Traffic Sound

Traffic Sound emerged as a well-regarded Peruvian rock ensemble during the closing years of the 1960s and the opening ones of the 1970s. Their early progressive rock approach drew heavily from British sources, echoing the style of Traffic while showing a more remote connection to Jethro Tull. This resemblance appeared clearly through the flute and saxophone contributions of Jean Pierre Magnet, who additionally handled vibes and percussion duties. Notably, unlike numerous other South American ensembles from that era which gained visibility in the Northern Hemisphere only during the 1990s, Traffic Sound avoids any exotic or rudimentary qualities. Instead, their music conveys the polish of a capable secondary 1970 rock outfit, shaped by substantial progressive, psychedelic, and soul elements in their songwriting. Certain percussive rhythmic patterns carry a Latin inflection, yet this aspect registers no more prominently than it does in Traffic's "Feelin' Alright." The group ceased operations in 1972 following the release of four albums, with portions of their catalog appearing in the US market in 1997.