Album Information:

About Traffic:

Traffic was a British rock band that formed in Birmingham, England in 1967. The band's original lineup consisted of Steve Winwood (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Dave Mason (vocals, guitar, bass), Jim Capaldi (drums), and Chris Wood (flute, saxophone).

Before forming Traffic, Winwood and Capaldi were both members of the Spencer Davis Group. Mason had also played with the band briefly, and Wood had played with a number of other groups in the Birmingham area.

The band's early music combined elements of rock, jazz, and folk, and their first album, 'Mr. Fantasy,' was released in 1967 to critical and commercial success. The album featured hits like 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' and 'Hole in My Shoe,' and showcased the group's eclectic sound.

Shortly after the release of 'Mr. Fantasy,' Mason left the band to pursue a solo career, and Traffic continued as a trio. Over the next few years, they released a number of albums, including 'Traffic,' 'John Barleycorn Must Die,' and 'The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys.'

Throughout their career, Traffic continued to evolve and experiment with different styles and influences. They incorporated elements of jazz, blues, and world music into their sound, and incorporated intricate instrumentation and improvisation into their live performances.

Despite their critical acclaim and influence on the musical landscape of the late 60s and early 70s, Traffic disbanded in 1975. Over the years, members of the band would reunite for various projects and performances, but a full reunion never materialized.

Today, Traffic is remembered as one of the defining bands of the psychedelic and progressive rock movements, and their music has influenced countless artists in the years since their inception.

About the album Welcome To The Canteen:

Welcome To The Canteen is a live album released by the English rock band Traffic in 1971. The album was recorded at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, England. This album is often seen as a transitional one as it marks the end of the band's first era and the beginning of their second phase.

The album features six tracks, five of which are live recordings of previously released songs and one new track 'Welcome To The Canteen,' written by Traffic's founder members Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood, and Dave Mason. This song has a great rhythm and offers a platform for both Winwood's vocals and Mason's guitar solos.

The live recordings included on the album are fantastic, with strong performances from each member of the band. The album opens with 'Medicated Goo,' which has a great guitar riff and showcases Winwood's powerful vocals. 'Sad and Deep As You' is a slow, bluesy number, which highlights Winwood's soulful voice and Capaldi's emotive lyrics. '40,000 Headmen' is an upbeat song with a catchy melody, while 'Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave' is a beautiful ballad featuring Chris Wood's haunting flute playing.

The album's standout track is 'Dear Mr. Fantasy,' which is an extended version of the original studio recording. This live version features an incredible guitar solo from Dave Mason and showcases the band's ability to improvise and jam on stage.

Overall, Welcome To The Canteen is an impressive live album, which captures the energy and raw talent of Traffic on stage. The album showcases the band's unique sound, which seamlessly blends rock, jazz, and blues. This album is a must-listen for any Traffic fan, and it's a great introduction for new listeners to discover the band's music.

Members:

Traffic was a British rock band formed in 1967. The band underwent several lineup changes throughout its career. Below are some of the key members of Traffic along with brief biographies of each member.

1. Steve Winwood - Steve Winwood, born on May 12, 1948, in Birmingham, England, was the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist for Traffic. He began his music career as a member of the Spencer Davis Group in the 1960s before forming Traffic with Chris Wood, Jim Capaldi, and Dave Mason. Winwood has released several solo albums throughout his career and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.

2. Dave Mason - Dave Mason, born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, was a guitarist and songwriter for Traffic. He co-wrote several of the band's hits, including 'Feelin' Alright' and 'Hole in My Shoe,' before leaving the band in 1969 to pursue a solo career. Mason has released several solo albums and has also performed with other notable musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood Mac.

3. Chris Wood - Chris Wood, born on June 24, 1944, in Birmingham, England, was a saxophonist and flautist for Traffic. He helped to create the band's unique sound with his jazz-influenced playing style. Wood continued to play with Traffic until his death in 1983.

4. Jim Capaldi - Jim Capaldi, born on August 2, 1944, in Evesham, England, was a drummer and songwriter for Traffic. He co-wrote many of the band's songs, including 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys' and 'Dear Mr. Fantasy.' Capaldi continued to play music until his death in 2005.

5. Ric Grech - Ric Grech, born on November 1, 1946, in Bordeaux, France, was a bassist and violinist for Traffic. He joined the band in 1970 after Dave Mason left. Grech had previously played with other notable bands such as Blind Faith and Family. He continued to play music throughout his career until his death in 1990.

Track List for Welcome To The Canteen:

1. Medicated Goo (3:36) - A lively blues-rock track with a catchy guitar riff and organ accompaniment. The lyrics reference a drug called 'medicated goo' and its effects on the user.

2. Sad and Deep as You (3:47) - A slower, more introspective song with a delicate acoustic guitar melody and emotive vocals. The lyrics express feelings of loneliness and heartbreak.

3. Forty Thousand Headmen (4:53) - A jazzy, soulful track with a funky bass line and intricate percussion. The title refers to a group of people who are lost and searching for direction.

4. Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave (6:02) - A haunting ballad with a haunting melody and poignant lyrics about regret. The instrumentation includes acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle orchestration.

5. Dear Mr. Fantasy (8:47) - A classic rock epic with psychedelic guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and dramatic organ flourishes. The lyrics address the idea of escaping reality through imagination and creativity.

6. Gimme Some Lovin' (8:49) - A live version of the band's hit song, with a frenzied energy and catchy chorus. The iconic Hammond organ riff drives the song forward.

Overall, Welcome To The Canteen showcases Traffic's versatility and skill at blending genres like blues, rock, jazz, and soul. The live format adds an extra layer of spontaneity and excitement to the performances, making for an engaging listening experience.

Discography for Traffic:

Here is the complete discography for Traffic:

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 - February 1973
7. On the Road - September 1973
8. When the Eagle Flies - September 1974
9. Far from Home - May 1994

Singles:
1. 'Paper Sun' / 'Giving to You' - July 1967
2. 'Hole In My Shoe' / 'Smiling Phases' - September 1967
3. 'Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush' / 'Coloured Rain' - 1967
4. 'No Face, No Name, No Number' / 'Hope I Never Find Me There' - 1968
5. 'Feelin' Alright' / 'Withering Tree' - 1968
6. 'You Can All Join In' / 'Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring' - 1968
7. 'Medicated Goo' / 'Shanghai Noodle Factory' - January 1969
8. '40,000 Headmen' / 'Cryin' to Be Heard' - April 1969
9. 'Shanghai Noodle Factory' / 'Withering Tree' - 1969
10. 'Empty Pages' / 'Dealer' - 1970
11. 'Glad' / 'Freedom Rider' - 1970
12. 'The Low Spark of High Heel Boys' / 'Light Up or Leave Me Alone' - 1971
13. 'Rock and Roll Stew' / 'Many a Mile to Freedom' - 1972
14. 'Something New' / 'Dream Gerrard' - 1973

Other releases:
1. Heaven Is In Your Mind (EP) - 1968
2. Welcome to the Canteen (live album) - September 1971
3. The Last Great Traffic Jam (live album) - December 1995