About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

After being out of print for the better part of a decade, Jim Capaldi's (keyboards/drums/guitars/vocals) Let the Thunder Cry (1981) has been reissued with not only a trio of non-LP selections, but perhaps more enticing, an entire 70-plus-minute bonus CD. The disc sports a recording of Capaldi and former Traffic bandmate Dave Mason (guitar/vocals) from the pair's 1998 40,000 Headmen tour. Initially, Let the Thunder Cry was available in North America as an import from the French indie Carrere imprint, resulting in less than comprehensive worldwide distribution. This was all the more disappointing since the effort was among his strongest in several years and marked what would be a full-fledged creative renaissance. Capaldi drew upon diverse supporting players, including longtime collaborator Chris Parren (keyboards), Andy Newmark (drums), Mel Collins (sax), and fellow Traffic members Rebop (aka Rebop Kwaku Baah) (percussion) and Steve Winwood (keyboards). There is a biting and overtly political message in the opening title composition, "Let the Thunder Cry," ruminating the plight of the Native American Sioux peoples. This heavy rocker is contrasted by lighter fare such as the wistful "Old Photographs" -- featuring keyboards from Winwood -- "Child in the Storm," and "Warm," all of which exhibit Capaldi's softer side. Other prime inclusions are the Brazilian-influenced "Favella Music" and the mid-tempo "Only Love." The bonus track edition of Let the Thunder Cry (2003) also contains the supplementary selections "Man With No Country" and a reworking of "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" with some stunning slide guitar from Sam Mitchell. The extra CD houses a dozen live cuts recorded circa 1988 from Capaldi and Wood's brief 40,000 Headmen excursion. The performance was captured directly from the mixing board onto digital audio tape (aka DAT). The rough but right concert is just as good as the impressive set list suggests. Traffic nuggets "Pearly Queen," "Sad and Deep as You," "Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave," "Feelin' Alright?," and "Dear Mr. Fantasy" are given striking readings together with Mason's own "World in Change," "Only You Know and I Know," "We Just Disagree," and Capaldi's hit "Love Will Keep Us Alive." This package is recommended without hesitation to curious and hardcore enthusiasts alike, albeit more for the extras than the main event. Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide

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