Original

I bought this in 1973 when it came out. This live album was recorded in Germany. The U.S. version was only one record where the European release was a two record set. My original record was in pretty bad shape so about twenty years ago I bought a used copy of a reissue of the double album. A really great record, it shows that Traffic can jam with the best of them. Side one has a twenty minute jam of “Glad>Freedom Rider”, with great sax and flute by Chris Wood, that was not on the U.S. record. Side two has the instrumental “Tragic Magic and “Sometimes I Feel So (Uninspired)” with Stevev Winwood playing some great guitar. “Shoot Out At The Fantasy Factory” and “Light Up Or Leave Me Alone” have more great jams powered by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section of David Hood, Roger Hawkins and Barry Beckett. Side four is “Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys” that is over 17 minutes long. On the U.S. version it is edited to 15 minutes. Even the long version fades out just as you can hear a drum solo beginning. I wish there were more dates of this tour available to listen to. Around that time they were had a show at the Spectrum that I tried to find a ride to as I was 16 at the time and didn’t have a car or license but to no avail. About twenty or so years ago I saw what was billed as a Traffic reunion at the Keswick with Dave Mason and Jim Capaldi. I forget who the other musicians were but I do remember them jamming to “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and a long interesting “Low Spark…” as well as playing some of their solo work. Al Stewart opened up.