave Mason (guitar, vocals). Their debut album, "Mr. Fantasy," featured the hit single "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and established the band's signature sound. Traffic continued to evolve over the course of their career, experimenting with different genres and incorporating more diverse instrumentation, such as sitar and percussion. Despite frequent lineup changes, the band remained active throughout the 1970s, releasing several successful albums including "John Barleycorn Must Die" and "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys." They disbanded in 1975, but Winwood went on to a successful solo career. Traffic's legacy lies in their innovative blending of genres, the virtuosic musicianship of the band members, and their influence on the development of progressive and jazz rock. They remain highly regarded among music critics and fans alike.
You just heard one of the most unique and innovative songs from this group or any group. The song's ethereal mood just takes you to wonderful places. Glad you appreciate their fusion of styles on this song. They have a deep catalogue to explore with varied styles. Steve Winwood's piano and vocals are top tier and his song from when he was in Blind Faith "Can't Find My Way Home" is one not to be missed if you've not heard it.
'Little Stevie Winwood' Who knew such a young man could make such an impact. I miss the days when there were truly talented musicians, when you could tell who was singing, who was playing guitar and drums. REAL music.
I'm 72 and a former disc jockey back in the seventies and eighties. You dudes have excellent taste in your musical selections. This is one of my all time fave tunes. Steve Winwood is a genius. Wrote GIMME SOME LOVIN and I'M A MAN as a teenager and formed BLIND FAITH with Clapton when he was 20.Check out CAN'T FIND MY WAY BACK HOME. Winwood's huge solo career is worthy of a deep dive also.
Did you ever listen to his album Arc Of A Diver? The entire album is amazing. I heard it new and bought the album back in the day. I didn't know this was Winwood too. He's always been in a special upper echelon of Musical Genius in my book.
The great Steve Winwood (British artist) is a genius. He's in his mid 70s these days, and still performing. Please react to his song "Can't Find My Way Home. or "Roll with it," his R&B hit. This guy is one of the greats. Plays about 20 different instruments, and his vocals are legendary.
Steve wrote this song about the greedy record companies, and their executives, manipulating the young and inexperienced Bands and artists into signing recording contracts that made everyone rich, except the artists and Bands who created the music. This was a very common practice in the early 70s in the Rock music world. "Manfred Mann's Earth Band," also had a song about the same time, about this same issue. It was called "Blinded by the Light," a huge hit song in the mid 70s. Thanks guys. another winner
Yup...I was in that darkened basement, with the black lights,, n a trance listening to this work of art. Bruh...we had soooo much juice back then...soooo much great music!
This song and the album are in my top ten. Love Traffic! Back in the day, this was one of those albums to listen to with friends. Candles, incense, and something else burning. Leaning back, eyes closed, floating with the music! ☮️❤️😎
you mentioned the jazz element in the music. During the 60's and 70's a lot of the musicians listened to a huge variety of music from 40's, 50's, bebop to blues, to country, to world music, and they attended schools to learn classical, jazz, etc. So when you do the reactions of this era of music you will hear all sorts of styles creep into their music. Thanks for including this in your reaction, a classic by any means!
That solo instrument is an organ played through a fuzz box by Steve Winwood who plays the keys and is also the lead singer. He plays a lot of sax-inspired lines and the fuzz makes it sound even more reedy for lack of an actual word. Definitely a psychedelic sax sound, but the occasional polyphony is the biggest giveaway.
So glad you did this one. All us oldsters were just waiting to see your faces when they reached that chord at the end! Incredible aren’t they? No doubt, a song for the ages.
I tell anyone that will listen that this song is the reason I am a Musician. Figured if I could make one person feel the way this song was making me feel before I die, I can die knowing I achieved something worthwhile. Jim Gordon's Drums, Chris' Flute, Rebop's Congas, its all there. The "Low Spark.." begins as it ends - it never stops playing man.
Steve Winwood, is a truly talented musician and singer, his voice is unmistakable, once you have heard it. Seen him a couple of times live, and he is just as good, if not even better, than anything he did in a studio. As others have noted, he got a start as a professional musician at a VERY young age, but he proved he was worthy of the praise and promotion. He has been in several groups over the years, Traffic, The Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, his own band, and plus guest appearances with MANY other groups. Everyone wanted to play with him, and did. All the other guys in Traffic were very talented as well, but it was really Steve's band.
So glad you're checking out Traffic, one of my favorite bands. Some of my favorite songs: Empty Pages, Freedom Rider, Walking in the Wind, Dream Gerrard, Tragic Magic, Many a Mile to Freedom, 40,000 Headmen, Light Up or Leave Me Alone; and lots more great songs.
I'm sure noted below is information about Steve Winwood, artist extraordinaire, but the man on drums on this track was Jim Gordon, one of the finest session musicians ever. He played with Joe Cocker, Delaney and Bonnie, Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers, George Harrison, Frank Zappa, and many others. More Traffic to discover: Glad/Freedom Rider, Empty Pages, Shootout at the Fantasy Factory, 40,000 Headmen, Pearly Queen, Feelin' Alright, and on and on. As for Steve Winwood solo: Higher Love with Chaka Kahn, Roll With It, Talking Back to the Night, Arc of a Diver, Spanish Dancer, Finer Things. Although this song is so jazzy, it's a staple of any classic rock station. Great song, so glad y'all liked it!
OMG I couldn't click fast enough. I never thought I'd see anyone react to this. This has to be my FAV song from the 70s. It's so good. I can't wait to see you all react to this since you are both so musically astute.
Yeah man, Traffic! Great musicianship and arrangements and of course Steve Winwood's vocals. Early on he was in the Spencer Davis Group and he sang "Gimme Some Lovin". Also check out "Empty Pages" by traffic. Peace.
😅 Wow ! this takes me back,. First time I heard this I was sitting outside a cafe somewhere in Morocco early 1972 . Great choice, great band, great reaction as always p.s. They where a British band , c'mon guys if you don't know a bands origin your first port of call should always be "I think they're British"
My friend just curious, did you see them when this album came out, I saw them and Leon Russell came out with his "" Carney "" album and he was the opening act for them, 1st and only time I saw someone ,Leon Russell and Band do three encores. Great concert what a super group.
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Traffic cast aside commercial wisdom to build the album around an epic title track that is their creative culmination and a perfect blend of rock, jazz, and international music. Winwood and the boys employ some African instruments to create a soft, almost dreamy atmosphere on several album pieces. Try Traffics, DEAR MR. FANTASY, or Steve Winwoods early work with THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP - 'Gimme Some Lovin', 'I'm A Man', (he was 15 and sang like Ray Charles), a child protegee; or Steve Winwood featuring Chaka Khan-' Higher Love.' Good Job, Guys. Another great tune.
Traffic's music still sounds good today. Thanks for the excellent review. I think you will enjoy their catalogue...can't wait till you give their work John Barleycorn must die a listen!
R.I.P. Jim Gordon. One of the most recorded drummers in music history and a beautiful person who, unfortunately, suffered from schizophrenia and whose life ended in tragedy...Lord have mercy on us all!
We called this rock music because by 1971 rock music was a huge tent with all kinds of music welcome--jazz, folk, blues (of course), classical elements--the artists made music they liked, not necessarily music that would sell billions of records. Who to thank for this mindset and experimentation? The Beatles, who else?
I heard this as a teenager in the early '70s and it blew my mind. The music was so different than anything I had heard before. Whenever I hear this song, mentally I go "Awwww yeah, man."
I loved me some traffic. They were underrated. Steve Winwood - vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass (1967-1969, 1970-1974, 1994, 2004)[16] Jim Capaldi - drums, percussion, vocals (1967-1969, 1970-1974, 1994, 2004;[16] died 2005) Chris Wood - flute, saxophone, keyboards (1967-1969, 1970-1974; died 1983) Dave Mason - vocals, guitar, sitar, bass, harmonica (1967, 1968, 1971) Individually outstanding in their own right!!
The drummer on this song was the late Jim Gordon.He was an american session man who was involved with so much in the 60's and 70's. Check his bio on you tube. Crazy life this man lead
Love your reaction to this great band and wonderful cut. Very tasty, jazzy indeed! Also, loved the reference to Tower Records. What fabulous memories of my youth into my young adult years roaming the record bends for new music. So many gems found at this iconic record store chain that came from my hometown of Sacramento, CA. I spent so many hours at the Broadway location it was like a formal education in music. I purchased this very LP at Tower Records, Broadway. Of course, another great memory is all the incredible album cover paintings that adorned the outside of the store.
Love Traffic! Their most known song is probably “Mr. Fantasy”, another great song and totally different from this song which is one of my favorites. By the way, they came before Steely Dan and yes, they’re an English band.
Love this-lotta hazie times listening to Traffic. "High heeled boys" is reference to the Band in platform boots-the style back then. Steve Winwood, when playing with Spencer Davis group did a recording of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out". Totally Soul sound. Love YOUR channel. You break it down, not just make comments. Appreciate your knowledge✌🏼
@@debrabrabenec Its still in reference to "high heed boys" that were wearing platform boots- same dudes, same title. All TIES Together✌🏼 no matter who coined the phrase/title. R. Crumb used this image for Keep on Truckin- Furry Freak Bros.--Zap comic books.
Hell yah! I woke up to my clock-radio to catch my school bus to high school one morning in 1972. I will never forget it. I'm 65 and have been a fan of Traffic and Steve Winwood ever since. Steve Winwood continued to have hits as a solo artist into the 80's and beyond. Before Traffic, check out his superstardom with "Blind Faith" and "Can't Find My Way Home". True classic progressive late 60's rock. Nothing like it ever since!
Hey guys check it!!! My older brother used to turn me on to all different types of music. I think I was 14 or 15 and he took me to his apartment with a buddy... He said shut up and listen!!!! LoL he put this on the turntable and I have never been the same!!!!!!! What an awesome experience as a teenager.. 💕
My dad told me he was not allowed to sing this b/c he has a bad voice. I listened to it alone. It was incredible. This song breaks all the rules. Then I read up on Steve Windwood. Dude is a musical prodigy. I am shocked am jazzed yall reacted to him. No one knows how great thus dude is.
Hey guys Ned from Spain again. Loving your choices as always. Traffic started just after Steve " the prodigy " Winwood left Spencer Davis Group. Steve ( G/vox/keys/bass..) teamed up with Jim Capaldi ( dr / vox ), Chris Wood ( sax / flute ) and Dave Mason ( g / vox ) in 1967. They had some hits in a lot of different styles but eventually became a more jazzy rock band after Masons departure. They're just amazing. Winwood continues to perform and sounds great even now.
Woo-Hoo, the train keeps on rolling with you guys, now with Traffic, a band that is its own genre and one of the best of that era. Try them live at Santa Monica in the early 70s, that video is utterly amazing, they get lost in their own groove and take you along for the ride. Great video and a time capsule for sure. I saw them a couple times, the last time when they reunited for one album and tour, I saw them a week before Woodstock II in 1994, they were fire once again. You can see their Woodstock II set on YT. Steve Winwood, amazing vocals, songwriting, keyboards and guitar, he and Traffic are wonderful artists. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎷🎶
That final chord, purposely dissonant as a final F U to music executive's shady practices was always chef's kiss for me. One of my favorite songs of all time
Traffic was a British band that had among its members Steve Winwood and Dave Mason. And while there were saxophones used on this song, the sax sounds you were talking about was likely a synthesizer. Synths were very popular in the early 70s when this was released (1971).
I've looked through a lot of comments, and of course most of the plaudits are going to the genius that is Steve Winwood. I'd like to put in a word for Jim Gordon, sitting in for Jim Capaldi on drums, who plays an absolute blinder throughout, loose, funky, shifting time signatures with ease, throwing brilliant fill after brilliant fill. I NEVER get tired of hearing this song.
Dipping our feet into some more jazz, I see. Wonderful song, and Chris Wood (RIP) was my idol as a sax player back in the day. PHAT!!! I remember my Dad walking by my room when I had this going, stopping and saying "Nice Song".
It was hard to get radio stations to play this because its was so long. I had to beg at times to get it played, and was turned down more often than not. Steve Winwood was such a prodigy.
In the GROOVE...this is transcendental. So glad you found this one. KILLER drums by the late Jim Gordon of Derek and the Dominoes fame, and percussive wisdom by Jim Capaldi and Rebop Kwaku Baah.
I know it's been a while since you posted this, but in all my years I thought Steve Winwood was a vocalist, although I seem to remember seeing him play a piano I didn't know he played other instruments, thanks for the info
The good old days, when sophisticated quality music was created by talented people.
So true
And we thought it was just normal 😅
when people actually knew how to play their instrument. And play at a high-level.
You are dead on!
Amen!
Steve Winwood was a professional musician at age 14 with the Spencer Davis Group. Insane talent. He started playing piano at age 4. Some people are just born with it.
I believe he played every instrument on the album Arc of a Diver (a song they should listen to as well)!
@@j.h.3777 recorded the album at his studio and he engineered, mixed and produced it too
Also a member of Blind Faith in late 60s, a super trio with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker.
he still is...
He is a walking, talking, singing and playing, freaking, musical note! 🎵
An important band in the history of rock and roll. A song made for the doobie, if you know what I mean. Just have to say that you guys are quickly becoming my favorite "reactors". Great song selections, intelligent observations, and letting the music speak for itself. Unlike so many other reactors you understand music, instrumentation, mixing, and song-writing. And you don't waste your time trying to decipher lyrics that aren't what they appear to be. You hear the influences of jazz, garage-band rock, classical, and even Mo-Town in these classic songs. Just finished going through your whole video catalog. Keep up the good work. Continue to learn and incorporate what you have learned into your dialog. Looking forward to seeing how your channel develops over time.
I agree .
You are on the same page as I see myself. Their choices are really strong. Watched some Rush video reactions then SRV and Sabbath. GFR. They have good taste absolutely.
100% what why said! Would love to see them react to Robert Palmer Sneakin Sally through the alley. That is one everyone needs to experience 🤘💜
Hooked on these two right now. Hearing some songs I missed growing up.
It’s gonna
Rock just as they’ve been doing 👍👍👍🌹
One of those songs that makes the conscious part of your brain take a break. The music just washes over you and carries you away.
Great way to put it. Let your mind run free.
Awesome...so glad you guys found this! Steve Winwood on keys and vocals; he eventually went on to form a short-lived super group Blind Faith with Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Ric Grech. Keep'm coming!
Blind faith one of the best albums ever.
Had to Cry Today!
They only made one album but it was an excellent one.
Winwood didn't "eventually" go on to be in Blind Faith - he'd already been there and done that. Spark came out after Blind Faith had broken up, and Traffic re-formed.
Just beautiful art
Fabulous band, went through a several different phases. This was probably their jazziest/jammiest version. Chris Wood was a brilliant sax player. Loved running his sax through a fuzz pedal. His distorted wail on the fade-out is spine-chilling
Also played flute and other wind instruments.
That’s not a sax. It’s a keyboard played through and effects box according to Steve Winwood.
@@bstaff1901 Wow, all these years I’ve heard it as the sax heavily distorted. Interesting
@@johnhoerl7326 I’m pretty sure it’s his Hammond going through a fuzz, I heard the interview so long ago I can’t be sure if he specified what keyboard or not. It’s mostly single notes but if you listen closely you can hear a few places where he hits more than one note…
@@bstaff1901 Must be a Hammond, or maybe a Farfisa? Doesn’t sound like a Mellotron or a Minimoog even accounting for the distortion, and I can’t think of any other synths at the time that would have been capable of that sustain
Traffic was a British rock band formed in 1967 that blended elements of psychedelic rock, folk, jazz, and blues. The band consisted of Steve Winwood (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Jim Capaldi (drums, vocals), Chris Wood (flute, saxophone, keyboards), and Dave Mason (guitar, vocals).
Their debut album, "Mr. Fantasy," featured the hit single "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and established the band's signature sound. Traffic continued to evolve over the course of their career, experimenting with different genres and incorporating more diverse instrumentation, such as sitar and percussion.
Despite frequent lineup changes, the band remained active throughout the 1970s, releasing several successful albums including "John Barleycorn Must Die" and "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys." They disbanded in 1975, but Winwood went on to a successful solo career.
Traffic's legacy lies in their innovative blending of genres, the virtuosic musicianship of the band members, and their influence on the development of progressive and jazz rock. They remain highly regarded among music critics and fans alike.
You just heard one of the most unique and innovative songs from this group or any group. The song's ethereal mood just takes you to wonderful places. Glad you appreciate their fusion of styles on this song. They have a deep catalogue to explore with varied styles. Steve Winwood's piano and vocals are top tier and his song from when he was in Blind Faith "Can't Find My Way Home" is one not to be missed if you've not heard it.
“Can’t Find My Way Home” is great!
'Little Stevie Winwood' Who knew such a young man could make such an impact. I miss the days when there were truly talented musicians, when you could tell who was singing, who was playing guitar and drums. REAL music.
"And the man in the suit just bought a new car
On the profit he made on your dreams..."
Such a great line among many great lines.
That’s a DEEP line
I'm 72 and a former disc jockey back in the seventies and eighties. You dudes have excellent taste in your musical selections. This is one of my all time fave tunes. Steve Winwood is a genius. Wrote GIMME SOME LOVIN and I'M A MAN as a teenager and formed BLIND FAITH with Clapton when he was 20.Check out CAN'T FIND MY WAY BACK HOME. Winwood's huge solo career is worthy of a deep dive also.
Did you ever listen to his album Arc Of A Diver? The entire album is amazing. I heard it new and bought the album back in the day. I didn't know this was Winwood too. He's always been in a special upper echelon of Musical Genius in my book.
Everything he said 🙌 Love these favorite songs I don’t see anyone reacting too.
@@Greg-io1ip such a phenomenal album!!
The great Steve Winwood (British artist) is a genius. He's in his mid 70s these days, and still performing. Please react to his song "Can't Find My Way Home. or "Roll with it," his R&B hit.
This guy is one of the greats. Plays about 20 different instruments, and his vocals are legendary.
Steve wrote this song about the greedy record companies, and their executives, manipulating the young and inexperienced Bands and artists into signing recording contracts that made everyone rich, except the artists and Bands who created the music. This was a very common practice in the early 70s in the Rock music world. "Manfred Mann's Earth Band," also had a song about the same time, about this same issue. It was called "Blinded by the Light," a huge hit song in the mid 70s.
Thanks guys.
another winner
FYI, Blinded by the Light was written and performed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band a few years before Mannfred Mann covered it.
@@gregcable3250 Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware Blinded By t Light was written +preformed first by Bruce S. Prefer his version IMO 👍🏻
I think Pink Floyd did a whole album about this theme. A lot of disappointed musicians, but nothing has changed.
Jim Capaldi wrote these lyrics.
@@egoequus6263 Wish you were here, and some of the songs from money, and even a few from the Wall
what an awesome classic. a jam song, remember many teen years partying to this! a brilliant song no Doubt!!
Yup...I was in that darkened basement, with the black lights,, n a trance listening to this work of art. Bruh...we had soooo much juice back then...soooo much great music!
Saw Traffic in Detroit at the Grande ballroom, all the good bands came into Detroit when they were 1st starting out. It was great.
Yes they did. All the great bands respected the Detroit scene back in the day!
Not many people have reacted to this . Thank you
And a BIG THANK YOU for not stopping the music every 10 seconds for some inane comment like others do - keep it up!
This song and the album are in my top ten. Love Traffic! Back in the day, this was one of those albums to listen to with friends. Candles, incense, and something else burning. Leaning back, eyes closed, floating with the music! ☮️❤️😎
Black light posters. ❤
Heard that! I am so fortunate to have had this era of music as the soundtrack of my youth
Jack Daniels n coke 😂❤
@@Tarkus7 don't forget lava lamp. The red one.
And a big fat reefer !
you mentioned the jazz element in the music. During the 60's and 70's a lot of the musicians listened to a huge variety of music from 40's, 50's, bebop to blues, to country, to world music, and they attended schools to learn classical, jazz, etc. So when you do the reactions of this era of music you will hear all sorts of styles creep into their music. Thanks for including this in your reaction, a classic by any means!
By ANY means!
@@debrabrabenec Thank you, I thought it sounded incorrect but couldn't get my head to the 'any'. I did an edit, thanks again!
That solo instrument is an organ played through a fuzz box by Steve Winwood who plays the keys and is also the lead singer. He plays a lot of sax-inspired lines and the fuzz makes it sound even more reedy for lack of an actual word. Definitely a psychedelic sax sound, but the occasional polyphony is the biggest giveaway.
Thanks. Yea at times I felt like I heard a reed and then didn’t hear it at times. This clears it all up for me.
Sounded like an E-flat sax with a trumpet mute 🤷♂️😏
Chris Wood(RIP) was the sax player
So glad you did this one. All us oldsters were just waiting to see your faces when they reached that chord at the end! Incredible aren’t they? No doubt, a song for the ages.
I tell anyone that will listen that this song is the reason I am a Musician. Figured if I could make one person feel the way this song was making me feel before I die, I can die knowing I achieved something worthwhile. Jim Gordon's Drums, Chris' Flute, Rebop's Congas, its all there.
The "Low Spark.." begins as it ends - it never stops playing man.
Steve Winwood, is a truly talented musician and singer, his voice is unmistakable, once you have heard it. Seen him a couple of times live, and he is just as good, if not even better, than anything he did in a studio. As others have noted, he got a start as a professional musician at a VERY young age, but he proved he was worthy of the praise and promotion. He has been in several groups over the years, Traffic, The Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, his own band, and plus guest appearances with MANY other groups. Everyone wanted to play with him, and did. All the other guys in Traffic were very talented as well, but it was really Steve's band.
He even played organ on Hendrix's "Voodoo Child!"
One of the best jams ever!
One of the few long ass tracks that doesn’t need any editing. A straight banger!🖖🏼
This song is one of the all time classic greats and yes a British band. As for the lyrics, it is about the music system ripping off the musicians.
So glad you're checking out Traffic, one of my favorite bands. Some of my favorite songs: Empty Pages, Freedom Rider, Walking in the Wind, Dream Gerrard, Tragic Magic, Many a Mile to Freedom, 40,000 Headmen, Light Up or Leave Me Alone; and lots more great songs.
Excellent recommendations Mary! Some of my favorite and some of their best! Well done.
@@ungenerationed9022 thanks
Dream Gerard is a must react to song!
Steve Winwood is just amazing. He started with The Spencer Davis Group when he was 14, playing the hammond b3 organ and singing like Ray Charles.
That is a great memory, going to Tower at midnight, listening to a new release. I have a similar one about John Barleycorn Must Die.
Steve Winwood is a musical genius. A virtuoso on multiple instruments and a unique vocalist...
I'm sure noted below is information about Steve Winwood, artist extraordinaire, but the man on drums on this track was Jim Gordon, one of the finest session musicians ever. He played with Joe Cocker, Delaney and Bonnie, Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers, George Harrison, Frank Zappa, and many others. More Traffic to discover: Glad/Freedom Rider, Empty Pages, Shootout at the Fantasy Factory, 40,000 Headmen, Pearly Queen, Feelin' Alright, and on and on. As for Steve Winwood solo: Higher Love with Chaka Kahn, Roll With It, Talking Back to the Night, Arc of a Diver, Spanish Dancer, Finer Things. Although this song is so jazzy, it's a staple of any classic rock station. Great song, so glad y'all liked it!
Man you guys have the fans with the best taste
OMG I couldn't click fast enough. I never thought I'd see anyone react to this. This has to be my FAV song from the 70s. It's so good. I can't wait to see you all react to this since you are both so musically astute.
Stevie Winwood on the Harmond ogan thru a fuzzbox- incredible
He also played and sang for the Spencer Davis Group at 15-16yrs old-amazing!
Yeah man, Traffic! Great musicianship and arrangements and of course Steve Winwood's vocals. Early on he was in the Spencer Davis Group and he sang "Gimme Some Lovin". Also check out "Empty Pages" by traffic. Peace.
I seen them in Pittsburgh, 1978 outstanding band, Steve Winwood is one of the greatest musicians.
😅 Wow ! this takes me back,. First time I heard this I was sitting outside a cafe somewhere in Morocco early 1972 .
Great choice, great band, great reaction as always
p.s. They where a British band , c'mon guys if you don't know a bands origin your first port of call should always be "I think they're British"
Saw Steve live perform this....Steve Winwood is a giant in the history of rock. Immense career.
My friend just curious, did you see them when this album came out, I saw them and Leon Russell came out with his "" Carney "" album and he was the opening act for them, 1st and only time I saw someone ,Leon Russell and Band do three encores. Great concert what a super group.
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Traffic cast aside commercial wisdom to build the album around an epic title track that is their creative culmination and a perfect blend of rock, jazz, and international music. Winwood and the boys employ some African instruments to create a soft, almost dreamy atmosphere on several album pieces. Try Traffics, DEAR MR. FANTASY, or Steve Winwoods early work with THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP - 'Gimme Some Lovin', 'I'm A Man', (he was 15 and sang like Ray Charles), a child protegee; or Steve Winwood featuring Chaka Khan-' Higher Love.' Good Job, Guys. Another great tune.
I remember hearing this song all the time on FM radio late at night! The ambiance of this song always blew my mind!
And that SAX! Wow!
Traffic's music still sounds good today. Thanks for the excellent review. I think you will enjoy their catalogue...can't wait till you give their work John Barleycorn must die a listen!
R.I.P. Jim Gordon. One of the most recorded drummers in music history and a beautiful person who, unfortunately, suffered from schizophrenia and whose life ended in tragedy...Lord have mercy on us all!
I felt like I was the only one who had discovered Traffic & it was my mission to tell everyone I knew and maybe strangers too.💙🎶💙🎶💙
My all-time favorite song....
My all time favorite Desert Island Song !!! I play this song on guitar and keyboards for the last 10 years !
Another great band! Well done guys! FYI, song is about getting ripped off by record company executives.
We called this rock music because by 1971 rock music was a huge tent with all kinds of music welcome--jazz, folk, blues (of course), classical elements--the artists made music they liked, not necessarily music that would sell billions of records. Who to thank for this mindset and experimentation? The Beatles, who else?
Well, that was enjoyable. I haven’t heard that one in a long time.
The track “Mr. Fantasy” also by Traffic is a certified banger
Riding with the brothers once again great great song!!! Steve winwood is amazing and this track is hypnotic.Yes indeed!
I bought this album when I was in High School. I had not heard this song in a very long time. I’m so glad you posted it along with your reaction.
I heard this as a teenager in the early '70s and it blew my mind. The music was so different than anything I had heard before. Whenever I hear this song, mentally I go "Awwww yeah, man."
When you talk 60s these were the pioneers of musical freedom
I loved me some traffic. They were underrated.
Steve Winwood - vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass (1967-1969, 1970-1974, 1994, 2004)[16]
Jim Capaldi - drums, percussion, vocals (1967-1969, 1970-1974, 1994, 2004;[16] died 2005)
Chris Wood - flute, saxophone, keyboards (1967-1969, 1970-1974; died 1983)
Dave Mason - vocals, guitar, sitar, bass, harmonica (1967, 1968, 1971)
Individually outstanding in their own right!!
And Reebop Kwacuban on percussion!!
Another amazing band with so many great songs
I love that final discordant chord.
The drummer on this song was the late Jim Gordon.He was an american session man who was involved with so much in the 60's and 70's. Check his bio on you tube. Crazy life this man lead
I saw Traffic in 1971 fantastic band !
Love your reaction to this great band and wonderful cut. Very tasty, jazzy indeed! Also, loved the reference to Tower Records. What fabulous memories of my youth into my young adult years roaming the record bends for new music. So many gems found at this iconic record store chain that came from my hometown of Sacramento, CA. I spent so many hours at the Broadway location it was like a formal education in music. I purchased this very LP at Tower Records, Broadway. Of course, another great memory is all the incredible album cover paintings that adorned the outside of the store.
Loved the Broadway Tower Records! Same thing…fantastic memories there!
I grew up at the same Tower location from about ‘68
Brilliant song by a brilliant band... Steve Winwood kills it and I love the sax
Traffic had a nice variety of sounds over the years with personnel Changes. Brilliant band.
A striking example of how, in music, pauses are as important as sounds.
Here we go!!!! This is simply brilliant musicianship.
Love Traffic! Their most known song is probably “Mr. Fantasy”, another great song and totally different from this song which is one of my favorites. By the way, they came before Steely Dan and yes, they’re an English band.
“Dear Mr. Fantasy” is a must !
Love this-lotta hazie times listening to Traffic. "High heeled boys" is reference to the Band in platform boots-the style back then. Steve Winwood, when playing with Spencer Davis group did a recording of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out". Totally Soul sound. Love YOUR channel. You break it down, not just make comments. Appreciate your knowledge✌🏼
Actually, the actor Michael G. Pollard was hanging out with Steve and wrote the line "low spark of high-heeled boys" in his notebook.
@@debrabrabenec Its still in reference to "high heed boys" that were wearing platform boots- same dudes, same title. All TIES Together✌🏼 no matter who coined the phrase/title. R. Crumb used this image for Keep on Truckin- Furry Freak Bros.--Zap comic books.
Another great album from 1971, the year I turned 20 when music was wonderful.
This is serious rock/jazz/psychedelic fusion with strangely haunting, but intriguing lyrics.
So awesome that you found this track. So many great songs from Traffic!
English band. Led by Steve Winwood, who did I'm a Man and Gimme Some Lovin. Also played with Jimi Hendrix. A legend and a genius.
Hell yah! I woke up to my clock-radio to catch my school bus to high school one morning in 1972. I will never forget it. I'm 65 and have been a fan of Traffic and Steve Winwood ever since. Steve Winwood continued to have hits as a solo artist into the 80's and beyond. Before Traffic, check out his superstardom with "Blind Faith" and "Can't Find My Way Home". True classic progressive late 60's rock. Nothing like it ever since!
Hey guys check it!!! My older brother used to turn me on to all different types of music. I think I was 14 or 15 and he took me to his apartment with a buddy... He said shut up and listen!!!! LoL he put this on the turntable and I have never been the same!!!!!!! What an awesome experience as a teenager.. 💕
I’m glad this video took you back to those great times!!
My dad told me he was not allowed to sing this b/c he has a bad voice.
I listened to it alone. It was incredible. This song breaks all the rules.
Then I read up on Steve Windwood. Dude is a musical prodigy.
I am shocked am jazzed yall reacted to him.
No one knows how great thus dude is.
Hey guys Ned from Spain again. Loving your choices as always. Traffic started just after Steve " the prodigy " Winwood left Spencer Davis Group. Steve ( G/vox/keys/bass..) teamed up with Jim Capaldi ( dr / vox ), Chris Wood ( sax / flute ) and Dave Mason ( g / vox ) in 1967. They had some hits in a lot of different styles but eventually became a more jazzy rock band after Masons departure. They're just amazing. Winwood continues to perform and sounds great even now.
Woo-Hoo, the train keeps on rolling with you guys, now with Traffic, a band that is its own genre and one of the best of that era. Try them live at Santa Monica in the early 70s, that video is utterly amazing, they get lost in their own groove and take you along for the ride. Great video and a time capsule for sure. I saw them a couple times, the last time when they reunited for one album and tour, I saw them a week before Woodstock II in 1994, they were fire once again. You can see their Woodstock II set on YT. Steve Winwood, amazing vocals, songwriting, keyboards and guitar, he and Traffic are wonderful artists. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎷🎶
That final chord, purposely dissonant as a final F U to music executive's shady practices was always chef's kiss for me. One of my favorite songs of all time
Just "sparked" a bowl and loved this song for the millionth time.
One of my favorite bands ever!!
Loved loved loved Tower Records in Sac!!!
You know exactly what I’m talking about!!
Good find, another band that can't be forgotten, keep up the good work.
One of the all time classics here. 50 yr old tune that grooves to no end. Dear Mr Fantasy is another good tune from Traffic. Feelin Alright
Great reaction!!! Marshall Tucker band cant you see, BANGER!!!
Traffic was a British band that had among its members Steve Winwood and Dave Mason. And while there were saxophones used on this song, the sax sounds you were talking about was likely a synthesizer. Synths were very popular in the early 70s when this was released (1971).
This song is a mix master's delight.
I LOVE how much you appreciate great music.
I've looked through a lot of comments, and of course most of the plaudits are going to the genius that is Steve Winwood. I'd like to put in a word for Jim Gordon, sitting in for Jim Capaldi on drums, who plays an absolute blinder throughout, loose, funky, shifting time signatures with ease, throwing brilliant fill after brilliant fill. I NEVER get tired of hearing this song.
Saw these guys live in concert at the old Cincinnatti Reds stadium in 1969. Always a great show.
This song. Live 72 (full song) is a mesmerizing watch. Great song.
Dipping our feet into some more jazz, I see. Wonderful song, and Chris Wood (RIP) was my idol as a sax player back in the day. PHAT!!! I remember my Dad walking by my room when I had this going, stopping and saying "Nice Song".
U guys R gonna luv TRAFFIC
It was hard to get radio stations to play this because its was so long. I had to beg at times to get it played, and was turned down more often than not. Steve Winwood was such a prodigy.
In the GROOVE...this is transcendental. So glad you found this one. KILLER drums by the late Jim Gordon of Derek and the Dominoes fame, and percussive wisdom by Jim Capaldi and Rebop Kwaku Baah.
Jazzzzzzzy BLUES, this is great music 🎶✌️
You guys are really bringing back the memories. Tower records.
The band Traffic gave me a blast from the past thank you and I love your reaction
most forget Steve is a multi instrumentalist - he plays guitar amazingly well , organ, piano, and quite a number of other instruments
I know it's been a while since you posted this, but in all my years I thought Steve Winwood was a vocalist, although I seem to remember seeing him play a piano I didn't know he played other instruments, thanks for the info
Steve winwood was and started numerous bands super talented
Just as impressive in the live version 🔥
I saw Stevie Windwood a few years at the Portsmouth, VA pavilion. Amazing musician and Traffic was a great band.