Eric Clapton - Clapton Review

Clapton

Eric Clapton

Release Date: 27th Sep, 2010
Label: Warner Bros
Genre: Blues Rock
Purchase on Amazon

His brief, 2005 reunion with Cream notwithstanding, it would seem foolhardy, if not downright disrespectful, to demand that Eric Clapton revisit his past by rehashing some misguided attempt at Wheels Of Fire or Disraeli Gears. Over a distinguished, nearly 50-year career, the man has earned his right to play whatever music he likes, however he pleases.

But on 'Clapton', his 19th solo album, the guitarist who's been called everything from Slowhand to God does revisit his musical past, some of it blues nuggets he cut his teeth on, a handful of numbers from his friend and frequent collaborator JJ Cale, and the bulk of it (the most fascinating portion of all), music that was passed down from his grandparents.

"I never liked young kids' music", Clapton has said, explaining the origins for this album. "I like old people's music. When I look for what I'm going to listen to, I go backwards. Most people are trying to figure out, 'How do I get in the fast lane, going that way?' I'm going in the other direction - I want to find the oldest thing to do."

Working with his trusted confidant, guitarist and producer Doyle Bramhall II, Clapton assembled a glittering array of talent to back him up on this self-titled release, including drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks and keyboardist Walt Richmond - the sessions later added guests stars such as Cale, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Allen Toussaint and Derek Trucks. Not too shabby.

As an archeological musical study, the record sees Clapton mining still-fertile ground, addressing songs by such noted composers as Irving Berlin, Fats Waller, Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael. But the surprising thing about Clapton, the album, is the remarkable manner in which the guitarist, singer and songwriter makes each cut his own. This is no mere 'covers album' (see Rod Stewart for that). This is Clapton courageously walking down the hallways of reinvention and discovery. For a man of 65, that's got to be exciting.

And for us, the audience, it's a rare and unexpected gift. Clapton will be released 27 September in the UK and the following day in North America.

Reviewed by Joe Bossa

About The Artist

Eric Clapton

Eric Patrick Clapton (born 30 March 1945), nicknamed "Slowhand", is a Grammy Award winning English composer, singer and guitarist who became one of the most respected artists of the rock era, winning three inductions into the rock and roll hall of fame. Clapton's musical style has changed during his career, but has remained rooted in the blues. Clapton is credited as an innovator in several phases of his career, which have included blues-rock (with John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers and The Yardbirds), early single hit "Come With Me" by The Roosters, blues-hard rock (with Cream), and work as a sideman and a solo artist; he has achieved chart success in genres ranging from delta blues (Unplugged) and psychedelic rock (Sunshine of Your Love) to pop (Change the World) and reggae (I Shot the Sheriff). Eric Clapton was a friend of George Harrison of the Beatles. It is believed that he wrote Layla about Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd, whom he married in 1979 after she divorced George Harrison. They divorced in 1988. Eric Clapton has also dated singers Marianne Faithfull and Rosanne Cash, actresses Patsy Kensit and Sharon Stone, and rock muses Cynrinda Fox and Geraldine Edwards, who was one of the inspirations for Penny Lane in Almost Famous. He is now married to Melia McEnry and has been since 2002. They have three daughters together. Clapton formed relationships with different artists in his career. From his start in the Yardbirds, then journeying forward to Cream, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Derrek and the Dominoes, he is an extremely gifted musician. Clapton would go on to play lead guitar in Roger Waters' first solo album, The Pros and Cons of Hitchiking. All this while compiling hit after hit in his solo career, has made Clapton one of the most enduring guitarists of the classic rock era. "Tears in Heaven" was written after his son's tragic death. It was co-written with Russ Titelman and acknowledged with a Grammy in 1993. Most recently, Eric Clapton has organized a benefit concert in honor of Hubert Sumlin, the great bluesman, to take place at the Apollo Theater in New York on February 24, 2012. He will be joined by Jeff Beck, Keb Mo, Levon Helm, and Derek Trucks among others. Clapton is known to sponsor an array of charitable events and concerts. He has also established a rehabilitation clinic in Monserrat to help those with substance abuse problems. Eric Clapton's most recent studio release, titled Clapton, was released on September 27, 2010 by Reprise. A live album titled Play The Blues Live At Lincoln Center performed with Wynton Marsellis was released on September 13, 2011 by Reprise. Eric Clapton is highly regarded as a premier musician, and continues to remain a force in music today.

Related Reviews

7 Comments

  1. Reuve 27 Jun 2011

    бэк хоум лучше, имхо

  2. Method_X 31 Mar 2011

    This is a great album in a whole blues history. And also, just good and kind music.

  3. Krasnoarmiejec 10 Oct 2010

    Not revolutionary, but I think that this is the one of the best rock albums of the year. Nice to hear Clapton in good shape... ;)

  4. uosiu77 06 Oct 2010

    addictive!

  5. theNiky 03 Oct 2010

    Album of the year to date.

  6. WilliamNl 19 Sep 2010

    Fine album of Sir Eric Cant be better with his guests @ These Album Then its easy LOL Feat . Doyle Bramhall II ,Jim Keltner, Willie Weeks, Walt Richmond,JJ Cale,, Kim Wilson, Wynton Marsalis, Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Sheryl Crow

  7. rafaelwho 13 Sep 2010

    Great album! Clapton is completing his fate, being a big old bluesman who it's!

Leave A Response