Please note that we will be adding to this review in the forthcoming days as other reports come in. Just scroll down the page to see what has been added. We will noify any additions on the What's New page.
1. Eddie’s Summary Review. 2. Paul’s Song by Song Review. 3. Press Articles. 4. Fans Comments. 5. Photo Gallery
1. An evening for the celebration of Jim’s life and work lovingly organised by his wife Aninha and family and friends. Thinking about it, an event/project on a large scale with so much detail having been incorporated in making arrangements for such an event and all are to be congratulated. Because from that came what turned out to be a fantastic evening of the music of Jim Capaldi and Traffic and the recollections of his friends present onstage at this event. As Aninha said at the opening of the show “It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been a labour of love too”.
The venue “The Roundhouse”. This was originally a large circular building owned by The Railways and was used to turn trains around via a circular revolving mechanism. It was decommissioned for that purpose many, many years ago and after it became privately owned and was converted for use as a music and theatre venue. Many famous Rock acts performed there when it was known as “The Middle Earth” during those Halcyon years of great Rock Music including Traffic themselves and many of the great's such as the Doors, Jefferson Airplane and many more. The 80’s saw The Roundhouse fall into disrepair and many thought that another great venue was being lost as others such as the Rainbow Theatre had been also. But a fully refurbished Roundhouse is now back with us with performance, arts and recording studios incorporated. We’ve got a premier Rock Venue back thankfully.
The show begins promptly at 6.30pm with DJ (Whispering) Bob Harris as Master of Ceremonies for the evening giving his personal recollections of Jim, who then introduces Aninha Capaldi who gives a short moving speech on Jim and the organising of this evening. Warmly and lovingly received by all present.
And now it’s time for the music and Bob Harris individually introduces each member of what is essentially the house band for the evening which comprises of musical director Mark Rivera on Sax and Flute, Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens on Keyboards, Dave Bronze on Bass, long time collaborator of Jim’s Pete Bonas on Guitar, Ray Cooper on Percussion, Andy Newmark on Drums aided and abetted at various times during the show by Simon Kirke (Free) on Drums, Jon Lord (Deep Purple) on Organ, Bill Wyman on Bass and backing singers Dennis Locorriere (Dr.Hook), Margo Buchanan and Stevie Lange who each in turn get the opportunity to take solo vocals on Jim’s songs during the show. Bob then introduces the first special guest, Paul Weller who launches into ‘Paper Sun’. The perfect rousing opener in my opinion and it set the scene for what was to come. The songs continued to flow as the evening progressed incorporating songs such as ‘Man with no country’, Elixir of Life’, ‘Gifts of unknown things’, ‘Living on the outside’ and so many more sung by artistes such as Joe Walsh, Yusuf Islam (the former Cat Stevens), The Storys, Gary Moore, Phil Capaldi, Steve Winwood, Dennis Locorriere, Margo Buchanan and Stevie Lange. Notable performances were ‘John Barleycorn’ by Joe Walsh and Margo Buchanan and 40000 Headmen by Joe, ‘Pearly Queen’ by Paul Weller, ‘Love will keep us alive’ by Steve Winwood and Joe Walsh. Also a solo acoustic version of ‘No Face, No Name, No Number’ by Pete Townshend of the Who.
In the middle of the show and please excuse me for adding this towards the end of this article because I didn’t want to interrupt the flow of the account of the music performed by the house band and special guests, was a performance by Steve Winwood and his band, comprising Jose Neto, Paul Booth, Richard Bailey and Karl VanDenBossche. The band performed ‘Rainmaker’, ‘Who knows what tomorrow may bring’ ‘Low Spark’, ‘Light up or leave me alone’ and finally Dear Mr. Fantasy. The essence of Traffic in Steve Winwood performing those songs made famous by he, Jim and Chris Wood during their time together and reminding us all how great a band Traffic were, how strong Steve Winwood continues to be as a musician, vocalist, performer and songwriter and how with Jim Capaldi and his superb lyrics, songcraft and musicianship they wrote and performed such great songs and music together with Chris Wood and with Traffic associates over the years. Steve closed his set by making a moving speech about his great friend Jim.
So, an amazing evening. The show ended around 9.40pm. Some wonderful music celebrating Jim and indeed Traffic. All wonderfully and lovingly pulled together by Jim’s wife Aninha Capaldi who deserves so much praise for organising this event and a wonderful tribute to Jim Capaldi, Mr. Fantasy.
Review by Eddie Gibbs with acknowledgement for the images taken from the show programme.
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2. PAUL’S SONG BY SONG REVIEW.
The last time I attended a gig at The Roundhouse was to see The Stranglers, absolutely ages ago. The venue was grimy, and had appalling views of the stage. Now it’s been completely revamped and is a credit to the team of people responsible. A beautiful round building and in a former life had been a railway engine turntable area, now resplendent with its domed roof, and impressive brickwork.
Tonight's gig was dubbed a celebration of Jim's music, a title carefully chosen by Jim’s wife Aninha Capaldi and his manager John Taylor: The title was absolutely spot on. Following a genuine ‘from the heart’ introduction from Bob Harris, Aninha Capaldi walked on stage spoke of about her late husband, and ended with the words ‘this is for you Jim’. Those words were to stay with me for the whole evening, as some of the worlds greatest musicians took to the stage to acknowledge Jim’s contribution to music. Rather than a more wordy review I’ve gone for a song by song rundown at this stage , so people who didn’t attend can find out quite literally who did what. The list of tunes is I believe complete, and may even be in the correct sequence, but then again.....
First up we must mention THE HOUSE BAND who kept it all seamlessly under control:
MARK RIVIERRA (SAX / FLUTE AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR) / SIMON KIRK (DRUMS) / RAY COOPER (PERCUSSION) / PETE BONAS (GUITAR) / WIX WICKENS (KEYBOARDS) ANDY NEWMARK (DRUMS) DAVE BRONZE (BASS). BACKING & LEAD VOCALS: DENNIS LOCORRIERE, MARGO BUCHANAN AND STEVIE LANGE.
PAPER SUN -PAUL WELLER 
Paul Weller is a man who has acknowledged the influences of Traffic, particularly on his album Wild Wood. He got things off to a flying start bringing back the lofty days of psychedelia, complete with his guitarist (Mark ?) playing what I believe was described as a sitar guitar; whatever it was it sounded very authentic, giving the tune a heavy/heady feel. Was the incense floating in the air the real thing, or was the magic of the music playing tricks with the senses? Weller was in good voice, and the choice of song was the perfect selection to open the show.
LOST INSIDE YOUR LOVE - STEVIE LANGE
A song from Jim’s “One Man Mission” album, and one I’m least familiar with. Stevie has an amazingly powerful voice, and as well as singing lead vocals on 2 songs, also shared backing vocal duties with the ‘house band’ for the evening.
For those unfamiliar with her work she has a very impressive c.v. Stevie spent many years touring and singing with some of the most famous names in the music business, such as Elton John, Chaka Khan, Lulu, The Doobie Bros, Michael Bolton, Bonnie Rait, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Roger Taylor and Brian May from Queen, Bryan Adams, Michael McDonald, Wham, Genesis, Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann’s Earthband) Huey Lewis and the News and Jackson Brown. She now teaches the art of singing, with clients including Jamie Cullum, Robbie Williams, Joe Elliot (Def Leppard), and The Sugababes.
LIVING ON THE OUTSIDE - JOE WALSH G/VOC JON LORD BILL WYMAN
Jim carried on writing good tunes late on in his career, and this was amongst the best. Joe Walsh was for me one of the outstanding performers of the evening, stamping his own identity on his selection of songs, but respectful to the original arrangements. Jon Lord’s Hammond organ playing set the mood nicely; giving a slightly sinister edge to the music and when Walsh kicked in with a spine tingling solo you knew that this was one of those special musical moments.
ELIXIR OF LIFE - DENNIS LECORRIERE
The Dr. Hook vocalist has one of those wonderfully rugged voices, perfect for this energetic tune that settles into a serious groove.
WHALE MEAT AGAIN - SIMON KIRK
I’m sure he looks younger than when he was in Free, great drummer, and would also appear to be a half decent vocalist, on one of Jim’s environmental themes. It’s hard to imagine the song was written well over 30 years ago. A faithful rendition of the original.
LOVES GOT A HOLD ON ME - THE STORYS
Didn't know much about these guys, but I believe ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris speaks very highly of them. This is the song that George Harrison wrote for Jim, and has yet to be released. Great harmonies by these guys; a band to watch out for.
40000 HEADMEN - JOE WALSH
Pete Bonas on acoustic, Joe Walsh on electric, very nice arrangement. I think Mark Riviera played flute on this one.
MAN WITH NO COUNTRY -YUSUF ISLAM WILD WORLD
A welcome return to the stage for the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. His latest album An Other Cup is wonderful. Yusuf spoke fondly of his friendship with Jim and how they had spent some time together in Brazil. Man with No Country is one of my all time favourite Jim songs, and Yusuf’s vocals on this were wonderful. His warm voice had just the right emotive edge. Accompanying himself on guitar, with nicely balanced backing from the ‘house band’, he even managed to chuck in a verse of “It’s A Wild World”. A wonderful performance and welcome back Yusuf.
After a short break, Steve and his regular band wander on stage. I’d yet to see this latest line-up, but was not disappointed with this set.
STEVE WINWOOD WITH JOSE NETO, KARL VAN DEN BOSSCHE, PAUL BOOTH & RICHARD BAILEY
RAINMAKER was given a lengthy workout, now moving more and more towards the jazz barrier. Traffic were always innovative in their direction, encompassing music of different cultures and styles from the very outset. Paul Booth was superb on sax and flute. In quick succession they launch into WHO KNOWS WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING - SW is in good voice tonight!
LOW SPARK was just fine, but much shorter than some of the 30 minute epic’s we’ve witnessed in recent years, stripped down to around 8 minutes, with one of those mellow Stevie Hammond solo’s. Understandably time restraints limit the running time, but such a crucial tune just had to be included. Of all the Traffic songs this one is adaptable and continues to evolve on its timeless journey.
LIGHT UP - seems strange. Steve doing a vocal always performed by Jim, but the arrangement worked. 
DEAR MR FANTASY - Steve as usual strips the band down to a 3 piece, with Paul Booth adopting the role of organist. Steve showcases his guitar skills, melody meets fiery aggression, and the audience responds with some of the loudest applause of the evening.
During the set Steve walked up to the front of the stage and paid his respects to Jim, telling us how he used to call him Seamus, and the fact that Jim also called Steve by the same name. He talked fondly and emotionally about their relationship. Steve had written a page about Jim in the official programme sold on the evening, relating a few tales about their times together. An enlightening read and souvenir.
So back to the hard working house band and a fine performance of:
J
OHN BARLEYCORN - JOE WALSH & MARGOT BUCHANAN
Joe plays acoustic, ably accompanied by Pete Bonas. Joe harmonises well with Margo Buchanan. Lovely stuff.
EVIL LOVE - GARY MOORE
If you’ve heard Gary play you’ll know what a wonderful tone he gets out of his Gibson Les Paul. A great moody blues excursion, dripping with emotion!
GIFTS OF UNKNOWN THINGS - PHIL CAPALDI
Another personal favourite, with lyrics about various mysterious things such as ley lines. I’d seen Phil perform as part of Jim’s band many years ago. Didn’t know what a great singing voice he has. Great accompaniment from the band with Pete Bonas and Jon Lord working their atmospheric magic.
LOVE YOU TIL THE DAY I DIE - MARGOT BUCHANAN
Tried to find out more about Margo, but couldn't access any info from her web-site. (The buttons wouldn’t open on my computer) I do know she is married to 'Wix' Wickens who played keyboards in the ‘house band’, and that she has a great voice. This song was written for and dedicated to Aninha Capaldi.
MULBERRY BUSH - PAUL WELLER
Faithful rendition of the quirky 60’s Traffic hit. Paul was even dressed appropriately for the era.
LET ME MAKE SOMETHING - STEVIE LANGE & JON LORD
Lifted from Steve Winwood's 1st solo album, Stevie Lange certainly does this one justice with Jon Lord prominent on the Hammond.
NO FACE NO NAME - PETE TOWNSHEND
Only one song on the night, with a funny tale to tell about performing this song at the Roundhouse back around ‘74-75. Spoke with some passion about working with Jim and Steve for Clapton’s legendary comeback gigs at the Rainbow in the early seventies. Playing acoustic guitar Pete really put his heart and soul into this one. Everyone tends to think of the aggression of The Who, overlooking the musical side that Pete excels in. Tonight was a great example. Only disappointment that one of my favourite musicians only performed one song.
PEARLY QUEEN - PAUL WELLER
I think Paul’s drummer Steve White also joined in on this one, a faithful enthusiastic rendition.
ROCK’N’ROLL STEW - DENNIS LECORRIERE, STEVIE LANGE
Not actually written by Jim (composers Grech / Gordon), but was Jim on lead vocals when performed by Traffic. Nice gritty version, with that wonderful guitar riff and incessant groove.
LOVE WILL KEEP US ALIVE - STEVE WINWOOD & JOE WALSH
Steve on Hammond and vocals on a couple of verses, and Joe on guitar and vocals on the other verses. Nice to hear Steve singing something different and great to see two great performers working together. Lovely arrangement and a great song to finish with.
Above the stage was a very large image of Jim laughing. There were a lot of smiles on the faces of the departing audience. Thanks for the laughter and the sheer brilliance of your music. It’s been a great journey Jim.
Written by PAUL MINKKINEN
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3. PRESS ARTICLES.
A newspaper review of the gig which you can read at
www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/gig-23358211-details/A+Celebration+For+Jim+Capaldi%3A+Steve+Winwood%2C+Paul++Weller%2C+Pete+Townshend%2C+Joe+Walsh%2C+Gary+Moore%2C+Jon+Lord%2C+Bill+Wyman/gigReview.do?reviewId=23382346 for which thanks Baz.
And an amusing blog from Dennis Lacorriere (Dr.Hook) on the build up to the show and the show itself during the preceeding week and Sunday 21st.
Go to ub3.homepagetools.com/DennisL/UltraBoard.pl?Idle=0&Sort=0&Order=Descend&Session= then select DL’s Space highlighted in RED below. Thanks to Russ Elkins for that one
From The Independant Newspaper an article entitled Jim Capaldi: Homage to an unsung hero can be read at this link http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/features/article2163453.ece
A review from the Times Online by David Sinclair can be read here: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,14936-2560324.html
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4. FANS COMMENTS.
From Martine: Hi – I would like to add my small contribution please. I was there! This once in a lifetime evening – this “unique in every way” evening. What an honour. The venue was just perfect – the last time I was there was to see Traffic – a long, long time ago – the place has changed somewhat! Aninha’s opening speech certainly brought a tear to my eye and through all the performances you never lost sight of the fact that everyone was there and doing it for Jim.
Each song sounded fresh and new and yet so wonderfully familiar. I couldn’t stop dancing 
– and noticed Jim and Steve’s daughters a few feet away from me also couldn’t stop themselves! Another nice thing I noticed was Steve’s son, Cal, doing his trainee roadie bit!
How fantastic to see Steve and Joe Walsh at last on stage together – a dream come true for me – it was certainly a night to remember.
I tried to get some photos but there was an over zealous official threatening to take people’s cameras away – so that was a bit disappointing – but still didn’t spoil the evening at all. Can’t wait for the DVD. Martine
From Jon S:. Hi. I’d appreciate you adding my comments, thanks. A long journey up from the South West but I wasn’t going to miss this show for the world. A long time fan of Traffic and its members and a celebration of Jim’s music and Traffic’s not to be missed. Eddie and Paul have conveyed the evening pretty well here on the site and I haven’t got much more that I can add to that. But I would say that the show made me realise how good a songwriter Jim was especially hearing the interpretation of his songs by others, of which the players and special guests were superb. Don’t you think a 2CD compilation of the best of Jim’s solo work is in order? Reading through the press reviews on the following days it surprised me that one or two commentators were less than complimentary of Steve Winwood’s set than those who were there enjoying it. I recall a 2 minute ovation for Steve and the band as his set closed. The word meandering was used by 2 journalists. They should have replaced that with “expression of musical talent.” Well the day of the 3 minute song has pretty much come and gone and come to think of it and so has the word talent somewhat. Anyone can be a music star these days with no talent and a computer as the charts have demonstrated for some years now. They (journalists) have to justify their existence I suppose but we don’t have to agree with them.
Congratulations and thanks to Aninha Capaldi, family and team and the artists for making this such a wonderful event and I hope that Jubilee Action receives a humungous contribution from proceeds and otherwise related. Also, I’d just like to say a few words of appreciation for the guys responsible for Coloured Rain (web site and magazine) for helping to keep the memory and the music alive. Your words and those of people who write add substance and read like the music we hear in our heads. Helping to keep the spirit and essence alive for us all.
Cheers. Jon
From Barry. I was there too!! After a lovely meet up with like minded loons (Peter from Germany, Berkin from Manchester via Ankara, Junette from Leyton via RSA, Chris and Sharon form Kent, Paul and Isabel from London and yours truly from Newcastle) at The Flask (Flask Pie and Guinness the order of the day) we travelled from Hampstead tube station, apparently the deepest in London!, to Chalk Farm and thence to the Roundhouse. Berkin, Peter and I were filmed for the forthcoming DVD so we shall hopefully have our 15 minutes of fame. Much buying of T shirts and programmes before entry and then the mad dash to the stage.
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What a gig, all the superlatives I have read do not do it justice and neither will mine. From the opening chord of Paper Sun (which took me straight back to that spotty yoof of 15 in 1967) to the closing number with Steve and Joe Walsh it was so ‘groovy’. Nice to see Lily and her friends behind us and singing along with us to Steve’s set (please Mr. Milner take voice coaching!) and also Cal Winwood doing his roadie thang. Nice wave from him when we called his name. A star of the future?? Let’s hope he carries on the family business. I was so impressed with all the musicians. They certainly had soul and a true love and respect for Gentleman Jim.
I can’t wait for the DVD and the new CD release by Steve (hopefully a 10 tracker in July according to Jose Neto) and lets all get together again for the tour to go with it. A fitting tribute for Jim, my heart goes out to Aninha and their daughters. We miss Jim so there must be a huge gap in their lives to fill. However I cannot believe Jim was not watching down on us all on Sunday and that he is constantly caring for them from on high. Baz Trump.
5. PHOTO GALLERY (click on images to enlarge)
