Traffic Members, Gear & Sound

English rock band

Genre

Rock Blues rock Soft rock Country rock Folk rock Art rock Progressive rock Symphonic rock Psychedelic rock Acid rock Roots rock Electric blues Hard rock Jam band Psychedelic pop Classic rock Folk Jazz rock album rock british blues mellow gold

Members

Select a Traffic band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Steve Winwood

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist Music Producer

Groups:

The Spencer Davis Group Blind Faith Ginger Baker's Air Force The Louisiana Gator Boys Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse Eric Clapton & The Powerhouse Steve Winwood & Roger Daltrey Graham Bell, Steve Winwood, Maggie Bell & Roger Daltry Maggie Bell & Steve Winwood Richard Harris, Roger Daltry & Steve Winwood Go The Latin Crossings Stomu Yamashta's Go

See Gear
Dave Mason

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Groups:

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes Fleetwood Mac Derek and the Dominos The Reels Delaney & Bonnie and Friends Julien Covey & The Machine Wooden Frog The Hellions

See Gear
Ric Grech

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Blind Faith Ginger Baker's Air Force

See Gear
Walfredo Reyes, Jr.

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Chicago Santana

See Gear
David Hood

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

The Waterboys Jason Isbell and Friends The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section The Swampers

See Gear
Chris Wood

Roles:

Bassist Composer

Groups:

Ginger Baker's Air Force The Wood Brothers Medeski Martin & Wood The Imagined Village Oysterband

Needs more gear

See Gear
Rosko Gee

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Groups:

Can

Needs more gear

See Gear
Jim Gordon

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Derek and the Dominos The Ceyleib People

No gear added

See Gear
Jim Capaldi

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

George's Band Wooden Frog The Hellions

No gear added

See Gear
Rebop Kwaku Baah

Roles:

Drummer Composer

Groups:

Ginger Baker's Air Force Wynder K. Frog

No gear added

See Gear
Barry Beckett

Roles:

Keyboardist Music Producer

Groups:

The Dixie Pearls Billy Hill The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section The Swampers

No gear added

See Gear
Roger Hawkins

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section The Swampers

No gear added

See Gear
Randall Bramblett

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

Sea Level

No gear added

See Gear

About

Traffic was an innovative British rock band formed in 1967, blending an eclectic mix of rock, blues, jazz, and psychedelic influences. The group originally consisted of Steve Winwood (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Jim Capaldi (drums, vocals), Chris Wood (flute, saxophone), and Dave Mason (guitar, bass, vocals). Known for their sophisticated and genre-defying sound, Traffic's music was characterized by a unique emphasis on organ and reed instruments, setting them apart in a guitar-dominated era. Over the years, they evolved from creating catchy pop singles to exploring longer and more complex compositions, incorporating improvisational elements that appealed to both rock and jazz audiences.

How to Sound Like Traffic

Traffic's sound is a rich tapestry of melodic and rhythmic complexity, with warm, organic textures driven by Winwood's keyboards and Wood's woodwinds. The ambient and improvisational nature of their music often hinges on the interplay between Winwood’s Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar and his expressive use of the Steinway & Sons Grand Piano, which adds a grand, symphonic quality. The band’s rhythm section, led by Capaldi’s dynamic drumming, contributes to a fluid, jazzy groove that supports their expansive soundscapes. To capture Traffic's essence, musicians should focus on blending traditional rock elements with jazz-like improvisation and lush harmonics, utilizing vintage-style gear and instruments to recreate their timeless and atmospheric sound.

Discography

Mr. Fantasy

1967

Traffic

1968

Last Exit

1969

John Barleycorn Must Die Deluxe Edition

1970

John Barleycorn Must Die

1970

Welcome To The Canteen

1971

The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys

1971

Shoot Out At The Fantasy Factory

1973

On The Road

1973

When The Eagle Flies

1974

Far From Home

1994

The Last Great Traffic Jam

2005

Get the Traffic Sound

Want to sound like Traffic? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.