Album Information:

About Traffic:

Traffic was a British rock band that was formed in the late 1960s. It was initially formed by Steve Winwood, Dave Mason, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. The band was known for their eclectic blend of rock, blues, jazz, and folk music. Traffic's music was characterized by its intricate arrangements, virtuosic musicianship, and profound lyrics.

Steve Winwood was the driving force behind Traffic. He had previously been a member of the Spencer Davis Group and was known for his soulful vocals and keyboard playing. Dave Mason was an accomplished guitarist and songwriter, who had previously played with the band 'The Hellions.' Jim Capaldi was the drummer, percussionist and a talented songwriter, mainly penning lyrics, while Chris Wood was the flautist and saxophonist, adding to the band’s unique sound.

Traffic released their debut album, 'Mr. Fantasy,' in 1967. This album featured some of the band's most enduring songs, including 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' and 'Heaven Is in Your Mind.' The album was a commercial success, and it established Traffic as a major force in the British rock scene.

Over the next few years, Traffic released several more successful albums, including 'Traffic,' 'John Barleycorn Must Die,' and 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.' These albums showcased the band's evolving sound, as they delved deeper into jazz and other genres.

However, the band was not without its difficulties. Dave Mason temporarily left the band after the release of 'Mr. Fantasy,' but he returned for 'Traffic' and 'John Barleycorn Must Die.' In 1970, Steve Winwood left the band to pursue a solo career, effectively bringing Traffic to an end.

Despite their relatively short existence, Traffic remains one of the most influential bands of the 1960s and 70s. Their eclectic sound and virtuosic musicianship helped to pave the way for future acts that experimented with different genres and instrumentation. Even today, their music continues to inspire and captivate new listeners.

About the album Heaven Is In Your Mind [Aka Mr. Fantasy]:

Heaven Is In Your Mind, also known as Mr. Fantasy, is the debut album by the English rock band Traffic. It was released in December 1967, and is considered an influential psychedelic and progressive rock album.

The album opens with the title track 'Heaven Is In Your Mind', which features a psychedelic atmosphere with its swirling organ and trippy lyrics. Next up is 'Berkshire Poppies', a mellow instrumental that showcases the band's improvisational skills with its gentle guitar and flute melodies.

The album's most famous track is 'Dear Mr. Fantasy', a psychedelic rock anthem with a catchy chorus and a memorable guitar riff. It became a hit single for the band and is often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'Dealer', which features a bluesy guitar riff and soulful vocals, and 'Utterly Simple', a dreamy instrumental featuring Steve Winwood's virtuosic organ playing.

One of the unique features of this album is the combination of different genres, from psychedelic rock to folk, blues, and jazz. This eclectic mix of influences creates a distinct sound that has influenced many artists in the decades since its release.

Overall, Heaven Is In Your Mind is a classic album that captures the essence of the late 1960s psychedelic rock movement and showcases the undeniable talent and creativity of Traffic.

Members:

Traffic was an English rock band that originated in Birmingham in 1967. The band had several members who contributed to their sound and success. Here are the key members of Traffic along with their biographies:

1. Steve Winwood - Steve Winwood was born on May 12, 1948 in Handsworth, Birmingham, England. He was the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and one of the founding members of Traffic. Winwood started playing music at a young age and was known for his powerful voice and keyboard skills. Before forming Traffic, he was a member of several other bands including Spencer Davis Group and Blind Faith. Winwood also had a successful solo career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

2. Jim Capaldi - Jim Capaldi was born on August 24, 1944 in Evesham, Worcestershire, England. He was the drummer and a founding member of Traffic along with Steve Winwood. Capaldi was also a songwriter and contributed significantly to the band's sound. He went on to release several successful solo albums and continued to write and perform until his death in 2005.

3. Chris Wood - Chris Wood was born on June 24, 1944 in Birmingham, England. He was a multi-instrumentalist who played the saxophone, flute, and keytar with Traffic. Wood was known for his unique sound and improvisational style. Before joining Traffic, he played with the band Locomotive. Wood passed away in 1983 at the age of 39.

4. Dave Mason - Dave Mason was born on May 10, 1946 in Worcester, England. He was a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who played with Traffic from 1967-1969 and then rejoined the band in 1971. Mason contributed several songs to the band's repertoire including 'Feelin' Alright' and 'Hole in My Shoe'. He also had a successful solo career and played with several other bands throughout his career.

These four members were the core of Traffic, but the band also had several other musicians who played with them at various times including Ric Grech, Rick Grech, and Rebop Kwaku Baah.

Track List for Heaven Is In Your Mind [Aka Mr. Fantasy]:

1. 'Heaven Is in Your Mind' (4:16) - The opening track is a vibrant psychedelic rock song with catchy guitar riffs and a memorable chorus. The lyrics encourage listeners to expand their minds and see the beauty in the world around them.

2. 'Berkshire Poppies' (2:54) - This instrumental track takes listeners on a journey with a groovy bass line and trippy guitar echoes. The title refers to Berkshire County in England, where the band was based at the time.

3. 'House for Everyone' (2:06) - A soft acoustic ballad, 'House for Everyone' is a simple song about wishing for a peaceful place where everyone can come together.

4. 'No Face, No Name, No Number' (3:35) - This song is a bluesy rock track with intricate guitar work and haunting vocals. The lyrics speak of a mysterious woman and the singer's desire to be with her.

5. 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' (5:43) - Perhaps the most famous track on the album, 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' is a psychedelic rock anthem with a powerful chorus and unforgettable guitar solo. The lyrics address the listener directly, urging them to let their mind wander and embrace their imagination.

6. 'Dealer' (4:47) - A slow, bluesy track with a mesmerizing guitar riff and haunting vocals, 'Dealer' is about addiction and the all-consuming power it holds over its victims.

7. 'Utterly Simple' (3:18) - A gentle acoustic track with subtle harmonies and poetic lyrics, 'Utterly Simple' is about finding beauty in simplicity.

8. 'Coloured Rain' (2:44) - This upbeat track features funky guitar and organ riffs, and catchy vocals. The lyrics speak of the joys of life and the beauty of nature's colors.

9. 'Hope I Never Find Me There' (2:05) - The shortest track on the album, 'Hope I Never Find Me There' is a simple acoustic ballad with a sweet melody and poetic lyrics.

10. 'Giving to You' (4:16) - The closing track is a psychedelic rock song with a driving rhythm and soaring vocals. The lyrics speak of giving oneself to someone else in love and devotion.

Discography for Traffic:

Sure, here is Traffic's complete discography in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Mr. Fantasy (1967)
2. Traffic (1968)
3. Last Exit (1969)
4. John Barleycorn Must Die (1970)
5. The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971)
6. Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory (1973)
7. When the Eagle Flies (1974)
8. Far from Home (1994)

Singles:
1. 'Paper Sun' / 'Giving to You' (1967)
2. 'Hole in My Shoe' / 'Smiling Phases' (1967)
3. 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush' / 'Coloured Rain' (1968)
4. 'No Face, No Name, No Number' / 'Heaven Is in Your Mind' (1968)
5. 'Feelin' Alright?' / 'With a Little Help from My Friends' (1968)
6. 'Medicated Goo' / 'Shanghai Noodle Factory' (1968)
7. 'Pearly Queen' / 'You Can All Join In' (1969)
8. 'Sittin' Here Thinkin' of My Love' / 'Worn to Be Wild' (1969)
9. 'Empty Pages' / 'Stranger to Himself' (1970)
10. 'John Barleycorn' / 'Glad' (1970)
11. 'Rock and Roll Stew' / 'Shanghai Noodle Factory' (1971)
12. 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys' / 'Light Up or Leave Me Alone' (1972)
13. 'Something New' / 'Dream Gerrard' (1972)

Other notable releases:
1. Welcome to the Canteen (1971) [live album]
2. On the Road (1973) [live album]
3. The Last Great Traffic Jam (2005) [live album]

Hope that helps!