Customer Reviews

When the Eagle Flies

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like others who have reviewed this album, I owned a cassette copy many years ago, but an annoying series of skips and tape hiss marred this beautiful record. This CD version eliminates both of those problems and gives this gorgeous music the proper sonic treatment it deserves. If you are a fan of Low Spark of High Healed Boys, you will love the extended jams on this album. Chris Wood never sounded better, and Steve Winwood's lyrics are poignant. This is a terrific album!

It was a long wait; finding this recording on CD. After owning LP, cassette, and Japanese LP editions of WTEF; I find the CD to be the most satisfying of all.
Of course the Japanese disc offered slightly better dynamics...but also amplified hiss and made Capaldi's highhat sound like someone going "pssst!".
The low threshold of background noise was just made for songs like "Walking in the Wind"...allowing the song's heart to beat, and the intensity to ebb forward as Winwood and Co. intended...until some miracle of technology totally trumps the CD...this fine old record has a new home in my collection.

Where this recording is not as strong as John Barleycorn, Low Spark and Shootout it is still a terrific disc. This was Traffic's swan song in 1974 and they wouldn't regroup until the 90's with the regrettable Far From Home. The musicianship is exceptional as they continue to mine the jazz-rock vein presented within the three above mentioned recordings. This disc is somewhat darker than earlier releases but holds up equally well over time. Standout cuts include Dream Gerard, Love and Graveyard People. Highly Recommended...Simon

Let me tell you what I think of this record: This record is so good that, after ten years of owning the LP, being scratched, warped, mistreated, and all beat to hell, I am moved to log on to my dial-up connection for the sole purpose of telling y'all how happy it makes me when I listen. It's an incredibly intimate, relaxing, compassionate album. With all the greatness Traffic gave the world over its years- Dear Mr. Fantasy, Low Spark, John Barleycorn; this one really stands out to me in a way that isn't better than those classics but definitely stands apart from them.
This one sells terribly because it's overpriced, and it's the swan song of a dead band, and has much of the sentimentality and schmaltz that you might fear from a Steve Winwood solo album, but, well, yes it's schmaltzy, but we all need that sometimes. And face it, Winwood's voice is as dulcit(yet piercing) as anyone's in rock, so if you're going to hit the sugar, this is the kind to hit. The second side of the record (tracks 4-end for you cd people) are really tender, all of them, and the first side features "Dream Gerard"- a trancy groove with many of the qualities you loved from "Low Spark"'s title track. "Gerrard" has a melancholy flavor that is much different from that classic, and in some ways surpasses it. "graveyard people" is also a solid, somewhat eerie track that bears mentioning.
Anyway, I've said my peace, for myself more than anything else. I hope in reading this you know what to expect from this record. Get it. No one you know has it, so you can't borrow it, and there's something about comforting music floating through your head as you go through your day, especially when you're the only one who knows the lyrics- it makes that music yours.
Nuff said!

Tragedy befell this band in spades, and as the life expectancy of this group wound down, they somehow found what it took to create a beautiful, if sad farewell. The eagle that flew had a certain life force for them, and when you think how soon after this Chris Wood was gone, it is a bit heartbreaking.
But Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood were in absolutely brilliant form for this. "Dream Gerrard" and the title track are songs for the ages. By this time, Winwood and Capaldi were really becoming adept in the studio, and you'll find a load of sonic gems throughout this remastered disc. This is nearly essential if you are a Winwood fan, and absolutely so if Traffic inspired you. This was their Abbey Road.

For all the accolade that their first album has received over the years, this album is actually much better, more mature and infinitely better produced than their debut. I compares favorably with their classic second album, in fact. The longer songs have been criticized, but I actually think they give the album a wonderful ambience, particularly Dream Gerard. I loved the album when it came out, and I remember sharing it with friends, all of whom loved it. So there must be something there.

If you like Winwood and have not heard this album, you are more than likely depriving yourself of a very enjoyable listening experience. Hope it gets a domestic release someday...I am still listening to my old LP!

I'd just like to echo all of the reviewers' thoughts. WTEF is pure brilliance in a different way than Traffic's previous releases, and although it may not be their "best" work for some reason it always finds its way to my stereo before the others.

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

Traffic's 1974 "When The Eagle Flies" creates different and interesting points of view depending on which type of fan is pontificating.

The record buyer that enjoyed the plethora of incredible radio tunes not only doesn't have this in their collection but may not have even experienced the forty minutes of material.

The collector that has been fascinated with all directions the band has taken them is actually fond of the material.

Then there is the third and final segment. Those that may have gotten the LP as a gift or picked up a CD copy and played it one time but couldn't get past the non-commercial song structure. However, something in the back of their musical brain made them wipe off the dust and give it another listening. They were able to lock in on the seven tracks.

There were critics who misconstrued non-radio friendly for lack of effort or desire. That is unfair to somebody of Steve Winwood's caliber. He has proven repeatedly that if you give his material an honest ear the esoteric as well as the commercial songs have substance, desire, and skill.

The opening track is correctly titled "Something New." It is catchy without being poppy and the piano and voice accompany each other well.

"Dream Gerrard" is a long composition that puts in some jazz flavor. At over eleven minutes it is by far the longest track on the album. Don't be turned off. The music is always tasty and never too out of reach.

"Graveyard People" is at times dark and soft, but there is something hypnotic about it.

"Walking In The Wind" has noticeable bass-lines featured in the mix. Rosco Gee known for his work with the avant-garde, progressive, and improvisational band called "Can" leaves his mark throughout.

"Memories Of A Rock N' Rolla" seems deeply personal, solidified by lyrics about the past. We've gotten older but constantly wonder back to yesteryear.

"Love" Once again the jazz flavor is sprinkled throughout the song. It provides nice background music.

We finish with the title track. A bit sounds like "Freedom Rider" It's a nice end to one of the more underrated releases from the era.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

I have finally found someone who appreciates Dream Gerrad. In my final year of university last year it was the one song I listened to all the time! Oh, and just why AREN'T Traffic in the Hall of Fame?????

Agreed that it is not as "catchy" as Low Sparks or Shootout at the fantasy factor (which itself is only 3/4th strong). I almost got all three albums together around 10 years back but while I've tired of Low Sparks and Shootout, I still enjoy listening to When the eagle flies. It is subtler and more relaxed. But doesn't lack intensity though. It takes time to catch on but then over a period of time it grows on you. IMO, it is Traffic's best.