@AirplayBeats reacts to Traffic - Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys Like comment and subscribe patreon.com/user?u=81569817 Airplay Beats 3609 Bradshaw Rd Ste H #337 Sacramento, CA 95827
Steve Winwood was a professional musician at age 14 with the Spencer Davis Group. Insane talent. He started playing piano at age 4. Some people are just born with it.
An important band in the history of rock and roll. A song made for the doobie, if you know what I mean. Just have to say that you guys are quickly becoming my favorite "reactors". Great song selections, intelligent observations, and letting the music speak for itself. Unlike so many other reactors you understand music, instrumentation, mixing, and song-writing. And you don't waste your time trying to decipher lyrics that aren't what they appear to be. You hear the influences of jazz, garage-band rock, classical, and even Mo-Town in these classic songs. Just finished going through your whole video catalog. Keep up the good work. Continue to learn and incorporate what you have learned into your dialog. Looking forward to seeing how your channel develops over time.
You are on the same page as I see myself. Their choices are really strong. Watched some Rush video reactions then SRV and Sabbath. GFR. They have good taste absolutely.
Awesome...so glad you guys found this! Steve Winwood on keys and vocals; he eventually went on to form a short-lived super group Blind Faith with Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Ric Grech. Keep'm coming!
Winwood didn't "eventually" go on to be in Blind Faith - he'd already been there and done that. Spark came out after Blind Faith had broken up, and Traffic re-formed.
Fabulous band, went through a several different phases. This was probably their jazziest/jammiest version. Chris Wood was a brilliant sax player. Loved running his sax through a fuzz pedal. His distorted wail on the fade-out is spine-chilling
@@johnhoerl7326 I’m pretty sure it’s his Hammond going through a fuzz, I heard the interview so long ago I can’t be sure if he specified what keyboard or not. It’s mostly single notes but if you listen closely you can hear a few places where he hits more than one note…
@@bstaff1901 Must be a Hammond, or maybe a Farfisa? Doesn’t sound like a Mellotron or a Minimoog even accounting for the distortion, and I can’t think of any other synths at the time that would have been capable of that sustain
You just heard one of the most unique and innovative songs from this group or any group. The song's ethereal mood just takes you to wonderful places. Glad you appreciate their fusion of styles on this song. They have a deep catalogue to explore with varied styles. Steve Winwood's piano and vocals are top tier and his song from when he was in Blind Faith "Can't Find My Way Home" is one not to be missed if you've not heard it.
Steve wrote this song about the greedy record companies, and their executives, manipulating the young and inexperienced Bands and artists into signing recording contracts that made everyone rich, except the artists and Bands who created the music. This was a very common practice in the early 70s in the Rock music world. "Manfred Mann's Earth Band," also had a song about the same time, about this same issue. It was called "Blinded by the Light," a huge hit song in the mid 70s. Thanks guys. another winner
This song and the album are in my top ten. Love Traffic! Back in the day, this was one of those albums to listen to with friends. Candles, incense, and something else burning. Leaning back, eyes closed, floating with the music! ☮️❤️😎
The great Steve Winwood (British artist) is a genius. He's in his mid 70s these days, and still performing. Please react to his song "Can't Find My Way Home. or "Roll with it," his R&B hit. This guy is one of the greats. Plays about 20 different instruments, and his vocals are legendary.
you mentioned the jazz element in the music. During the 60's and 70's a lot of the musicians listened to a huge variety of music from 40's, 50's, bebop to blues, to country, to world music, and they attended schools to learn classical, jazz, etc. So when you do the reactions of this era of music you will hear all sorts of styles creep into their music. Thanks for including this in your reaction, a classic by any means!
I tell anyone that will listen that this song is the reason I am a Musician. Figured if I could make one person feel the way this song was making me feel before I die, I can die knowing I achieved something worthwhile. Jim Gordon's Drums, Chris' Flute, Rebop's Congas, its all there. The "Low Spark.." begins as it ends - it never stops playing man.
That solo instrument is an organ played through a fuzz box by Steve Winwood who plays the keys and is also the lead singer. He plays a lot of sax-inspired lines and the fuzz makes it sound even more reedy for lack of an actual word. Definitely a psychedelic sax sound, but the occasional polyphony is the biggest giveaway.
Steve Winwood, is a truly talented musician and singer, his voice is unmistakable, once you have heard it. Seen him a couple of times live, and he is just as good, if not even better, than anything he did in a studio. As others have noted, he got a start as a professional musician at a VERY young age, but he proved he was worthy of the praise and promotion. He has been in several groups over the years, Traffic, The Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, his own band, and plus guest appearances with MANY other groups. Everyone wanted to play with him, and did. All the other guys in Traffic were very talented as well, but it was really Steve's band.
I'm 72 and a former disc jockey back in the seventies and eighties. You dudes have excellent taste in your musical selections. This is one of my all time fave tunes. Steve Winwood is a genius. Wrote GIMME SOME LOVIN and I'M A MAN as a teenager and formed BLIND FAITH with Clapton when he was 20.Check out CAN'T FIND MY WAY BACK HOME. Winwood's huge solo career is worthy of a deep dive also.
Did you ever listen to his album Arc Of A Diver? The entire album is amazing. I heard it new and bought the album back in the day. I didn't know this was Winwood too. He's always been in a special upper echelon of Musical Genius in my book.
Traffic was a British rock band formed in 1967 that blended elements of psychedelic rock, folk, jazz, and blues. The band consisted of Steve Winwood (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Jim Capaldi (drums, vocals), Chris Wood (flute, saxophone, keyboards), and Dave Mason (guitar, vocals). Their debut album, "Mr. Fantasy," featured the hit single "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and established the band's signature sound. Traffic continued to evolve over the course of their career, experimenting with different genres and incorporating more diverse instrumentation, such as sitar and percussion. Despite frequent lineup changes, the band remained active throughout the 1970s, releasing several successful albums including "John Barleycorn Must Die" and "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys." They disbanded in 1975, but Winwood went on to a successful solo career. Traffic's legacy lies in their innovative blending of genres, the virtuosic musicianship of the band members, and their influence on the development of progressive and jazz rock. They remain highly regarded among music critics and fans alike.
OMG I couldn't click fast enough. I never thought I'd see anyone react to this. This has to be my FAV song from the 70s. It's so good. I can't wait to see you all react to this since you are both so musically astute.
So glad you're checking out Traffic, one of my favorite bands. Some of my favorite songs: Empty Pages, Freedom Rider, Walking in the Wind, Dream Gerrard, Tragic Magic, Many a Mile to Freedom, 40,000 Headmen, Light Up or Leave Me Alone; and lots more great songs.
'Little Stevie Winwood' Who knew such a young man could make such an impact. I miss the days when there were truly talented musicians, when you could tell who was singing, who was playing guitar and drums. REAL music.
Yeah man, Traffic! Great musicianship and arrangements and of course Steve Winwood's vocals. Early on he was in the Spencer Davis Group and he sang "Gimme Some Lovin". Also check out "Empty Pages" by traffic. Peace.
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Traffic cast aside commercial wisdom to build the album around an epic title track that is their creative culmination and a perfect blend of rock, jazz, and international music. Winwood and the boys employ some African instruments to create a soft, almost dreamy atmosphere on several album pieces. Try Traffics, DEAR MR. FANTASY, or Steve Winwoods early work with THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP - 'Gimme Some Lovin', 'I'm A Man', (he was 15 and sang like Ray Charles), a child protegee; or Steve Winwood featuring Chaka Khan-' Higher Love.' Good Job, Guys. Another great tune.
Hey guys check it!!! My older brother used to turn me on to all different types of music. I think I was 14 or 15 and he took me to his apartment with a buddy... He said shut up and listen!!!! LoL he put this on the turntable and I have never been the same!!!!!!! What an awesome experience as a teenager.. 💕
So glad you did this one. All us oldsters were just waiting to see your faces when they reached that chord at the end! Incredible aren’t they? No doubt, a song for the ages.
I'm sure noted below is information about Steve Winwood, artist extraordinaire, but the man on drums on this track was Jim Gordon, one of the finest session musicians ever. He played with Joe Cocker, Delaney and Bonnie, Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers, George Harrison, Frank Zappa, and many others. More Traffic to discover: Glad/Freedom Rider, Empty Pages, Shootout at the Fantasy Factory, 40,000 Headmen, Pearly Queen, Feelin' Alright, and on and on. As for Steve Winwood solo: Higher Love with Chaka Kahn, Roll With It, Talking Back to the Night, Arc of a Diver, Spanish Dancer, Finer Things. Although this song is so jazzy, it's a staple of any classic rock station. Great song, so glad y'all liked it!
My friend just curious, did you see them when this album came out, I saw them and Leon Russell came out with his "" Carney "" album and he was the opening act for them, 1st and only time I saw someone ,Leon Russell and Band do three encores. Great concert what a super group.
It was hard to get radio stations to play this because its was so long. I had to beg at times to get it played, and was turned down more often than not. Steve Winwood was such a prodigy.
Love Traffic! Their most known song is probably “Mr. Fantasy”, another great song and totally different from this song which is one of my favorites. By the way, they came before Steely Dan and yes, they’re an English band.
Traffic's music still sounds good today. Thanks for the excellent review. I think you will enjoy their catalogue...can't wait till you give their work John Barleycorn must die a listen!
Great album from Steve Winwood/Traffic, the whole anthology is worthy of a concentrated listen. If you get a chance, check out an earlier great album "John Barleycorn Must Die".
We called this rock music because by 1971 rock music was a huge tent with all kinds of music welcome--jazz, folk, blues (of course), classical elements--the artists made music they liked, not necessarily music that would sell billions of records. Who to thank for this mindset and experimentation? The Beatles, who else?
😅 Wow ! this takes me back,. First time I heard this I was sitting outside a cafe somewhere in Morocco early 1972 . Great choice, great band, great reaction as always p.s. They where a British band , c'mon guys if you don't know a bands origin your first port of call should always be "I think they're British"
My dad told me he was not allowed to sing this b/c he has a bad voice. I listened to it alone. It was incredible. This song breaks all the rules. Then I read up on Steve Windwood. Dude is a musical prodigy. I am shocked am jazzed yall reacted to him. No one knows how great thus dude is.
Woo-Hoo, the train keeps on rolling with you guys, now with Traffic, a band that is its own genre and one of the best of that era. Try them live at Santa Monica in the early 70s, that video is utterly amazing, they get lost in their own groove and take you along for the ride. Great video and a time capsule for sure. I saw them a couple times, the last time when they reunited for one album and tour, I saw them a week before Woodstock II in 1994, they were fire once again. You can see their Woodstock II set on YT. Steve Winwood, amazing vocals, songwriting, keyboards and guitar, he and Traffic are wonderful artists. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎷🎶
Love your reaction to this great band and wonderful cut. Very tasty, jazzy indeed! Also, loved the reference to Tower Records. What fabulous memories of my youth into my young adult years roaming the record bends for new music. So many gems found at this iconic record store chain that came from my hometown of Sacramento, CA. I spent so many hours at the Broadway location it was like a formal education in music. I purchased this very LP at Tower Records, Broadway. Of course, another great memory is all the incredible album cover paintings that adorned the outside of the store.
Hey guys Ned from Spain again. Loving your choices as always. Traffic started just after Steve " the prodigy " Winwood left Spencer Davis Group. Steve ( G/vox/keys/bass..) teamed up with Jim Capaldi ( dr / vox ), Chris Wood ( sax / flute ) and Dave Mason ( g / vox ) in 1967. They had some hits in a lot of different styles but eventually became a more jazzy rock band after Masons departure. They're just amazing. Winwood continues to perform and sounds great even now.
Aww man, you've gotten to Lil' Stevie Winwood! I've always said that if I could have 1 musician's talents, it would be him. He's a top tier singer, amazing on keys and is a knockout guitarist - don't believe me - check out his 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival sets (Clapton's Festival - seriously, check it out! There's a short set of him by himself, then he's joined by Clapton and company ). God knows what other instruments the man has mastered; I'm sure it's many. Anyways, enjoy the rabbit hole, it's deep.
Love this-lotta hazie times listening to Traffic. "High heeled boys" is reference to the Band in platform boots-the style back then. Steve Winwood, when playing with Spencer Davis group did a recording of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out". Totally Soul sound. Love YOUR channel. You break it down, not just make comments. Appreciate your knowledge✌🏼
@@debrabrabenec Its still in reference to "high heed boys" that were wearing platform boots- same dudes, same title. All TIES Together✌🏼 no matter who coined the phrase/title. R. Crumb used this image for Keep on Truckin- Furry Freak Bros.--Zap comic books.
Around this time there were a whole bunch of songs about the predatory practices of record labels. This, Working for MCA, Barracuda, Blinded by the Light, Zantz Can't Dance, Have a Cigar, Death on Two Legs, Baby You're a Rich Man, and many others. Steve Winwood, the composer, vocalist, and keyboard player here, played behind BB King, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and others on their UK tours at 13 and 14.
That final chord, purposely dissonant as a final F U to music executive's shady practices was always chef's kiss for me. One of my favorite songs of all time
Good one fellas. Follow the Steve Winwood thread!!! (Spencer Davis, Traffic, Blind Faith, Solo). Child prodigy. Some of his well known songs include "I'm a Man", "Gimme Some Lovin'", Can't Find My Way Home", "Higher Love", "Roll With It"......many more....
Steve Winwood (started Traffic when he was about 19) at age 15-16 (from an otherwise forgettable film).: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VwqsmNR_Q1M.html Eric Clapton heard about this kid up north in England (Steve Winwood) and went to see him--said I couldn't believe what I was seeing/hearing --this 15 year old kid with pimples, playing piano and singing like Ray Charles. Steve and EC later became bandmates in the short-lived supergroup, Blind Faith (one album), that also included EC's bandmate from Cream, the mighty genius drummer, Ginger Baker.
I know it's been a while since you posted this, but in all my years I thought Steve Winwood was a vocalist, although I seem to remember seeing him play a piano I didn't know he played other instruments, thanks for the info
British -- four people Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood and Dave Mason. Steve Winwood was 23 at the time. Winwood was 15 when performing as organist/singer with the Spencer David Group, and 19 when he wrote & performed I'm a Man with them. Insane talent.
I heard this as a teenager in the early '70s and it blew my mind. The music was so different than anything I had heard before. Whenever I hear this song, mentally I go "Awwww yeah, man."
Dipping our feet into some more jazz, I see. Wonderful song, and Chris Wood (RIP) was my idol as a sax player back in the day. PHAT!!! I remember my Dad walking by my room when I had this going, stopping and saying "Nice Song".
Steve Winwood is a great vocalist and organ player. Traffic made a lot of great music, that unfortunately may become lost because I don't think there is a lot of video on the group, try some songs like Mr. Fantasy, 40,000 Headmen, Pearly Queen Shanghai Noodle Factory.
This is my favorite song of all time as you can tell from my user name. Traffic were known for their Jazz Rock genre. This band will forever hold a place in my heart and mind. 😊
I've looked through a lot of comments, and of course most of the plaudits are going to the genius that is Steve Winwood. I'd like to put in a word for Jim Gordon, sitting in for Jim Capaldi on drums, who plays an absolute blinder throughout, loose, funky, shifting time signatures with ease, throwing brilliant fill after brilliant fill. I NEVER get tired of hearing this song.
Tower Records! Worked there in the 90s, and this Traffic album is my favorite used to hear it when I was in my teens, I felt like a hippy who was born too late :-)
I thought high-heeled boys were maybe cross dressers. Then I read Steve Winwood say that they were Fry boot and jeans wearing musical rebels. I think the song is partially about record labels ripping off artists: "The percentage you're paying is too high priced While you're living beyond all your means And the man in silk suit just bought a new car With the profit he made from your dreams" I think the solo instrument you're wondering about is a synthesizer. Winwood's main instrument is keyboard, and those were psychedelic times. Heheheh' Thanks for pointing out the drumming. I never heard that before. Another great choice and great reaction. You and your patrons are striking gold.
I watch a lot of react vids but You guys always amaze me! I have shared music all my life with family, friends, sometimes people I do not even know! I just turned 68 and the react videos just reinforce that feeling but ya'll got it down, Thanks so much!
The first time I heard this tune, which introduced me to Traffic, was in the late 80's in a friend's dorm room. I asked who it was and he told me it was Steve Winwood's old band. I said, 'The 'Roll with It' guy? In 1992, I saw Winwood do it live in is solo show, then in 1994 saw the reformed Traffic play it live.
The BBC did a really good documentary a while back about Winwood. A prodigy who has made an impact in multiple genres and decades who should get waaaay more flowers. There's a RU-vid of him solo from 10 yrs ago playing guitar and singing "Cant Find My Way Home" that is fantastic.
Hell yah! I woke up to my clock-radio to catch my school bus to high school one morning in 1972. I will never forget it. I'm 65 and have been a fan of Traffic and Steve Winwood ever since. Steve Winwood continued to have hits as a solo artist into the 80's and beyond. Before Traffic, check out his superstardom with "Blind Faith" and "Can't Find My Way Home". True classic progressive late 60's rock. Nothing like it ever since!
R.I.P. Jim Gordon. One of the most recorded drummers in music history and a beautiful person who, unfortunately, suffered from schizophrenia and whose life ended in tragedy...Lord have mercy on us all!
I remember when this first came out. Only played on the local FM Station after 11 pm. They abandoned top 40 from 11 pm till 5 am. They could play longer songs like this. Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Pink Floyd, Allman Bros, Steely Dan, Jethro Tull and so many more great bands that released his kind of great music that was not released as top 40 singles. A wonderful time for wonderful music.
Nice pick. This takes me back. Way back. Big stereo speakers and turntable. I sure wish I had all those albums. This was a favourite. Steve Winwood started very young. Fantastic talent. Some of the best right here. Love the Jazz sound. Just looked at the videos. You have a new Sub ! Great music. 🎵
In the GROOVE...this is transcendental. So glad you found this one. KILLER drums by the late Jim Gordon of Derek and the Dominoes fame, and percussive wisdom by Jim Capaldi and Rebop Kwaku Baah.
Holy crap 45 yrs. We use to have huge yard parties. My old man was in charge of tunes. 3 acres Tunes on vinyl just concert like. If my old man was looking for me and could not find me. I knew as soon as this cut started . ❤❤❤
