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The good humour of the between song patter demythologizes all of them and makes the music much more effective and immediate.I would agree that it is high time for Clapton to get hold of the rights to this show and deliver a special edition, legacy edition, whatever it's called that features both nights. While tempos are at times different than what you might expect, there are no two ways about it that this collection of luminaries checked egos at the door and got in the pocket and stayed there. I never knew that there were two nights until I read Clap's book. On what's on here, the quality of the performance, for all the addictions and demons being confronted, is among Clapton's best. Were you around when this first was released on vinyl, you were likely very non-plussed. My name isn't Bill, but let's get to the point here: this was essentially an intervention by Pete Townsend and Steve Winwood to get Clapton out of his house and into a work detail at which he could succeed, instead of taking junk all the live long day.
But they did turn in an awfully impressive show(s). This is a rootsier and bluesier version of most of these songs than Clapton delivered elsewhere and the strengths are shared 'round. It didn't pay off immediately for Clapton, but who knows, maybe it was an important push at the time. That is the effect of the limitations of the LP format and the shortsightedness of Clapton's management, because it is clearly evident that the very good comraderie on display added to an enhanced evening. God Bless Pete Townsend. What is kind of ironic is that the lineup is an all star 12 step candidates list, some of whom have been successful, others not.
The comments made about the editing are a little beside the point for most of us.
It is hard to believe that this set was followed up with "greatest hits" such as "I Shot the Sheriff", "Lay Down Sally", etc., and countless other covers and "re-interpretaions" of the blues masters. It doesn't have a feel like either of the other guitarists, and I think even die hard Who freaks would be hard pressed to find him doing a comparable break anywhere else to compare it to. Don't even get me started on the unplugged deal. In all, maybe it's time for Clapton to take another break from recording and performing, although this time for healthier reasons, and regroup. The original release had only six tracks (vinyl limitations )., and included all three Winwood led tunes. I picked this disc up on a whim, with a preconceived mind set that it would be a nostalgic, one time listen. Wrong. The entire set, released 22 years later, reveals that this could indeed be Clapton's strongest live release.
He had something to prove, maybe to us, maybe to other players, but most likely to himself. Let me know if I'm wrong. The late Grech's bass lines and tone are more varied than on any other recordings, Winwood's keys and vocal support are subtle but essential, and it also pains me to say that Wood's slide work is also more out front and impressive than anything he has done in the Stones. Let him rediscover HIS passion, hang up the Armanis, stop the endless "I've got to pay to tribute and remind you of my blues influences" (we know.we know), make a new generation of believers, and remember why we started to pay attention to him in the first place.maybe.just maybe. I'm not 100% sure, but I think that it's even Townshend himself taking a rock a billy lead on Bottle of Red Wine. One only has to listen to the range and accuracy of his vocals on the first two tracks, Layla and Badge, as compared to countless later releases, to realize that he was more than capable of showing a confidence in his lead voice that he always denied having, and sadly to say, affirm that he has been on cruise control ever since. Both drummers can be heard locking down a unit that probably wasn't rehearsed too much on changes, making everything flow. Very wrong.I don't know how this one slipped through the cracks, and was impressed enough to write my first review.
Meanwhile, back to the disc at hand:Most "star" line ups of this caliber don't live up to expectations, but this one does for all involved (OK, maybe not ReBop). Nothing feels scripted. At the time, this only served to lead listeners to believe that Clapton was not up to form at the time (physical and emotional addictions), and that the concert was only a mercy deal on Townshend's part. His currently predictable guitar lines and hook riffs are absent, and although most of these tunes were only several years old at the time, he switches them up a notch (Blues Power, Let it Rain and even Bell Bottom Blues)and seems to be taking chances that only someone genuinely into their playing and developement would have.
The only other thing I hope for is this entire concert on dvd-hopefully the artists will agree to release it some day I know the history of this concert, but just the pairing of this group is so fun and exciting for the listener.the remastered cd from 95 is the one I own.
The artists were the best of the time so that is why it is so good, you do not get top artists getting together like that any more. I was really surprised by this cd it is a very good recording especially being a live concert I really like the version of Laya.
Everyone needs to own this CD. I an a huge Clapton fan, who had this album in the 70's. Needless to say I misplaced it somewhere along the line, I was so happy to purchase this CD it is better than I remember, one of my favorite CD of all time.
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