What does it sound like?:
This is a review which will probably have my good friends Chiz and Lodey snorting with derision. This is a rerelease of a collection of performances from Eric Clapton’s Crossroads concerts which raise millions for drug recovery treatments. A mate of mine went and said it was fantastic, the good vibes tangible in the air. But here’s the thing – it was released in 2016 and this just marks its release on vinyl. Pah.
But…but….I hadn’t heard the previous release, and I have to say there are some sterling performances here – pretty much anyone who is anyone in there blues/rock/country world makes an appearance, sometimes with their own band or sometimes in combinations of other players. So you get great performances from Jeff Beck (with the fabulous Tal Wilkenfeld on bass, doing that solo on “Cause we’ve ended as lovers”, Tal fans), ZZ Top in great form on “Jesus left Chicago” stretching out and enjoying the moment like a proper band who can actually play live. “Tulsa Time” is a joy – Clapton, Vince Gill and Albert Lee chicken’ picking’ away with Sheryl Crowe on lead vocals. The same lineup play a tip top “On the road again” with an uncredited singer, and I will return my hat and cowboy boots if that ain’t Willie Nelson, who immediately turns anything he sings into a big old grin and good vibes. Eric and Steve Winwood do a splendid version of “Presence of the Lord” which always gets the dust moving around me. Suffice it to say the performances are excellent, even of the hackneyed old songs you’re heard a thousand times. You get Vince Gill, Joe Walsh, Jerry Douglas, Derek Trucks and band, Robert Cray, Jonny Lang, Keb Mo, Ronnie Wood, Warren Haynes, Los Lobos, BB King, Doyle Bramhall, Jimmie Vaughan, Hubert Sumlin, John Mayer (particularly impressive), Guy Clark Jr, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Buddy Guy, Steve Cropper, Keith Urban, Keith Richards….and that’s only the ones they credited.
What does it all *mean*?
So why do I waste the Afterword’s time on a rerelease of a 3 year old compilation of boring old Eric Clapton? Well, quite apart from the quality of the music within (I make no apology for liking this stuff), Christmas is coming, Look no further for a pressie for the more casual rock fan / Dad Rock fan. They will love this. Get a copy (vinyl or CD), put it under the tree and make their day. Beats a pair of socks.
Goes well with…
Oh anything. There’s so much variety here, stick it on for New Years Eve, open a bottle of Jack and pack your pose. You know you love it.
Release Date:
6th December 2019
Might suit people who like…
Likers of the rootsier end of the musical spectrum and (though I hate the term) civilians will love it.
Sponsored by Lodestone of Wrongness
Here’s Jeff and Tal…
Probably not the right thing to “open a bottle of Jack” when the whole idea is to benefit a centre that fights addiction!
Yes hadn’t thought of that!
It’s fine if you ‘Enjoy Responsibly’..!
Always.
Stop when it isn’t fun any more.
Always ask: What would Keith do?
A fine review of a fine record ( I have the 2016 mp3). No idea why you are referencing me in all this – unless you got this from a “friend” ? If so why not say so, if not then as I say a fine review of a fine record.
Just for a laugh Lodey. You wanted Sponsored By in the reviews and as it’s not sponsored by anyone I thought I’d mention you.
See, that’s what I get for waking up grumpy after my afternoon nap. No sense of humour me. I am 97
I wanted a nap but didn’t get one so I am grumpy.
Well I haven’t heard it before either and I’m grateful for your drawing it to my attention. Sounds mighty fine….