The Freedom Rider Album: A Disappointing Live Performance from Traffic

Traffic's 'Freedom Rider' album, released in the early 1970s, is often considered one of their weaker efforts. The live versions of the songs on this album are not significantly better than the studio recordings, and the choice of material leaves much to be desired.

The album was recorded during a world tour that promoted Traffic's 'Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory' album, from which three out of six tracks were taken. This lack of balance in the selection of songs is particularly striking given that Traffic had recently released their album 'Welcome to the Canteen', which focused on earlier material.

Despite the presence of original members Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood, as well as additional musicians from the Muscle Shoals studio, the album fails to impress. The band's characteristic free-form jams are tight and proficient, but often sound like they're trying to rush through the songs, with four tracks clocking in at over ten minutes.

The 'Freedom Rider' album was reportedly released as an attempt to undercut bootleggers, following a world tour. While this may have been a practical decision, it ultimately resulted in a live album that fails to deliver the same level of excitement and energy as some of Traffic's other recordings. Overall, 'Freedom Rider' is not one of Traffic's strongest efforts, and fans of the band may find themselves disappointed by its lackluster performances.

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