Traffic
Welcome To The Canteen

THE REVIEW

We are in the distant 1967, a period during which many bands were born, writing numerous chapters in the history of rock. A time when rock music was undergoing an evolution, a radical change. And the bands were fully participating in this change, this revolution. In fact, in 1967, with the explosion of rock in America, the blues was abandoned in England to adopt the new overseas styles. Traffic, formed in Midland in 1967, are the group of Steve Winwood post-blues. The music of Traffic is a blend obtained from different genres like soul, jazz, progressive, world-music. The band's sound was mainly characterized by symphonies performed by technically advanced musicians at the forefront.

In 1971, Traffic released the album ‘'Welcome To The Canteen’', which is a live performance recorded during the Croydon and the Oz Benefit Concert in London, in July 1971. An album that embodies and best represents the very original sound of Winwood's band. Many valuable musicians collaborated for the concert, including Chris Wood, Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason, and Jim Gordon. The result is a very original and expressive sound. All the tracks are composed by Steve Winwood and the other musicians contribute greatly both in the arrangements and the live execution of the tracks. The tracks are performed masterfully and the musicians, along with Winwood, manage to create a unique atmosphere, embodying the sound of those years. Also in this live performance, it is clear how Steve Winwood was the reference point for the band in all its facets. Very original is the cover depicting the entire band with the names of each member sitting around a table. In this live performance the band is in a state of grace.

Steve's imprint is evident in every track, with his keyboards never obvious, original, and innovative that manage to influence and define the sound even live. And around him, the other band members feel at ease even in the live versions. Indeed, the tracks are very well-crafted, even in the smallest details.

The album opens with ‘' Medicated Goo ‘' which has a driving rhythm, in the typical style of Traffic, with the organ in the foreground and the jazz-style drums. The instrumental parts within the track are very detailed and excellently played. ‘'Sad And Deep As You‘' and ‘'40,000 Headmen‘' are two similar songs, mainly instrumental with the acoustic guitar setting the rhythm for the tracks. The first is sung by Dave Mason, and the second by Winwood himself. ‘' Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave ‘' is a track in full jazz-blues style, where once again Steve Winwood’s organ is the main instrument throughout the song. ‘'Dear Mr. Fantasy’' is one of Traffic’s most famous songs, a unique, wonderful track. Mr. Fantasy also inspired the band to name an album after it. Once again, a great Steve Winwood offers profound emotions with a live performance that is nothing short of perfect. The most intense moment of the album is represented by this track. 10 minutes and 57 seconds of pure music, perfection, and great inspiration, for a track that went down in history. The perfect synthesis of Traffic’s music. The album closes with ‘'Gimme Some Lovin’' ‘' written by Winwood, a track that left a mark in the history of rock, but above all, it best expresses the group's skill, even in live performances.

‘'Welcome To The Canteen’' is a wonderful live performance, a manifesto of a band that made rock history. More than thirty years later, it is still original, proving that Traffic was one of the groups that changed the rock world.

A unique record, one of the most beautiful and intense live performances ever.