Various

Dear Mr. Fantasy: A Celebration for Jim Capaldi

BY Chris AyersPublished Nov 22, 2007

Last winter, a star-studded cast of musicians assembled at the Roundhouse in London to pay tribute (with multiple teleprompters for lyrical assistance) to the late Jim Capaldi, co-founder of rock’n’roll hall of famers Traffic. After an emotive intro from widow Aninha Capaldi, the Jam front-man Paul Weller takes centre stage for a rusty "Paper Sun.” Joe Walsh leads his way blindly through "Living on the Outside” but improves greatly on "Forth Thousand Headmen.” Most of the Traffic tunes and Capaldi solo cuts are a bit esoteric, though Traffic vocalist Steve Winwood shines on the groovy "Light Up or Leave Me Alone” but then falls flat on the signature "Dear Mr. Fantasy.” Highlights include Yusuf Islam’s expert rendering of "Man With No Country,” Pete Townshend’s cogent "No Face, No Name, No Number” and Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman pitifully playing tambourine during the finale. Extras include a B&W "Behind the Scenes” with flutist Mark Rivera as the true bandleader, schooling the celebs on proper keys and phrasing.
(Eagle Rock)

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