Traffic-The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys (1971)

"The Low Spark of High Healed Boys", Traffic's sixth album, was released a year after the fantastic "John Barleycorn Must Die", and showcased noticeable changes in the band's style and musical direction. Here, they moved away from folk and avant-garde leanings, orienting themselves towards a more jazz-oriented sound. However, Traffic always retained certain jazz undertones, though these were somewhat overshadowed by the psychedelic and folk style brought by their main songwriters, Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood, and Dave Mason. Another significant aspect is the abundant percussion, thanks to the African percussionist Reebop Kwaku Baah and the two drummers, Jim Capaldi and Jim Gordon. In addition, the band introduced a new member, bassist Ric Grech, who came with an extensive career in bands such as Family, Blind Faith, and Ginger Baker's Air Force. Comprising five tracks, "The Low Spark Of High-Heeds Boys" showcases influences not only from jazz but also from other styles such as funk, rock and roll, soul, and blues, as evidenced by the warm and ambitious "Hidden Treasure", the seductive title track, the funky blues "Light Up or Leave Me Alone", and the understated "Many A Mile To Freedom". With this new release, Traffic demonstrated that despite their significant stylistic shift, they would succeed, crafting an excellent recording and their most acclaimed and commercially successful work, achieving platinum status in the always challenging North American market.