When the Eagle Flies by Traffic (album) (1974)
On Progressive Rock World, Traffic are considered among the fundamental artists of progressive rock, with their stylistic evolution between psychedelia, folk and jazz, especially key albums such as John Barleycorn Must Die and The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, which are masterpieces of the genre.
When the Eagle Flies is the band's last work before a long hiatus that ended only in 1994 with the reunion for the album Far from Home.
This album, although not a concept album, deals with ecological and social issues right from the title and the final title track, which express a strong concern for the protection of nature and man's indifference to the environment. Jim Capaldi, author of the lyrics, uses the eagle as a metaphor for a nature that helplessly observes the degradation caused by industrialization and human greed.
The highlight of the album is "Dream Gerrard", born from the collaboration between Steve Winwood and Vivian Stanshall, inspired by the writings of the nineteenth-century French poet Gérard de Nerval, famous for his reflections on the thin line between dream and reality. The lyrics describe the poet's state of alienation and "strangeness", partly mirroring the anxiety problems Stanshall himself suffered from.
The album also criticizes the rampant capitalism of those years. Many songs touch on the precariousness of modern life and the dark side of success, such as "Walking in the Wind" and "Graveyard People", which with apocalyptic tones explore the emptiness of material ambitions. "Memories of a Rock 'n' Rolla", on the other hand, offers a nostalgic reflection on the lives of musicians who continue to play for passion, despite economic difficulties.
The album emphasizes jazz and soul, with improvisations and complex rhythmic structures. Winwood cuts down the guitar to focus on keyboards, Moog synthesizer and Mellotron, which add orchestral and psychedelic elements ("Dream Gerrard"). Rosko Gee on bass brings a funky touch. Blackwell produces a dry and "wet" sound, enhancing the instruments. Some tracks are more concise and radio-friendly, but the album maintains a strong progressive imprint, alternating acoustic ballads with 11-minute suites.
Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi, two true giants of music, have created compositions that are simply extraordinary. Their touch is present in every note and atmosphere, and you can feel it immediately.
Take "Something New", for example: it has a relaxed but steady rhythm, thanks to Winwood's Hammond organ, which opens it with a reflective and ethereal atmosphere.
Then there is "Dream Gerrard", a beautiful song with a splendid bass line and a jazzy sound given by the sax, which creates dreamy and complex atmospheres.
"Graveyard People" is a nice blues with a really intense vocal performance by Winwood, which grabs you immediately.
"Walking In The Wind" is one of the peaks of the album, a fusion of jazz and rock that is simply perfect.
"Memories Of A Rock N' Rolla" has a more sustained rhythm and a strong percussive impact, which makes you want to move.
"Love" is a soulful track, with Winwood's warm voice enveloping you. A beautiful song.
Finally, "When The Eagle Flies" closes the album with an epic sound, thanks to the masterful use of sax and percussion.
The music on this album conveys a sense of farewell. The sound is more bare than the previous works, enriched by the use of Moog and Mellotron synthesizers that accentuate the melancholic atmosphere, almost a spiritual testament of the band before the breakup.
It is an album for fans of the band. Although it does not reach the heights of masterpieces such as "John Barleycorn Must Die" or "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys", it remains a test of high technical depth that testifies to the end of an era. Great album.
My Version
Label: Island Records – 775 125-9, UMC – 00602577512599
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, 180 Gram
Country: Worldwide
Release date: May 14, 2021
Tracklist
A1 Something New 3:16
A2 Dream Gerrard 11:05
A3 Graveyard People 6:06
B1 Walking In The Wind 6:53
B2 Memories Of A Rock N' Rolla 4:50
B3 Love 3:16
B4 When The Eagle Flies 4:27
LineUp
- Steve Winwood - guitar, keyboards, vocals
- Chis Wood - saxophone, flute-
Rosko Gee - bass
- Jim Capaldi - drums, keyboards, backing vocals
With:
- Rebop Kwaku Baah (uncredited) - percussion
Links for listening through the main streaming platforms at the following links:
Spotify: The full album is available in a remastered version.
YouTube: There is an official playlist uploaded from the band's channel that includes all 7 tracks.
Apple Music: You can find the album in digital format with a total duration of about 39 minutes.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists"
