This comeback album for Traffic found them in fine form, despite the absence of Dave Mason who had moved on to a solo career. Freeing themselves from the three minute radio format, they stretch their musical muscles to create a new direction for the band, one they would continue to pursue in the landmark Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. Let us take a look at 1970's John Barleycorn Must Die.

Traffic was:
Steve Winwood, keyboards, some guitar and bass and lead vocals
Chris Wood, flute and sax
Jim Capaldi, percussion and backing vocals

Glad kicks off the reunion with an inspired jam of nearly seven minutes. Based loosely on a bluesy piano figure, the band explores some jazzy tempos for close to seven minutes on this one. Some may find that excessive, but it is the kind of improvisation I enjoy.

Freedom Rider is another great exhibition of a cohesive unit. Featuring great vocals by Winwood, prominent flute and sax leads by Wood and a driving rhythm by Capaldi.

Empty Pages got me interested in Traffic about 11 years ago. I actually called the station to find out what it was. This one is primarily Winwood, with a bit of help on organ from Wood and percussion by Capaldi. Great sneaky cool organ break leads the song into another great driving jam.

Stranger To Himself "He sees nothing, only well". Great harmonies between Winwood and Capaldi. Winwood plays all instruments on this one. "Hands torn and bloody from the scratching of his soul". Most can identify with the struggle to find yourself. In addition to some scratchy, dirty lead guitar, we get a nice flavor of acoustic guitar in this slower midtempo blues groove. It is remarkable to think that one person played all the instruments considering how well they fit in as if it is a live jam in the studio.

John Barleycorn is an acoustic rendering of the traditional folk song, dating from the 15th century. Winwood delivers an excellent vocal performance, blending perfectly with Capaldi's backing vocals. Wood's flute lends a medieval flavor to the track, something you might hear at Renaissance festival. The title character represents alcohol itself, an addiction which people have fought for centuries.

Every Mother's Son has another great dirty guitar lead from Winwood, combined with his own piano and organ playing. He handles all the instruments with the exception of the drums. Another blues based jam of about seven minutes, anchored by that great guitar lead. Once again, it may be a bit long for some.

BONUS TRACKS

I Just Want You To Know is a brief stuttering groove in which only the title line is sung. This seems almost like a demo, only lasting about a minute and a half. Excellent lead guitar work by Winwood.

Sittin' Here Thinkin' of My Love is a bit longer than the other bonus track. This one does not have the development of the other songs in the jam aspect. It is more of a tender song. Something that might have fit in on the earlier album Mr. Fantasy

This record was supposed to be a Steve Winwood solo project. He actually completed three of the tracks himself before bringing in his old bandmates. They were later added to the mixes. Traffic had disbanded a year earlier, with each member pursuing opportunities in different bands and as solo artists. Most notably, Winwood had gotten together with Eric Clapton in the supergroup Blind Faith which was gone after one album and one tour, perhaps a victim of too much hype.

The version I have reviewed here is the remastered version with the two bonus tracks. If you can only get the original version, you are not really missing much. I don't hear an appreciable difference in the sound and the extra songs are nothing too special, the first sounding like a demo they found on the master tapes. Even with those, it still clocks in at under 40 minutes. There are new liner notes, though, and a picture of the group, not present on the earlier version.

I actually gave away my prior copy of this to my older brother who had let me stay with him for awhile. I have missed it the past couple years, so I was pleased to find this new version. This is great for any Traffic fan, Winwood fan, or even an alternative fan who might like to hear how they blended other instruments into a rock mix in the old days.



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving