Eric Clapton/CA,USA 9.16 & 18.2017

This is the second half of Eric Clapton’s LA performance, rumored to be the “final chapter,” packed into 4CDs. Like “Volume 1,” which contains the first two performances released at the same time, this album also contains Clapton’s culmination performance. As mentioned in the review of “Volume 1,” the master of this album is a high-quality stereo audience source uploaded on the Internet, and all of the uploaders are the same person. It was a high-quality master recorded in almost the same good position for all four performances using a high-performance microphone called Schoeps MK4 and a Sony M-10 recorder, but the sound image was unnatural due to the unnatural sound processing by the person who uploaded it. As with “Volume 1,” we have independently improved this drawback. We are now able to deliver it as the best upgraded version. We would like not only enthusiasts but also fans to pay attention to this album, which is much easier to listen to than the original version on the Internet. As we also posted in the review of “Volume 1,” let’s take a look at what position this performance was in Clapton’s activities this year (we will also add the titles released by our store).・March 19th and 20th, 2017: Concert at Madison Square Garden, New York (titles of our release: “MSG 2017: Complete 2 Nights” and “MSG 2017 2nd Night”) ・March 25th and 26th, 2017: Concert at the Forum, Los Angeles was scheduled, but was canceled due to acute bronchitis. It was postponed to September 13th and 18th.・May 22, 24, 25, 2017: Concert at Royal Albert Hall, London (release titles: “Royal Albert Hall 2017 1st Night”, “Royal Albert Hall 2017 Day 1: Upgrade”, “Royal Albert Hall 2017 Day 2”, “Royal Albert Hall 2017 Day 3”, “Live at Royal Albert Hall 2017 Final Night”) ・September 7, 8, 2017: Concert at Madison Square Garden, New York (release titles: “Madison Square Garden 2017 Original Master”, “Madison Square Garden 2017 Remaster”) ・September 13, 15, 2017: Concert at Forum, Los Angeles (L.A. FORUM 2017 Volume 1) ・September 16, 18, 2017: Concert at Forum, Los Angeles (L.A. FORUM 2017 Volume 2) ←★Here★ You can see that this LA performance was the final leg of a special concert held in only three places in the world: New York, London, and Los Angeles. The first and second performances included in “Volume 1” were solid performances with clear highlights. This third and final performance also showed off the wonderful playing that is Clapton. The solo in the opening Somebody Knocking on the third day was already sharp. Is it okay to suddenly open the throttle like this? Although I was worried, the tight performance continued. The phrase composition of I Shot The Sheriff on this day was also wonderful, but the highlight of the day was the solo in Little Queen Of Spades. When it comes to the long slow blues at the end, it has become common to play solidly but not to “explode”, but this day is different. I would like you to listen to this play as well. The final day started with a surprise. He played the solo of Somebody Knocking with a wah pedal. Clapton had never played wah on this song before. This is the first time for this unreleased song by J.J. Cale, which he has been playing since 2013. On the final day, something must have changed in Clapton’s state of mind. His solo with the wah pedal gives it an even more Clapton-like feel. And I Shot The Sheriff on this day was also great. Overall, including the newly set White Room, this performance was a fitting culmination of his career, titled “A Celebration Of 50 Years Of Music.” Clapton may have had the thought that this was the last time. What I would like to mention here is the number of songs in the set that give solos to keyboard members. The number is about half of the total 15 songs, including Somebody Knocking, Key To The Highway, Hoochie Coochie Man, Driftin’ Blues, Crossroads, Little Queen Of Spades, and Cocaine. This is not just a desire to feature supporting musicians for the sake of composition. Chris Stinton, who has been with Clapton for 38 years since 1979, and Walt Richmond, who supported J.J. Cale, are also elderly musicians of the same age as Clapton (including drummer S. Gadd). Now, as many elderly musicians are passing away one after another, they may fall ill at any time. For Clapton, he must be aware that his career of over 50 years was made possible only because of the support of these friends. That’s why he wanted to put the spotlight on them, I think, with this number of featured songs. Stinton’s long piano solo that closes “Cocaine”, Clapton looks at that thrilling play that goes up the scale at the end with a smile. And the ending call with an eye contact. If you have seen the concert, you will know this scene. Clapton has walked his career with his friends. And now he is about to stop walking. “Before that, play as much as you want, and I’ll do the same.” I can’t help but think that this stage reflects Clapton’s feelings. Only he knows if this will really be the last, but please keep the image of Clapton and his friends forever on this board so that you don’t regret it later and realize, “Oh, that was a turning point after all.” The Forum, Inglewood, CA. USA 16th & 18th September 2017 TRULY PERFECT SOUND Live at the Forum, Inglewood, CA. USA 16th September 2017 Disc 1 (51:03) 1. Intro. 2. Somebody Knocking 3. Key To The Highway 4. Hoochie Coochie Man 5. I Shot The Sheriff 6. Driftin’ Blues 7. Lay Down Sally 8. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out 9. Layla 10. Tears In Heaven Disc 2 (41:52) 1. White Room 2. Wonderful Tonight 3. Crossroads 4. Little Queen Of Spades 5. Cocaine 6. Before You Accuse Me (with Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr.) Live at the Forum, Inglewood, CA. USA 18th September 2017 Disc 3 (54:14) 1. Intro. 2. Somebody Knocking 3. Key To The Highway 4. Hoochie Coochie Man 5. I Shot The Sheriff 6. Driftin’ Blues 7. Lay Down Sally 8. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out 9. Layla 10. Tears In Heaven Disc 4 (44:00) 1. White Room 2. Wonderful Tonight 3. Crossroads 4. Little Queen Of Spades 5. Cocaine 6. Before You Accuse Me (with Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr.)