Eric Clapton/MA,USA 09.15.1995

This is the first high-quality audience master release from the 1995 “Nothin’ But the Blues Tour”! With a career spanning 56 years, when was Eric Clapton’s time as a guitarist truly sang and played on the live stage? While fans will have differing opinions, most agree that the most memorable moments are his time with Derek & the Dominos and the “Nothin’ But the Blues Tour,” which featured only blues in its setlist. The latter was Clapton’s culmination, showcasing his true essence as a “blues musician.” This tour took place worldwide from 1994 to 1995, with Japan selected as the final performance location. The master being released is a superb stereo audience source from the Worcester performance on September 15th of the US tour, which is arguably the peak of this tour. This recording appears to have been circulating among some enthusiasts as an overseas bootleg, but has never been properly released in Japan. The master of this precious recording was brought to us in recent years by a trusted overseas taper! Moreover, it was provided on a digitally copied DAT of the first-generation master. There are some unstable sections at the beginning, likely due to a rushed recording, but apart from this, the sound is flawless. The sound quality gives the impression of a concert being enjoyed from the center of the arena, and the recording is extremely clear and well-balanced, including the atmosphere and resonance of the venue. This first domestic release is truly valuable. The sound balance is also excellent. Since it’s set in the center of the arena, there were naturally other audience members around, but what this master captures is that, rather than any annoying chatter, shouts, or noise, everyone was focused on Clapton’s performance, uniformly impressed and applauding. It was a day blessed with a great audience. This is most evident in “Every Day I Have the Blues.” The video captures the entire venue erupting in roaring applause as Clapton plays, just as he nails his phrases. The applause is so moving that it’s almost like listening to him. Clapton’s performance that day was so impressive that it didn’t allow for idle chatter. On this tour, Clapton played blues, which he described as the most relaxing genre, every day. While there are many high-quality recordings available, this release, which delivers this previously unreleased master recording in Japan, is sure to rank highly among the tour’s best albums due to its high level of both sound and performance. Let’s take a look at the entire “Nothin’ But the Blues Tour.” <Nothin’ But the Blues Tour> September 28, 1994: Tour rehearsal footage was recorded at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. This footage was later broadcast in the United States, Europe, and Japan. October 3rd – November 4th: US Arena Tour November 7th – November 28th: ​​US Club Tour I 1995 February 15th – March 7th: UK Tour April 5th – May 5th: European Tour August 28th – September 24th: US Arena Tour II ←★Here★ October 1st – October 13th: Japan Tour After the death of his young son in 1991 and his subsequent “Unplugged” shows, Clapton once again sought the spirituality of the blues. This tour was his answer. It could be said that this tour embodied Clapton’s stoicism as a “seeker.” The 1994 tour featured Andy Newmark on drums, but he was replaced by Steve Gadd in 1995, but for two years, Clapton dedicated himself to touring exclusively playing blues music. This album captures the final chapter of the US tour, right before the Japan leg. As it was the final chapter, each song was richly flavored, and the band’s cohesion was unmatched. The setlist for this album was captured in the midst of all this. The setlist for the “Nothing But the Blues Tour” was almost solidified throughout the entire tour. The set transitioned from a seated acoustic set to a standing electric set, and during the electric set, Clapton switched to an ES-335TD for a “Freddie King Corner.” As the set progressed, Clapton and his band’s “heat” rapidly increased, resulting in a fiery, passionate performance at the end, which is why this tour is said to have been the most intense and powerful period of Clapton’s career, showcasing his vocal prowess. Of course, this day was no exception. This tour also featured a focus on switching guitars for different songs, including two Martins (12-string and 6-string), a Dobro, a Gibson L-5 and a Birdland semi-acoustic, two ES-335s (cherry red and brown sunburst), and two Stratocasters (black and blonde), making it the tour with the most guitars used in a single performance. This performance boasts such incredible, high-quality playing that every song is a highlight. While the tour’s title review highlights standout tracks and killer takes, on this album, the entire album is simply amazing. On the closing track, “Ain’t Nobody’s Business,” Clapton delivers an uncharacteristically emotional vocal performance, almost as if he were Bessie Smith. The final performance with the whole band was also excellent, and while this was a regular track on this tour, I have to say that this take is a must-listen. This is an excellent album that lets you experience Clapton playing as much as you can. While Clapton playing acoustic ballads is great, the true Clapton is the one who burns with blues. This is the best master release in Japan for the first time. Centrum, Worcester, MA, USA 15th September 1995 TRULY PERFECT SOUND Disc:1 (57:46) 1. Motherless Child 2. Malted Milk 3. Four Until Late 4. How Long Blues 5. Kidman Blue 6. I’m Gonna Cut Your Head 7. 44 8. Blues Leave Me Alone 9. Standing Around Crying 10. Hoochie Coochie Man 11. It Hurts Me Too 12. Blues Before Sunrise 13. Third Degree 14. Reconsider Baby 15. Sinner’s Prayer Disc:2 (58:50) 1. Every Day I Have the Blues 2. Early In the Morning 3. Before You Accuse Me 4. Someday After a While 5. Tore Down 6. Have You Ever Loved a Woman 7. Crossroads 8. Five Long Years 9.Ain’t Nobody’s Business Eric Clapton – guitar / vocals Andy Fairweather Low – guitar Chris Stainton – keyboards Dave Bronze – bass Steve Gadd – drums Jerry Portnoy – harmonica The Kick Horns (Simon Clarke – baritone saxophone, Roddy Lorimer – trumpet, Tim Sanders – tenor saxophone)