FAR FROM HOME

1994 and time changes, sound changes, creative directions change. Steve Winwood had a successful solo career drawing to a close, Capaldi remained consistent in whatever guise and the timing was right, be it commercially or creatively to release another Traffic studio album. Far From Home is not a bad album at all and when one was struggling to find decent 90's material, thankfully Traffic came up with this new studio effort. If I had to comapre this say witha Yes album out of the 90's I would have to say Traffic would win hands down.Compared also to ealier works the production is slick, tight and well polished. I guess one of the attractions of early Traffic was their wholesome, rough edged sound but taking Far From Home in it's modern context, one cannot help being hooked by it's deft and intelligent delivery.

' Here Comes a Man' has Winwood wailing out strong vocals, backed by tight rhythms by Capaldi and Mick Dolan.' Far From Home' and ' Nowhere Is There freedom' are strong deliveries both musically and lyrically.' Holy Ground' is a beautiful haunting song with Davy Spillane on Uilleann pipes, Winwood's lamenting guaranteed to put goosebumps on the back of your neck.The album then seems to go to sleep in mediocrity from ' Some Kinda Woman' to ' This Train Won't Stop' but fortunately it recovers with the awesome ' State Of Grace'. Winwood again at his lyrical best. The final track arguably the best on the album. " Mozambique" is an instrumental that kicks ass from the first note and shows what a talented duo Capaldi and Winwood were. the rhythm guitar work by Mick Dolan also of excellent quality. Play this track as loud as possible. Overall a strong late addition to the Traffic catalogue. Three and a half stars a fair rating.