For me, Traffic was the most magnificent band, but only for the first nine or 12 months of their existence in 1967. After that, I lost interest in them. Never an offensive group, actually far from that category, but early Traffic was an essential listening experience. Traffic always had a 'world' touch to their music, with traces of jazz, and folk leanings. Still, in the early recordings, there was a sense of exploration in sound and songwriting structures. The focus was on Steve Winwood, but it was the textural contributions from Chris Wood, their horn player, as well as Jim Capaldi (drummer). Dave Mason was their guitarist, and he added songwriting skills, but there is something that kept him in line with the other three. Original member, he left, then re-joined them for their second album. A significant figure in the band, but his presence seemed to be the nail that stuck out too much, with respect to the band.
"Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush" is the theme song to the movie with the same title. It has all the best elements of Traffic. Soulful, melodic, superb musicianship, and superb songwriting. I have a hunch that this song was not well-loved by Traffic at the time. Still, an amazing recording, beautifully produced by Jimmy Miller, that had touches of exotic sounds that were dreamy, but very solid on the earth. The b-side, "Colored Rain" is a classic Traffic cut. A beautiful little window is looking out onto the landscape of late 1967.
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