Album Information:
Album ID: 10420
About Traffic:
Traffic was a British rock band that formed in Birmingham, England in 1967. The band's original lineup consisted of Steve Winwood on vocals and keyboards, Jim Capaldi on drums, Chris Wood on saxophone and flute, and Dave Mason on guitar. Over the years, several other musicians joined the band as well.
The band's music was a unique blend of rock, folk, jazz, and blues. They were known for their improvisational abilities and intricate instrumentals. Some of their most popular songs include 'Dear Mr. Fantasy,' 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys,' and 'Feelin' Alright.'
Traffic initially gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They released several successful albums, including 'Mr. Fantasy,' 'Traffic,' and 'John Barleycorn Must Die.' However, the band experienced several lineup changes over the years, and eventually disbanded in 1975.
During the breakup, Winwood pursued a successful solo career, while Capaldi and Wood continued to work together on various musical projects. In 1994, Winwood and Capaldi decided to reunite as Traffic and released a new album, 'Far From Home.' The band continued to tour until Capaldi's death in 2005.
Despite their relatively brief time together as a band, Traffic had a significant impact on the music world. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands of the 1960s and 1970s.
About the album Far From Home:
'Far From Home' is the tenth and final album by English rock band Traffic, released in 1994. The album features original members Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood, as well as new members Randall Bramblett and Walfredo Reyes. Here is a track-by-track analysis of the album:
1. 'Far From Home': The opening track starts with a beautiful instrumental introduction, featuring guitar and saxophone, and then segues into a groovy blues number anchored by Winwood's soulful vocals and electric organ.
2. 'Nowhere Is Their Freedom': A political song with lyrics that address the issue of apartheid in South Africa, this song features a catchy acoustic guitar riff and harmonies that conjure up images of a campfire singalong.
3. 'Holy Ground': This track has a gospel feel, featuring powerful female backing vocals and a driving rhythm. The lyrics speak of the need to find redemption in troubled times.
4. 'Some Kinda Woman': With a funky guitar riff and horns that bring to mind the classic Stax sound, this track is a nod to the band's blues and R&B roots. The lyrics describe a complex and enigmatic woman who is 'one of a kind.'
5. 'Every Night, Every Day': This is a tender ballad with a melancholic melody that showcases Winwood's vocal range.
6. 'This Train Won't Stop': A straightforward rock number with a driving beat and catchy hooks, 'This Train Won't Stop' is a positive message of perseverance and determination.
7. 'State of Grace': This track has a reggae feel with a seductive bass line and atmospheric production. The lyrics describe the beauty of a state of grace, where the heart is at peace.
8. 'Mozambique': 'Mozambique' is an upbeat instrumental that features Bramblett's saxophone and Capaldi's percussion. The African-inspired rhythm and horn section make it one of the standout tracks on the album.
9. 'Shanghai Noodle Factory': A re-recorded version of an old Traffic song, 'Shanghai Noodle Factory' is a psychedelic blues song that showcases Wood's flute playing and Capaldi's drumming.
10. 'Memories of a Rock N' Rolla': The album's closing track has a slow tempo and a bittersweet melody that feels like a farewell. The lyrics speak of the joys and sorrows of life as a musician and reflect on the journey Traffic has taken.
Overall, 'Far From Home' is a solid effort from a band that had reunited after a long hiatus. The album combines elements of blues, R&B, gospel, and rock, and showcases the virtuosity of the band members. Although it wasn't a commercial success, 'Far From Home' remains a worthy addition to Traffic's discography.
Members:
Steve Winwood - Steve Winwood was born in England in 1948. He rose to fame as a member of the Spencer Davis Group, before joining the band Traffic in 1967. Winwood is a multi-instrumentalist, playing the guitar, bass, organ, drums, and piano. He is also known for his distinctive vocals. After Traffic dissolved, Winwood went on to have a successful solo career.
Jim Capaldi - Jim Capaldi was born in England in 1944. He co-founded Traffic with Steve Winwood in 1967. Capaldi was the band's drummer and also contributed vocals and songwriting. In addition to his work with Traffic, Capaldi released a number of solo albums and collaborated with other musicians throughout his career. He died in 2005.
Dave Mason - Dave Mason was born in England in 1946. He joined Traffic in 1967 and played guitar and contributed vocals and songwriting. Mason left Traffic after the release of their debut album but would rejoin the band at later points in their career. He has also had a successful solo career and has played as a session musician for other artists.
Chris Wood - Chris Wood was born in England in 1944. He co-founded Traffic with Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi in 1967. Wood played saxophone, flute, and organ and also contributed vocals and songwriting. After Traffic dissolved, Wood went on to play with other bands and also released solo material. He died in 1983.
Rick Grech - Rick Grech was born in France in 1946. He joined Traffic as their bassist in 1970. Grech had previously played with the bands Family and Blind Faith. Grech left Traffic after their 1971 album, 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys'. He went on to play with other bands, including Ginger Baker's Air Force. Grech died in 1990.
Track List for Far From Home:
I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I don't have access to specific information of a particular album, including the tracks and their details. However, I can give you an example of how to create a track list with descriptions:
Title: 'Far From Home'
Play time: 3:39
Description: This is the title track of the album and sets the mood for the rest of the songs. It's an introspective ballad about feeling lost and searching for a sense of belonging. The instrumentation is minimal, with acoustic guitar and piano supporting the singer's plaintive vocals.
Title: 'On The Road'
Play time: 4:12
Description: This song picks up the pace with a driving beat and jaunty guitar riff. The lyrics describe the freedom and adventure of life on the road, with the narrator reveling in the chaos and unpredictability of the journey.
Title: 'Lost Without You'
Play time: 3:56
Description: This is a sad and contemplative love song, with the singer reflecting on the pain of separation from a loved one. The melody is haunting and melancholy, with the instrumentation featuring cello and gentle acoustic guitar.
Title: 'Gone Too Soon'
Play time: 5:02
Description: This is a tribute to a friend or loved one who has passed away. The lyrics are emotional and heartfelt, with the singer expressing regret for things left unsaid and undone. The instrumentation is somber, with piano and strings providing a mournful backdrop.
Title: 'Finding My Way'
Play time: 4:30
Description: This is an uplifting and optimistic track, with the narrator singing about overcoming obstacles and finding his way in life. The melody is catchy and upbeat, with the instrumentation featuring electric guitar and driving drums.
Title: 'Homecoming'
Play time: 2:55
Description: This song is a celebration of coming home, with the singer expressing joy and relief at being reunited with loved ones. The melody is light and breezy, with acoustic guitar and mandolin providing a folksy feel.
Title: 'Back To You'
Play time: 3:48
Description: This is a romantic love song, with the singer expressing his devotion and desire to be with his partner. The instrumentation is stripped down, with acoustic guitar and piano supporting the singer's yearning vocals.
Title: 'Farther Away'
Play time: 4:21
Description: This song is a wistful look back at a lost love. The lyrics are nostalgic and regretful, with the singer longing for a second chance. The instrumentation is sparse, with acoustic guitar and light percussion providing a gentle backdrop.
Title: 'New Horizons'
Play time: 3:22
Description: This is an upbeat and hopeful track, with the narrator singing about taking risks and seizing new opportunities. The melody is catchy and optimistic, with electric guitar and drums giving the song a rock edge.
Title: 'Journey's End'
Play time: 6:01
Description: This song brings the album to a close with a wistful and introspective ballad. The lyrics are contemplative, with the singer reflecting on the journeys, both physical and emotional, that have brought him to this point. The instrumentation is sparse, with piano and violin providing a haunting and melancholy backdrop.
Discography for Traffic:
Sure, here is the complete discography for Traffic in chronological order:
Albums:
1. Mr. Fantasy – December 1967
2. Traffic – October 1968
3. Last Exit – July 1969
4. John Barleycorn Must Die – July 1970
5. The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – November 1971
6. Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory – January 1973
7. On the Road – April 1973
8. When the Eagle Flies – September 1974
9. Far From Home – May 1994
Singles:
1. 'Paper Sun' / 'Giving to You' – May 1967
2. 'Hole in My Shoe' / 'Smiling Phases' – August 1967
3. 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush' / 'Coloured Rain' – November 1967
4. 'No Face, No Name, No Number' / 'Hope I Never Find Me There' – February 1968
5. 'Feelin' Alright?' / 'Withering Tree' – October 1968
6. 'Medicated Goo' / 'Shanghai Noodle Factory' – January 1969
7. '40,000 Headmen' / 'Medicated Goo' – July 1969
8. 'Pearly Queen' / 'You Can All Join In' – September 1969
9. 'Empty Pages' / 'Dealer' – June 1970
10. 'Glad' / 'Freedom Rider' – October 1970
11. 'Rock and Roll Stew' / 'Many a Mile to Freedom' – October 1971
12. 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys' / 'Light Up or Leave Me Alone' – 1972
13. 'Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory' / 'Roll Right Stones' – March 1973
Other Releases:
1. Heaven Is in Your Mind / Mr. Fantasy – 1968 (Compilation)
2. Smiling Phases – March 1971 (Compilation)
3. More Heavy Traffic – May 1975 (Compilation)
4. Welcome to the Canteen – September 1971 (Live Album)
5. On the Road – April 1973 (Live Album)
6. Last Exit – 2012 (Deluxe Edition)