Delaney & Bonnie/CA,USA 1970

We have a lineup of upgraded versions of precious TV appearances by Delaney, Bonnie & Friends from Clapton’s time in the band. Clapton, a superstar, was attracted by the earthy and soulful musicality of an unknown band that opened for Blind Faith, and the family-like bond between the band members, so he threw away his status and joined Delaney, Bonnie & Friends as a sideman. It was a time when Clapton, a white man born in England, found in this band the essence of white soul and white blues that he should have mastered in the home of blues, and so he took on a “big challenge” alone. In this band, Delaney Bramlett actively encouraged Clapton to “sing”, and he was taught not only how to sing but also how to compose. History has proven that this was a milestone for him to later become Derek & the Dominos and a solo artist. Although it was a modest activity in Clapton’s career, it was a time of training in the home of blues, where he went alone. We offer the best live sound source of Delaney & Bonnie & Friends from that period! Although there is a pre-release version, this is the best soundboard sound source that can be said to be a “standard” when it comes to Delaney. This performance took place just after the recording of Clapton’s first solo album, backed by Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, was finished. Clapton, who was satisfied with the result of his first solo album and had deepened his bond with the band, stood on the Fillmore stage in high spirits and backed up the band. Clapton also accompanied them on tour at the end of 1969, but by the time of this album, Dave Mason and George Harrison were no longer in the band, and Clapton was the only side guitarist. It was a stage with a heavier responsibility, but if you look at the set list, Clapton’s vocal numbers have increased to two songs, I Don’t Know Why and Crossroads, compared to the 1969 tour. Delaney pushed him back and increased the number of vocal numbers with his kindness. The guitar solos in both songs are excellent, but Clapton’s playing is also brilliant in other songs supporting Delaboni. Since Clapton was the only lead guitarist, his tasteful obbligatos and solos are immediately recognizable. Around this time, Clapton also started using “Brownie.” He used it on his solo album and liked the tone, so it was a trend. Delaboni’s numbers also have a pop aspect with catchy melodies and chord progressions, and it is clear that this style of composition also had a great influence on Clapton’s later original songs. Some Clapton fans look down on this band because it was a time when Clapton was not active as a leader, but I would like you to feel the essence of blue-eyed soul that Clapton was trying to master from this album. The sense he honed here gave birth to the album “LAYLA.” Listen to Clapton’s playing, which still shines brightly even though he was a behind-the-scenes player. Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA, USA 22nd February 1970 STEREO SBD 1. Things Get Better 2. I Don’t Know Why 3. Will the Circle Be Unbroken 4. Pour Your Love on Me 5. Just Play Beautiful 6. Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way 7. Crossroads 8. Special Life 9. Poor Elijah 10. Coming Home 11. Little Richard Medley Eric Clapton – Guitar / Vo cals Delaney Bramlett – Guitar / Vocals Bonnie Bramlett – Vocals Rita Coolidge – Vocals Bobby Whitlock – Keyboards / Vocals Carl Radle – Bass Jim Gordon – Drums Tex Johnson – Percussion Jim Price – Trumpet Bobby Keys – Saxophone STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING