Eric Clapton/CA,USA 1976 Studio Sessions

Despite announcing his retirement from touring, Eric Clapton once again performed at Madison Square Garden in New York this month. This is an item that will further liven up this week’s “Clapton Week”, commemorating his return to the tour. This is a valuable sound source categorized as a studio outtake, and was recorded with a clear stereo soundboard recording of the “Birthday Session” that was held on March 30, 1976, Clapton’s 31st birthday, at Shangri-La Studios owned by The Band, involving a large number of luxurious guests. The musicians who participated in this session were also those who participated in the album “No Reason To Cry” that Clapton was recording at this time, and it happened to be Clapton’s birthday during the recording of the album. This sound source has been leaked in the past, and there are several already released versions, but the master we obtained this time was a low generation master provided by the familiar heavyweight Taper who lives in the UK! That’s why the sound is so fresh. The excellent stereo separation makes this an intriguing source where almost everyone’s playing can be decided. If you listen to the first song, there are three guitars. The half-tone in the center is of course Clapton, and the picking harmonics playing on the right channel will immediately be recognized as Robbie Robertson. The modest but precise playing on the left channel is thought to be George Terry of the Clapton band. The third song has some members changed again, and Ronnie Wood appears in the right channel obbligato. This number is an improvisation number led by Billy Preston’s vocals and piano. Clapton himself decides on the solo. These tough guys were able to create a brilliant shape even in such bluesy improvisation jams where only the key was decided. 4. and 5. are Bo Diddley numbers, but in 4., someone starts singing Willie & The Hand Jive as they try to start this song, and Clapton laughs and gets depressed. After regaining his composure, Van Morrison plays a perfect performance on track 5, where he adds soulful vocals. His participation is not included in the album, but that’s why his name was listed in the Thanks to credits on the back cover. Track 6 is a Ray Charles number that Preston once supported, and Rick Danko of The Band provides a sad vocal. It’s a performance that doesn’t seem like a fun session, and it’s worth listening to. Morrison’s singing is also brilliant on track 6. Since it’s blues, Clapton plays an active role on the center channel. On disc 2, Garth Hudson joins on the center channel on organ, and Richard Manuel takes the vocals. On track 2, Preston switches to organ. He shows off his unique keyboard playing on the center channel. Track 3 is a practice take where Preston teaches chord progressions, and track 4 is the actual performance. Track 5 is a take that gives a glimpse of the song’s final form. Overall, it’s not unbearable to listen to, and it’s a high-quality jam that makes you think that if an expanded edition of “No Reason To Cry” is released in the future, a few songs from this recording will be edited and included as bonus tracks. The conversations between the songs that can be heard well are also interesting, and you can feel that Billy Preston, who is often called out, was a person who was loved by everyone. As a record of the good old days, it is quite enjoyable for The Band maniacs. Finally, regarding the sound processing, the pitch, which was randomly out of sync by about 50% of a semitone, was corrected. This is the “world’s first” time that this session can be heard on a master soundboard with perfect pitch! Shangri-La Studios, Malibu, CA. USA 30th March 1976 STEREO SBD Disc 1 (46:07) 01. Won’t Somebody Tell Me (instrumental) 02. Right Now (vocal: Billy Preston) 03. It’s Eric’s Birthday (vocal: Billy Preston & Eric Clapton) 04. Who Do You Love 1(instrumental) 05. Who Do You Love 2(vocal: Van Morrison) 06. Hard Times (vocal: Rick Danko) 07. Stormy Monday (vocal: Van Morrison) Disc 2 (44:33) 01. What Would I Do 1(vocal: Richard Manuel) 02. Right Now 2 (vocal: Billy Preston) 03. Tried To Make The Devil Mad 1(vocal: Billy Preston) 04. Tried To Make The Devil Mad 2 (vocal: Billy Preston)05. What Would I Do 2 (vocal: Billy Preston, Van Morrison & Richard Manuel) 06. What Would I Do 3 (vocal: Richard Manuel) Eric Clapton – Guitar, Vocal Robbie Robertson Guitar Jesse Ed Davis Guitar Ron Wood Guitar Billy Preston Keyboards Van Morrison Vocal Rick Danko – Bass, Vocal Garth Hudson Organ Richard Manuel – Piano, Vocal Levon Helm Drums George Terry Guitar Carl Radle Bass Dick Sims Keyboards Jamie Oldaker Drums Sergio Rodriguez – Percussion STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING