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Maxwell Edwards

Prof. Slanker

English 1101

5 June 2020

Dear Mr. Fantasy, A Drummer's Perspective

Written by Jim Capaldi, Steve Windwood and Chris Wood, Dear Mr. Fantasy was

released on Traffic’s debut album in December of 1967. As an avid rock’n’roll enthusiast, I have

listened to this song on numerous occasions. I believe this song is one of the most beautifully

written songs. Traffic starts this lovely tune with a simple introduction; allowing listeners to feel

the mood. Even with up to four musicians playing, every instrument can be heard with smooth

clarity. Capaldi exhibits the skills of an absolute professional musician through his use and

knowledge of his drums. Even though the lyrics lack in length and detail, they are still very

relatable. And the dynamics used throughout this piece adds layers to the song. All these small

details create a fantastic experience for all listeners.

Starting with the simple riff backed by a classic drum beat, the very beginning of the

song gets the listeners ready to enjoy the song. I found that I enjoy short introductions that help

me transition from listening to song after song. The introduction created by Windwood and

Wood allows the listeners to feel the tone and mood of the song. I found that if an introduction

takes too long, I get bored and stop listening or I just skip the song all together. Yet if it is too

short then I feel rushed into the song. Dear Mr. Fantasy’s introduction is not too short or long.

Being a happy medium I found I am able to feel the tone and mood before the lyrics start. And

I’m not impatiently waiting for the song to begin.

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Given the fact that for most of the duration of the song there are four musicians playing at

the same time, it is amazing to hear the balance they have created. Most would think the song

would have balance issues due to all the instruments playing at once. However each instrument

can be heard clearly at any moment in the song. Windwood’s electric guitar and sweet vocals do

not over power Capaldi’s drums. Capaldi’s mad fills do not drown out Wood’s majestic organ.

The bold melody of the organ does not overcome Dave Mason’s killer bass. Each instrument is

able to showcase all of its glory because of the pristine balance. Traffic did allow some

instruments to become louder which created the rad guitar solos and whimsical vocals. Allowing

one instrument to be slightly louder gives the artist the opportunity to showcase their style and

playing ability. Enhancing the song, the balance created by Traffic allows listeners to pick out

each instrument easily.

With most new modern songs, drummers typically play the same rhythm through the

whole duration of the song. As a drummer this aggravates me. Knowing that drummers of today

are not using the full potential of their sets makes it harder for me to enjoy their pieces. Traffic’s

drummer Jim Capaldi is a great example of what a drummer should do. He changes his rhythm

constantly throughout the song without speeding up or slowing down the tempo. He keeps a

consistent beat which can easily be felt by the listener. Capaldi made sure to change rhythms in

between guitar solos and the chorus. This helps the whole band know what part of the song they

are on and where they are going next. Capaldi also uses fills to connect the two different

rhythms; this way there is not an abrupt stop of one rhythm switching to another.

I do feel that the song does lack lyrically. Written by Jim Capaldi, Dear Mr. Fantasy only

has two stanzas of lyrics. I would love to hear more about Mr. Fantasy, the character created by
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Capaldi. However I do appreciate where the song lacks in lyrics, Traffic makes up for it by

displaying the full potential of their instruments through various solos scattered about in the

song. The short bit of lyrics in the song I feel is very relatable to many musicians. Capaldi’s

character Mr.Fantasy appears to be a servant to the audience. Being forced to write or play what

they want him to instead of creating the music he desires. I feel that many musicians are stuck

playing one genre or style because their audience will not allow them to change and grow as

artists. Mr. Fantasy is a prime example of this unfortunate circumstance many artists face during

their career.

Adding more layers to the song, Traffic utilizes dynamic effectively and with absolute

precision. Dynamic is the volume of a specific sound or note. It is through dynamics that each

musician is able blend his or her instrument with others by playing louder or quieter. Dear Mr.

Fantasy has an amazing flow of dynamics. Each musician grows louder and quieter throughout

the song at different intervals. During solos all other instruments back off while the soloist plays

louder without completely overpowering the others. This allows the soloist to show off their

skills while the rest of the band compliments the soloist and makes sure they don’t change

tempos (speed). The flow of dynamics makes the song more entertaining by hearing the drum

roll slowly grow louder and louder or hearing the back up singers volume fluctuate from near

whisper to loud and bold. Dynamics makes the song more interesting to the listeners.

A simple introduction that allows listeners to feel the tone and mood. A strong balance in

which all instruments can be heard clearly. An amazing drummer shows the full potential of

drums. Lyrics that are relatable even if I’m left craving to know more. Amazing dynamics add

layers to this already well written song. Each of these seemingly small factors construct a truly
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amazing and fascinating song for all listeners. Dear Mr. Fantasy is one of the most well

composed songs to date.