"Low Spark" represents the Winwood-Capaldi led incarnation, second phase of the group, and is a record that remains a defining classic when one thinks of the Traffic sound. Augmented by the rhythm section of bassist Rick Grech(formerly Winwood's cohort in Blind Faith), second drummer Jim Gordon(from Derek & the Dominoes, Delaney and Bonnie, et al) and percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah, the trio of Steve, Jim and Chris Wood take the ensemble that released the previous live, Welcome to the Canteen(which featured Dave Mason for a one-off return to the lineup) and create a studio album that displays a high achievement in terms of performance and song craft.

 

Hidden Treasure opens the record with an element of folk music accentuated by Chris Wood's flute and Rebop's congas, driven by Winwood's acoustic guitar arrangement. The title track has become a staple among most Traffic aficionados as a masterful composition that exposes the wealth of ensemble instrumentation and features the dominance of Winwood's piano and Chris Wood's sax playing most prominently; essentially, it's the record's centerpiece and duly succeeds. Capaldi's Light Up or Leave Me Alone would become a live favorite and allowed the group to stretch out and jam on this quirky, uptempo number, showcasing Winwood's guitar abilities, which I find to be most underrated.  

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Rock and Roll Stew is contributed by the rhythm section of Rick Grech and Jim Gordon and has a funky, inner vibe backed with a solid vocal from Jim Capaldi that succeeds well in its overall presentation. Many a Mile to Freedom is the 3rd Capaldi/Winwood collaboration featuring a delightful melody, accompanied by a beautiful electric piano and flute arrangement that  adds strength and balance to the power of this great recording. Rainmaker ends the album on a solemn note, much as it had begun with Hidden Treasure and incorporates again, the ambient flute playing of Chris Wood backed with an acoustic guitar and the harmonies of Steve and Jim adjoining within the song's ponderous feel. 

 

The remaster offers an extended version of Rock and Roll Stew as a bonus track and is a welcomed addition to the original release, offering a bit more of the cool groove that is its strong suit.  "Low Spark" remains a milestone for the revamped lineup of Traffic, even though the rhythm section of Grech and Gordon would be replaced thereafter for the next two releases, I rate this album as an equal pairing to the greatness of the self-titled second record as one of their very best offerings.

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Rating Grade- A+