The Last Great Traffic Jam

Performer: Traffic
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: This is a DualDisc, which contains a CD on one side of the disc and a DVD on the other. Traffic: Steve Winwood (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Jim Capaldi (vocals, drums); Mike McEvoy (guitar, keyboards); Randall Bramblett (woodwinds, keyboards); Rosko Gee (bass guitar); Walfredo Reyes (percussion). Additional personnel: Jerry Garcia (guitar). As a matter of course, one wants to despise records like this. Part of a legendary band reunites 20 years after its dissolution and the death of a founding member (Chris Wood) -- reminiscent of the Who, whose numerous reunions are simply despicable -- and hits the road with audio and video gear in tow for an "historic" tour. In the case of what was left of Traffic -- Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi -- this isn't the case with their 1994 reunion. Last Great Traffic Jam, a dual disc (actually a double-disc package consisting of two CDs' worth of material, a DVD of concert footage, and historical artifacts (a hodgepodge of photos and bios, etc.)), offers a document that's worth hearing. The pair hired keyboard giant Randall Bramblett, who also plays saxophones and flute, percussionist Walfredo Reyes, and guitarist/bassist Mike McEvoy. The result is a live Traffic album: the band's best tunes played exceptionally well, and at times even inspired, such as on Bramblett's saxophone solo on "Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys," or Winwood's guitar break in "Dear Mr. Fantasy," or the soulful versions of "Walking on the Wind" and the rip-up of "Glad." The DVD is no great shakes and it would have been preferable just to have the CDs, but it's a small complaint. This is solid. ~ Thom Jurek

Traffic appeared amidst the late-1960s psychedelic scene, and at its height the band was one of the most adventurous outfits around, although Traffic's unstable lineup made it an on-again, off-again affair by the '70s. Teenage wunderkind Stevie Winwood was the main man, but all the members made significant contributions. With a sound that combined influences from folk, rock, jazz, and soul, Traffic created something wonderfully of its time on classic albums such as THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH-HEELED BOYS.

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