Bennie Maupin’s 1977 album Slow Traffic to the Right is a masterful blend of jazz-funk and fusion, showcasing his prowess as a multi-instrumentalist and composer. Building upon his work with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, Maupin crafts a sound that is both innovative and accessible. The album features standout performances from collaborators like Patrice Rushen on keyboards and Eddie Henderson on trumpet, creating a rich tapestry of grooves and textures that captivate the listener.

Tracks like "It Remains to Be Seen" and "Quasar" highlight Maupin's ability to fuse complex rhythms with melodic sophistication. The use of synthesizers by Patrick Gleeson adds a futuristic layer to the compositions, while the tight rhythm section anchors the music firmly in the jazz tradition. Slow Traffic to the Right stands as a testament to Maupin's vision, bridging the gap between avant-garde exploration and mainstream appeal.

Reviews

"This album is more of a Jazz Funk session than a Jazz rock session. One of the best unsung albums of an unsung artist." – darkprinceofjazz, ProgArchives

"If you like the sophisticated psychedelic groove music of Herbie Hancock's early 70s bands and soundtracks, then you will probably like this brilliant spin-off by Bennie Maupin." – js, JazzMusicArchives

"Critics often write this record off as being Bennie Maupin's 'commercial album', there are a few 'mellow' groove oriented cuts on here, but this is far from typical late 70s fusion-lite, or 'fuzak'." – js, JazzMusicArchives

"Slow Traffic to the Right is a groove laden record that continues the work he started with Hancock." – Jon Opstad, Everything Jazz

"Bennie Maupin's second album, 'Slow Traffic to the Right,' marries the meditative and funky. The result is another gem of an LP." – Jeff Chairman Mao, uDiscoverMusic