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When the Eagle Flies

by Traffic

Released: September 21, 1974

Progressive rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Improvisation.

The Album

The album features the core lineup of Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood, and Chris Wood, along with Rosko Gee on bass guitar. "When the Eagle Flies" is the seventh studio album by English rock band Traffic, released in 1974. The Chris Wood composition "Moonchild Vulcan" was recorded during sessions for the album but was ultimately left off in favor of "Memories of a Rock n' Rolla".

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah, who was fired during…

Percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah, who was fired during the album's production, appears on two tracks.

On this album, Steve Winwood expands his use…

On this album, Steve Winwood expands his use of keyboard instruments, introducing the Moog synthesizer to Traffic's repertoire.

Following the album's release, Traffic embarked on a…

Following the album's release, Traffic embarked on a tour but disbanded midway through in 1974.

However, "Moonchild Vulcan" was performed live during the…

However, "Moonchild Vulcan" was performed live during the tour and later appeared on the posthumous Chris Wood CD titled "Vulcan" in 2008.

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Essential Tracks

When The Eagle Flies

"When the Eagle Flies" is the seventh studio album by English rock band Traffic, released in 1974.

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Explore the Album

Traffic - When the Eagle Flies

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Reception

Despite its American success—marking their fourth consecutive studio album to reach the American Top Ten and achieve gold status—the album performed less favorably in the United Kingdom, where it briefly entered the charts at number 31.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"When the Eagle Flies" is the seventh studio album by English rock band Traffic, released in 1974. The album features the core lineup of Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood, and Chris Wood, along with Rosko Gee on bass guitar. Percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah, who was fired during the album's production, appears on two tracks.

On this album, Steve Winwood expands his use of keyboard instruments, introducing the Moog synthesizer to Traffic's repertoire. Despite its American success—marking their fourth consecutive studio album to reach the American Top Ten and achieve gold status—the album performed less favorably in the United Kingdom, where it briefly entered the charts at number 31.

Following the album's release, Traffic embarked on a tour but disbanded midway through in 1974. The Chris Wood composition "Moonchild Vulcan" was recorded during sessions for the album but was ultimately left off in favor of "Memories of a Rock n' Rolla". However, "Moonchild Vulcan" was performed live during the tour and later appeared on the posthumous Chris Wood CD titled "Vulcan" in 2008.