Dear Mr. Fantasy Featuring the Music of Jim Capaldi and Traffic: A Celebration for Jim Capaldi (2007)

Jim Capaldi was low key legend

When watching and listening to these songs covered by some very competent musos, you soon realise how great that Capaldi-Winwood collaboration was.
It is a pity that "Coloured Rain" and "Smiling Phases" weren't included.
Nevetheless, a great buy. October 2, 2008

An incredible show for an incredible man

Astounding the number of friends that Jim Capaldi had, all the way from new wave (Paul Weller, who jumpstarts the show with "Paper Sun") to a guy from that forgotten-but-not-quite-gone/Shel Silverstein vehicle group, Dr. Hook, Eagle Joe Walsh, Bill Wyman of the Stones, Jon Lord of Deep Purple, Wix Wickens of Paul McCartney's newest band, Pete Townshend of the Who - and of course, Steve Winwood. Winwood's newest "Traffic Incarnation" here is, for my money, the very best I've seen since the original Winwood/Capaldi/Wood/Mason(?) edition (and that includes that 90's thing). Mark Rivera of Ringo's band does a SPLENDID job as musical director here and as a musician, he is easily about 100 times superior to that guy who had the temerity to fill the "faux Chris Wood/wind instrument" role on the aforementioned "Traffic Reunion" tour. Just one slight quibble, really, he shouldn't been one of the three voices (the other 2 being Winwood and Joe Walsh) on the show's closer, the sublime "Love Will Keep Us Alive." I don't know who the guitarist of the "house band," was, but I do believe he'll go to Heaven for his handling of the guitar solo on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - THAT, as part of the same song, drummer Simon "Free/Bad Company" Kirke's performance of "Whale Meat Again." Kirke absolutely steals the show out from under everybody else (watch the DVD and see if you don't agree). The only thing that mars this tribute is the presence of Elton Jann's screamingly moronic, over-reactive "percussionist," Ray Cooper, who cannot even whack a triagle or tambourine without pulling the stupidist faces or gesticulating like he's having a seizure; he almost ruined that multiple sclerosis/Tribute for Faces bassist Ronnie Lane-thing back in 1983, by doing the same thing. Regardless - this is THE music DVD to purchase in 2008 - and, believe me, that most assuredly and ESPECIALLY includes "Shine A Light," the movie that made people ask "oh, are the Stones still together?" August 9, 2008

Terrific tribute to the late Jim Capaldi - and a good fundraiser to boot

A very strong tribute concert in honor of the late Jim Capaldi's time with Traffic and as a strong solo artist.
I agree that I wish Steve Winwood spent more time on stage, as well as Pete Townshend (Townshend couldn't rehearse with the all-star band because of The Who's "Endless Wire" tour, but turns in a stunning solo piece, "No Name, No Face, No Number." A great take.
Nice to see Bill Wyman on stage again, for a couple tunes, and Simon Kirke's voice and drumming are another highlight. Love Paul Weller, too.
Proceeds from this DVD and the CD of the same show go toward a benefit in Capaldi's name - his widow, Anna Capaldi, has an orphanage for children that takes care of youngsters in need of medical help, food and love.
I strongly recomend this DVD to all fans of rock, Traffic, Jim Capaldi, Winwood, The Who and all of the other artists who participated. It'll help out children in need, and it will honor the late, great Jim Capaldi. Thanks. December 18, 2007

A really nice tribute to a real talent

This isn't a Traffic concert, but a tribute to Jim Capaldi. I too would have liked to see Steve Winwood on stage more, and with a little less artsy band. However everyone turns in good performances. Sure this is sort of like the typical house band plus guests type thing, but Paul Weller in particular turns in several good performances. If you don't have the Last Traffic Jam, by all means buy it first, but then come back and buy this. In addition to a few Traffic songs, you also get some of his best solo tunes, too.

Jim Capaldi was a really good musician and will surely be missed.
November 21, 2007

Save your $$$

This may have been a good concert to have attended, but overall the music was below par for the fans of Traffic. In my humble opinion, Steve Winwood should have spent much more time on stage. John Barleycorn in particular suffered from not having Steve Winwood sing and play guitar. So, unless you are a hardcore fan, save your money and use it to purchase The Last Traffic Jam instead. October 24, 2007

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