Happy Xmas (CD) By Eric Clapton

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Eric Clapton, Happy Xmas

Happy Xmas

Eric Clapton

Bush Branch/Surf Dog Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Somewhere between the blues and the holiday season is Eric Clapton’s 24th studio album.

Happy Xmas is not your usual holiday season fare. Consisting of 13 Christmas tunes and one original composition; it is an album of music on which Clapton brings his own style of blues to the Christmas season. It all adds up to one of the more unique Christmas albums of the season. It may not be your album of choice for sitting around the tree on Christmas Eve but is fine for ear phones and your favorite beverage at the end of a long day.

It is both a mellow blues and Christmas album. Veterans Jim Keltner and bassist Nathan East set the foundation and Clapton builds on top of each track with stings, choirs,  backing vocals, guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, keyboards by Simon Climie, and assorted other instruments.

Clapton combine well known songs, “Silent Night,” “White Christmas,” and “Away In A Manger” with lesser known material such as “Lonesome Christmas,” “Sentimental Moments,” and “Christmas Tears.” The original “For Love On Christmas Day” is a fine addition to the holiday lexicon.

His fiery guitar playing of the past may not be so prevalent but there are times when he steps forward. The sound he creates is still distinctive and immediately recognizable.

The only oddity is a techno version of “Jingle Bells,” which is far from the original intent of the song. Different from most of what Clapton has produced during his career; it is, for better or worse, a re-imaging of the holiday classic. It has producer Climie’s imprint all over it and is dedicated to deceased Swedish artist Avici.

Eric Clapton may seem like an unusual artist to produce a Christmas album, yet it feels authentic because of his blues imprint. While not a traditional release; is does capture the spirit of the season from a different and creative direction.

Rating: ****

Wheels Of Fire By Cream

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Cream, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, Wheels of Fire

Wheels of Fire

Cream

Atco 1968

Review by David Bowling

I have fluctuated over the years as to whether Disraeli Gears or Wheels Of Fire is the better album. In the final analysis the point is moot as both are sixties rock/blues at their most creative and remain two of the best albums in rock history.

Wheels Of Fire may not be as cohesive as their first two studio albums but the parts have an individual brilliance. The combining of a studio and live disc on the original 1968 vinyl release catches Cream at their best in both environments. Fans would embrace the album as it would reach number one in The United States. It would also be the first double album to claim platinum status.

“White Room” stands as one of the classic songs of the psychedelic rock era and is rightfully included on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. Clapton’s wah wah sound and distortion, all within the song’s structure, are worth the price of admission alone. When you add Bruce’s bass lines and vocals plus Bakers drumming you have all the elements of a superior rock song.

“Sitting On Top Of The World” is a traditional blues tune that has been recorded by probably hundreds of artists from many traditions including Howlin’ Wolf, Bill Monroe, Carl Perkins, Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, and Bob Dylan. Cream remains loyal to the original but does include some unique improvisation. “Politician” is topical and cynical as it attacks the elected officials of the day. “Born Under A Bad Sign” is a showcase for Clapton’s clear guitar sound. “Pressed Rat and Warthog,” written and narrated by Baker, is mostly tongue in cheek and well done. “Deserted Cities Of The Heart” is a mellow ballad that brings the studio section to a nice conclusion.

The live disc, recorded during their 1968 American tour, presents a totally different side of Cream. The time constraints of the studio are absent and the group is allowed to stretch their sound. Cream live was an improvisational band and here they lengthen four songs past the forty minute mark. “Crossroads,” a faster version than the Robert Johnson original, includes some of the best guitar playing of Clapton’s career which is saying a lot. “Spoonful” is Cream’s sixteen minute improvisational opus. “Traintime” contains Jack Bruce’s classic blues harp solo. “Toad” is Ginger Baker at his frenetic best as his drum solo spreads out over thirteen minutes.

Wheels Of Fire is an album that has withstood the test of time. It remains one of the essential rock albums and should be required listening.

Rating: ****1/2

Slowhand At 70 (2-CD + DVD Box Set) By Eric Clapton

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Eric Clapton, Slowhand

Slowhand At 70 (2 CD’s + DVD)

Eric Clapton

Eagle Rock Entertainment 2015

Review by David Bowling

 

England’s Royal Albert Hall has been the home for thousands of concerts during its 144 year history. During 1965, The Yardb1rds with Eric Clapton played at the Hall during a taping for British television. Last May, just a couple of weeks after celebrating his 70^th birthday, he returned to the venerable hall for a series of concerts, which included his 200^th. The May 15th concert has now been released as a two-cd plus one-DVD set titled Slowhand At 70: Live At Royal Albert Hall.

Accompanied by keyboardist/vocalist Paul Carrack, drummer Steve Gad, keyboardist Chris Stainton, bassist Nathan East and backing vocalists Michelle John and Sharon White, Clapton presents a career spanning concert.

Now into his sixth decade as a musician, Clapton has one of the smoothest and technically adept guitar styles in rock history. His ability to bend the strings of his guitar to create a unique and signature sound is instantly recognizable. His guitar runs remain fluid, while his voice has acquired a nice patina.

He has performed many of the songs presented here hundreds of times and while there may be nothing dramatically new; they are like being visited by old friends. Many times the joy is in the details and here Clapton is relaxed and it’s difficult to find any miscues.

His pop/rock work spans the decades. “Pretending,” “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Layla,” “Wonderful Tonight,” a poignant “Tears In Heaven,” and a precise and rocking “Cocaine” all find him at the top of his craft. Blues numbers such as “Key To The Highway,” “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Driftin’ Blues,” and “Crossroads” all have subtle surprises and textures. The DVD is a repeat of the CD’s except for the added “Little Queen Of Spades,” which is presented as a tribute to B.B. King.

The sound and the video are both crystal clear as the concert was recorded with the intention of releasing it as both a CD and DVD.

Clapton is one of those seemingly eternal superstars who celebrated his 70^th birthday in his home away from home. Through the technology of the day, he invited millions of his fans to join him. It is a party worth attending.

Gone (CD Reissue) By Jerry Williams

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Eric Clapton, Gone, Jerry Williams, Real Gone Music

Gone (CD Reissue)

Jerry Williams

Real Gone Music 2015

Review by David Bowling

 

Jerry Williams, (1948-2005), or Jerry Lynn Williams, was an artist who never quite made it. Despite releasing several well-crafted and lyrical albums, he found virtually no commercial success. Today he is best remembered as a songwriter who contributed material for some of the blues elite including Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Bonnie Raitt. It was Clapton who brought him the most fame by recording nearly a dozen of his compositions including three for his Behind The Sun album and five for Pretending.

Back in 1979, when his hopes were high, he recorded the album Gone for the Warner Brothers label. Events transpired and due to animosity between him and the label, it was pulled from distribution. It eventually received a quick death and his commercial viability never recovered.

Gone has now resurfaced as one of the latest reissues by Real Gone Music. The sound has been remastered and is a huge upgrade over the old vinyl version. The liner notes by Bill Bentley give a complete history of Williams and the album.

While many people have heard his songs, it’s probably safe to say that very few have actually heard his voice. His sound is different from that of many of the artists who have covered his compositions. The title track would have fit the funky approach of the Motown label. He has a soulful voice and the funky rhythm section, plus the blasts of a brass section give it a very different feel.

Songs such as “Easy On Yourself,” “Call To Arms,” “Givin’ It For Your Love,” and “I’ve Got Dreams To Remember” continue his fusion of blues and soul. While the compositions themselves are fairly simple, he fills in the sound with a number of layers and creates a full and sophisticated sound.

Gone is one of those forgotten gems that seem to re-surface every so often.  Jerry Williams may be gone but it’s good to see some of his music has survived.

 

Rating: ***1/2

Disraeli Gears By Cream

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Cream, Disraeli Gears, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce

Disraeli Gears

Cream

Atco 1967

Review by David Bowling

 

Cream’s debut album, Fresh Cream, was a creative fusion of rock and blues that gained the band a worldwide following. A year later “Sunshine Of Your Love” blasted from speakers all over the world and their popularity would ascend into the stratosphere. They would quickly become one of the best known and most popular bands in rock history.

Disraeli Gears, released in early December of 1967, would move the band in a psychedelic rock direction and fit the music of the late sixties perfectly. It would be their break through release in The United States as it sold millions of copies.

The albums cover art, created by Australian Martin Sharp who also co-wrote “Tales Of Brave Ulysses,” is some of the best ever produced. It is the main reason that for me vinyl LP’s, at least visually, remain superior to CD’s.

The name of the album is another matter. Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker were discussing a racing bicycle when one of their roadies commented that it has “Disraeli Gears” when the correct term was derailleur gears. Clapton and Baker thought it was so funny they used it as the title for this album.

Four of the five songs on side one of the original release are just about perfect psychedelic rock. “Strange Brew” has odd harmonies and Albert King type riffs by Clapton. “Sunshine Of Your Love,” which was a hugely successful single, remains one of the classic rock tunes of the psychedelic era. The opening riffs, the tone of the sound, and a signature solo make it one of Clapton’s must hear performances. “World Of Pain” has some guitar-bass interplay by Clapton and Bruce that is some of the best ever created inside a power trio. “Dance The Night Away,” complete with lyrical metaphors, matches the best of what was being released at the time. “The only miss was “Blues Condition” which was written and unfortunately sung by Ginger Baker. Nothing bad but after the first four tracks it was a bit of a let down.

Side two of the original release started out very strong. “Tales Of Brave Ulysses” finds Clapton using a wah-wah guitar sound for the first time. I have always liked the hard rock sound of “SWLABR.” It was short for “She Walks Like A Bearded Rainbow.” It is a direction I wish they could have explored a lot more.

The traditional blues tune, “Outside Woman Blues,” by Blind Joe Reynolds returned the group to their early blues fusion sound. “Take It Back” is the Jack Bruce show as he wrote the song, provided the lead vocal, and contributes some hot harmonica playing.

Disraeli Gears is a five star album in every respect. It is one of the signature releases in rock history as it catches Cream at the height of their powers. It is essential listening for any fan of rock ‘n’ roll.

Rating: ****

Planes, Trains, And Eric (DVD) By Eric Clapton

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Eric Clapton, Planes Trains And Eric

Planes, Trains, And Eric (DVD)

Eric Clapton

Eagle Rock Entertainment 2014

Review by David Bowling

 

So, what has Eric Clapton been up to lately? Well he has been on tour and the good news is he brought some recording equipment along. The result is the Planes, Trains, And Eric, which chronicles the tour with 17 performances, plus interviews with Clapton and band members, rehearsals, and sound check footage.

Clapton is now over 50 years into his career and has performed live thousands of times and has issued dozens of live albums. This newest DVD release may contain material that has been released a number of times but the DVD allows you to see Clapton rather than just hear him and that makes all the difference.

The performances are taken from his early 2014 tours of the mid and far east, which included his 200^th concert in Japan. Now approaching 70, we have a Clapton who is engaged and dedicated to his craft. His backing band included drummer Steve Gadd, keyboardist Paul Carrack, bassist Nathan East, keyboardist Chris Stainton, and backing vocalists Michelle John and Shar White; many of whom have toured with Clapton for years and form a tight knit and proficient unit.

One of the issues with Clapton live is sometimes he tends to disappear. That is not the case here as he is the lead guitarist with two keyboardists and is forced to carry the sound. He dips back into his past with scintillating solos on “Pretending” and “Little Queen Of Spades.”

The songs are familiar. “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Wonderful Tonight,” “Crossroads,” “Tears In Heaven,” “Before You Accuse Me,” and “Cocaine” may not contain a lot of surprises but they are played with passion and energy. Clapton is flawless on the guitar, which may be one of his problems as he makes it all look so easy.

The extras give a good look into his touring process and give it all an intimate feel. The interviews are interesting viewing for one time but the rehearsal footage and sound checks give everything a unique feel.

Planes, Trains, And Eric, the DVD, may not add anything brand new to Clapton’s legacy but it contains an excellent look into Clapton on tour plus contains a lot of good music and at 52 years into his career, that is more than enough.

 

Rating: ***1/2

The Breeze (CD) by Eric Clapton & Friends

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Eric Clapton, J J Cale, The Breeze

 

The Breeze: An Appreciation Of J.J. Cale

Eric Clapton & Friends

Bushbranch/Surfdog 2014

Review by David Bowling

 

J. J. Cale was a contemporary and friend of Eric Clapton. His songwriting and bluesy swamp rock appealed to Clapton, who would record a number of his songs during the course of his career, including such signature tunes as “Cocaine” and “After Midnight.” In 2006 they combined their talents to create the Grammy winning album The Road To Escondido. Cale passed away during July of 2013 at the age of 74. To honor his old friend, Clapton has released a tribute album covering 16 of his compositions.

Clapton gathered together such guitarists and singers as Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Don White, John Mayer, Derek Trucks, and Mark Knopfler and creates a heartfelt tribute to his long time friend. Also on hand as a rhythm section are bassist Nathan East and drummer Jim Keltner.

There have been good tribute albums and some very bad ones as well. I’m happy to say The Breeze falls on the good side of the ledger. In addition to his friends, Clapton made the wise decision to play guitar and/or sing on all the tracks. While he allows his guests to step forward, he is also present as a foundation for all of the songs.

Cale’s music has a simplicity and subtlety about it. Willie Nelson’s approach is very similar as he brings his weary voice to “Songbird.” He then teams up with one of the worlds great guitarist’s, Derek Trucks, as they cover “Starbound.”

Very few guitarists have a sound that rivals Clapton’s but Mark Knopfler is one. He brings his unique sound to “Someday.” John Mayer’s vocal takes “Magnolia” in a distinct country direction. Tom Petty and Clapton have surprisingly good vocal harmonies on “Rock And Roll Records,” “I Got The Same Old Blues,” and “The Old Man And Me.”

“Call Me The Breeze,” “Cajun Moon,” and “Since You Said Goodbye” are Eric Clapton tracks. He does not overwhelm the material but brings a laid back style that enhances the textures.

The Breeze is a labor of love from one friend to another. It is a fitting memorial to J.J. Cale and does justice to his legacy.

 

Rating: ***1/2

 

Fresh Cream by Cream

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Cream, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce

Fresh Cream

Cream

Atco 1966

Review by David Bowling

 

Eric Clapton had a busy three plus years. He had joined The Yardbirds and left. He had joined John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and left and come back and left again. I’m not sure what he had in mind when he left Mayall, for the last time but his next project would become one of the legendary rock groups in music history.

Cream may not have originated the term supergroup but they certainly fit the bill. Jack Bruce of Manfred Mann, The Bluesbreakers, and The Graham Bond Organization and Ginger Baker also of The Graham Bond Organization joined Clapton. Individually they were not very well known in The United States, but in their native England there was a lot of publicity attached to their union. Within a year they were one of the most popular bands in the world.

Fresh Cream is not my favorite Cream album. But having said that it is still very good and one of the more creative debuts in rock history. It lacked cohesiveness, yet all the elements of Cream at their best were present. It served as a fine jumping off point for what was to come.

“I Feel Free,” which was the lead track on the original American vinyl release, is one of my five favorite Cream songs, yet is still different from the sound for which they would become famous. The a capella beginning and its melodic nature make it fairly unique within their catalog. It is straight forward psychedelic rock with some pop leanings. “N.S.U.” is somewhat similar but it features some short jams, particularly by Clapton.

There are a number of old blues covers that set the table for Disraeli Gears and Wheels Of Fire. “I’m So Glad” may have repetitive lyrics but Bruce, Baker, and Clapton meld together well. “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” is the old traditional Muddy Waters tune that is given a percussion driven treatment. “Four Until Late” may be short, but Bruce’s harmonica and Clapton’s guitar fuse together in ways that were cutting edge at the time. “Cat’s Squirrel” finds a relaxed Cream with Clapton providing short bursts of brilliance.

That brings us to “Toad.” After a short guitar intro, Ginger Baker embarks on one of the first extended drum solos on rock history. He would become famous for his manic playing and these solos would become a permanent part of Cream’s live act.

Fresh Cream was the first step on a short but brilliant journey for Eric Clapton and Cream. It was a journey that would bring Clapton lasting fame and lead to Cream’s induction into The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

RTING: ***1/2

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30th Anniversary Celebration, Al Kooper, Bob Dylan, Booker T & MG's, Eric Clapton

 

Bob Dylan – The 30^th Anniversary Concert Celebration – Deluxe Edition (2 CD, 2 DVD, Blu-ray Disc)

Bob Dylan & Various Artists

Legacy 2014

Review by David Bowling

 

Bob Dylan’s career has now passed the half-century mark but back on October 16, 1992, he and a number of his friends gathered at Madison Square garden to celebrate his 30^th anniversary. That concert has now been reissued as a two-CD, two-DVD, one Blu-ray set complete with bonus performances and new footage, which includes 40 minutes of previously unreleased rehearsals and interviews.

Looking at the artists involved in the concert, one quickly realizes that many have left the building for good. Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Richie Havens, the three Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Lou Reed, and George Harrison have all passed away but at this concert they are alive and well.

When it comes to Dylan, it is the songs that are important. He has produced one of the best, if not the best, catalogues of material in music history. As with all albums of this type, it revolves around the artist’s ability to interpret the material.

The cream of the rock world gathered at Madison Square Garden to honor Dylan’s 30 years in music. Many of his most famous songs combine with some deeper cuts to provide a good overview of his legacy.  Very important are Booker T & The MG’s, supplemented by drummer Jim Keltner, who act as the house band for many of the performances.

There are a number of superior performances. Eric Clapton changes “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” into a blues classic. Roger McGuinn, backed by Tom Petty and band resurrected the Byrds classic interpretation of “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Chrissie Hyde gives an emotional performance of “I Shall Be Released.” Neil Young is engaged on “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” and “All Along The Watchtower.” The line-up of Dylan, McGuinn, Petty, Young, Clapton, and George Harrison on “My Back Pages” shall not pass this way again.

The surprises are a sincere interpretation of “Emotionally Yours” by The O’Jays and Willie Nelson just nails “What Was It You Wanted.” Tracy Chapman, “The Times They Are A-Changin.’” Richie Havens, “Just Like A Woman,” and Mr. Dylan himself, “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” prove that simple is sometimes best as they bring just their voices and guitar to their performances.

I don’t know if there were any real misses but some performances just don’t resonate as well as others.  John Mellencamp rolls through “Like A Rolling Stone” although Al Kooper brings some nostalgia to the track by re-creating his original organ sounds. Johnny Winter is technically adept on “Highway 61 Revisited” but there is a lack of passion. “Seven Days” by Ron Wood just sort of disappears.

The 30^th Anniversary Concert Celebration Deluxe Edition twenty years later is a look back in time. It was an evening dedicated to celebrating the music of an American music icon and in many ways that music out-shines the performers. It is a must buy for any fan of Bob Dylan and his music.

It’s only eight years until Dylan’s 60^th, so stay tuned.

 

Rating: ****

Old Sock (CD) by Eric Clapton

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Eric Clapton, Old Sock

Old Sock

Eric Clapton

Reprise 2013

Review by David Bowling

There are a lot of words that can be used to describe Eric Clapton’s latest release, Old Sock. Words such as comfortable, relaxed, and cruise control can all be used to describe the sound and feel of this album.

Clapton does not over-reach or try to be over-creative. Instead he selects material that he seems to enjoy and fits where he is in life. While his guitar chops are still present; they do not dominate the album but rather are used in support of his vocals, which are the center piece. It all ends up as an album that covers the middle ground well with no real lows or highs. As the title would suggest, the music takes you to a warm and safe place.

The old Led Belly song, “Goodnight Irene,” is probably the best track. His voice moves it away from its blues origins but some slide guitar returns it back again. His cover of Ray Charles” “Born To Lose” has a little fire in it while his mostly acoustic “Still Got The Blues” is a fine tribute to the late Gary Moore. “Further On Down The Road” ends with one of the few classic Clapton guitar solos and is well-worth the wait.

On the other hand, “The Folk Who Live On The Hill” has a blandness to it while “Gotta Get Over” never really gets going. “Every Little Thing” unfortunately comes complete with a children’s choir, which is a bit out of tune.

Old Sock is like a dinner wine; you savor it but it leaves no lasting impression. There is little doubt that Clapton is content with the album and I am OK with it as well. As Ricky Nelson once sang; “You can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself.”

Rating: ***