Album Information:

About Traffic:

Traffic was a British rock band formed in 1967 that blended together elements of rock, jazz, and psychedelic music. The band was originally formed by Steve Winwood (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Jim Capaldi (drums, vocals), Chris Wood (saxophone, flute), and Dave Mason (guitar, vocals). Over the years, the lineup of Traffic would change, but they would remain one of the most innovative and influential bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Steve Winwood was the driving force behind the band. He had previously been a member of the Spencer Davis Group and was already an accomplished musician by the time he formed Traffic. He was gifted with a soulful voice and the ability to play multiple instruments, including keyboards, guitar, and bass. Jim Capaldi was the band's lyricist and drummer. He had previously been a member of the band Deep Feeling. Chris Wood was a talented saxophonist and flautist who had played with numerous bands before joining Traffic. Dave Mason was the band's lead guitarist and a gifted songwriter.

Traffic's early sound was characterized by complex arrangements, adventurous solos, and intricate rhythms. They were heavily influenced by jazz and blues music, and their songs often featured improvisational sections. Their debut album, 'Mr. Fantasy,' was released in 1967 and featured the hit song 'Paper Sun,' which showcased the band's unique sound and experimental approach to music-making.

Over the next few years, Traffic continued to experiment with their sound, adding elements of folk and world music to their music. They released several highly regarded albums, including 'Traffic,' 'John Barleycorn Must Die,' and 'The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys.' The band's membership continued to change, with Dave Mason leaving and returning several times, and other musicians such as Ric Grech and Rebop Kwaku Baah joining the band.

Despite their critical acclaim, Traffic was not a commercially successful band. Their music was often too complex and unconventional for the mainstream audience, and the band members were known for their ambivalence towards fame and fortune. They disbanded in 1975, with Steve Winwood going on to a successful solo career.

Today, Traffic is remembered as one of the most influential bands of the psychedelic era. Their music paved the way for future bands that would blend together different musical styles and push the boundaries of what was considered 'rock' music. Their innovative approach to music-making and their commitment to artistic integrity has inspired countless musicians over the years.

About the album The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys:

The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is a studio album by the British rock band Traffic, which was released in 1971. The album was produced by Chris Blackwell and Jim Capaldi, and it featured the band's signature blend of rock, jazz, and soul music.

The album's title track, 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys' is a 12-minute epic that showcases the band's improvisational skills. The song features a funky bassline, soulful horns, and a hypnotic piano riff. Steve Winwood's vocals are moody and introspective, and the lyrics seem to speak to the elusive nature of success and happiness.

The second track, 'Light Up or Leave Me Alone,' has a more upbeat feel. The song features a catchy guitar riff, some funky organ playing, and a powerful vocal performance by Jim Capaldi. The lyrics speak to the importance of making a choice in life, and not being trapped in indecision.

'Rock & Roll Stew' is a bluesy track that features some impressive guitar work from Steve Winwood. The song has a gritty feel to it, and the lyrics speak to the pleasures and pains of life on the road as a touring musician.

'Many a Mile to Freedom' is a mellow, acoustic ballad that features some beautiful vocal harmonies between Winwood and Capaldi. The song speaks to the idea of finding freedom in love, and the lyrics are heartfelt and emotional.

'Rainmaker' is a mystical track that features some ethereal guitar work from Winwood and some haunting flute playing from Chris Wood. The song has a spiritual feel to it, and the lyrics speak to the power of nature and the universe.

The album's final track, 'Hidden Treasure,' is a soulful ballad that features some of the album's best vocal performances. The song has a romantic feel to it, and the lyrics speak to the idea of finding love and happiness in unexpected places.

Overall, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is a classic album that showcases Traffic's musical prowess and unique sound. The album's blend of rock, jazz, and soul music, along with its introspective lyrics, make it a must-listen for fans of 70s rock and roll.

Members:

Traffic was an English rock band formed in 1967, consisting of four key members. Here are brief biographies of each member:

1. Steve Winwood - Steve Winwood was born on May 12, 1948 in Birmingham, England. At the age of 8, he began playing the piano and by age 14, he had joined a local band called the Spencer Davis Group. In 1967, he formed Traffic with Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason, and Chris Wood. Winwood was the band’s lead vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist. He went on to have a successful solo career after Traffic disbanded in 1975.

2. Jim Capaldi - Jim Capaldi was born on August 2, 1944 in Evesham, England. He was a drummer and singer-songwriter who co-founded Traffic with Steve Winwood, Dave Mason, and Chris Wood. He wrote many of the band’s songs and co-wrote the hit song “Paper Sun” with Winwood. Capaldi also had a successful solo career and continued to perform and write music until his death in 2005.

3. Dave Mason - Dave Mason was born on May 10, 1946 in Worcester, England. He was a guitarist and singer who joined Traffic in 1967. He wrote and sang lead vocals on some of the band’s most popular songs, including “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Hole in My Shoe”. Mason left Traffic after their second album, but rejoined the band in 1971 before leaving again in 1972 to pursue a solo career.

4. Chris Wood - Chris Wood was born on June 24, 1944 in Birmingham, England. He was a saxophonist and flautist who co-founded Traffic with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Dave Mason. He played woodwinds on most of the band’s recordings and was also responsible for the band’s album artwork. Unfortunately, Wood died in 1983 at the young age of 39 due to pneumonia brought on by prolonged drug and alcohol abuse.

Track List for The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys:

Sure! Here are the tracks in order along with their play time and description:

1. 'Hidden Treasure' - 4:14
This is a bluesy track with a slow, groovy tempo. The vocals are smooth and soulful, and there are some jazzy instrumental sections featuring saxophone and keyboards.

2. 'The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys' - 11:36
The title track is a sprawling, experimental piece that blends rock, jazz, and funk. It features a funky bassline, improvisational guitar and keyboard solos, and a spoken-word section toward the end. The song has a dreamlike atmosphere and builds to a climactic finish.

3. 'Light Up or Leave Me Alone' - 4:43
This is a more straightforward rock tune with a catchy chorus and a driving beat. The guitar riff is memorable and the vocals are full of attitude. There's also a jammy instrumental section in the middle.

4. 'Rock & Roll Stew' - 4:29
Another upbeat track, 'Rock & Roll Stew' has a funky rhythm and some fun call-and-response vocals. The guitar and saxophone solos are both highlights, and there's a nice breakdown section near the end.

5. 'Many a Mile to Freedom' - 7:17
This is a slower, more reflective song with a country-inflected melody and some lovely acoustic guitar work. The lyrics speak to the idea of personal liberation and taking risks. The saxophone solo in the middle is particularly gorgeous.

6. 'Rainmaker' - 7:39
'Rainmaker' is a moody, atmospheric piece with some spacey synthesizer effects creating an eerie vibe. The vocals are haunting and the guitar solo is especially plaintive. The song builds to a psychedelic climax before fading away.

Overall, The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys is a classic album that showcases Traffic's eclectic musicianship and adventurous spirit. Each track has its own distinct personality, making for a rewarding listening experience from start to finish.

Discography for Traffic:

Here is a complete discography for Traffic 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' / 'Am I What I Was or Was I What I Am' (1968)
4. 'No Face, No Name, No Number' / 'Hope I Never Find Me There' (1968)
5. 'Feelin' Alright?' / 'With a Little Help from My Friends' (live) (1968)
6. 'Medicated Goo' / 'Shanghai Noodle Factory' (1968)
7. '40,000 Headmen' / 'Medicated Goo' (live) (1969)
8. 'Pearly Queen' / 'No Time to Live' (1969)
9. 'Empty Pages' / 'Stranger to Himself' (1970)
10. 'John Barleycorn' / 'Every Mother's Son' (1970)
11. 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys' / 'Rainmaker' (1971)

Other releases:

1. Heaven Is in Your Mind (EP, 1968)
2. Welcome to the Canteen (live album, 1971)
3. On the Road (live album, 1973)
4. The Collection (compilation album, 1986)
5. Smiling Phases (box set, 1991)
6. Far from Home: Live in Concert (live album, 2002)

Note: The release dates may vary according to different sources.