Eric Clapton / NY, USA 07.09.2004 DAT Master Edition

This release features a nearly complete 1 hour and 50 minute recording of the July 9th Buffalo, New York performance from the “Me & Mr. Johnson” North American tour held in the summer of 2004, taken from a high-quality DAT audience master recently released by a taper. First of all, the sound, recorded from the front row of the arena, directly captures the sound from the PA system, conveying the power of the band’s sound realistically, and is especially noteworthy for how clearly Clapton’s guitar playing, including the rhythm, is captured. This tour also featured Robert Johnson’s works from the same album. While there was much anticipation about how they would play them live, the main highlights were arguably in the other numbers. In particular, they performed Dylan’s “Walk Out In The Rain” from the album “Backless” early on, and after the Robert Johnson corner in the middle, the second half started with the Dominos’ “Got To Get Better In A Little While,” which was performed live for the first time in 34 years at the time, showcasing a relentless, breathless performance. In addition, this tour was the last one to feature his close friend Billy Preston, and Robert Randolph made a surprise appearance on pedal steel during the encore, making every aspect of it a highlight. [Live at HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY, USA 9th July 2004 : from Original DAT Masters Disc 1 : 1. Let it Rain 2. Hoochie Coochie Man 3. Walk Out in the Rain 4. I Want a Little Girl 5. I Shot the Sheriff 6. Me and the Devil Blues 7. They’re Red Hot 8. Milkcow Blues 9. If I Had Posession Over Judgment Day 10. Kindhearted Woman Disc 2 : 1. Got to Get Better in a Little While 2. Have You Ever Loved a Woman 3. Badge 4. Wonderful Tonight 5. Layla 6. Cocaine 7. Sunshine of Your Love (with Robert Randolph) * 8. Got My Mojo Working (with Robert Randolph) * Eric Clapton – guitar, vocals / Doyle Bramhall II – guitar, backing vocals / Chris Stainton – keyboards / Billy Preston – keyboards, backing vocals / Nathan East – bass. backing vocals / Steve Gadd – drums / Michelle John – backing vocals / Sharon White – backing vocals / Robert Randolph – pedal steel *