Description
This compilation is a treat for rock fans, featuring a complete stereo soundboard recording of Eric Clapton’s performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is considered the most prestigious honor in America, comparable to the Academy Awards in the film industry. In addition to fan votes on the official website, inductees are selected by over 1,200 artists, music industry professionals, and experts. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor for any musician or artist, signifying that their career has been recognized and celebrated by the entire music world. While many musicians have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, Eric Clapton is etched in the history of Western music as the only artist to have been inducted three times (with the Yardbirds, Cream, and as a solo artist). The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place at the beginning of each year, between January and March, and several selected artists are awarded this prestigious title. At the awards ceremony, the inducted artists naturally give exemplary performances, but it’s also common for presenters and fellow artists who have come to offer their congratulations to perform celebratory pieces. This time, the master recordings, provided by a veteran taper residing in the UK—a familiar source for Clapton’s rare recordings—comprehensively capture all of Clapton’s performances at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame between 1993 and 2005 in stereo soundboard recordings. Of course, it includes the Cream reunion performance for which Clapton received the award, but what’s particularly interesting is that it also includes all of his performances participating in celebratory performances for other Hall of Fame artists with whom he had close ties. Some of these are artists he would never normally collaborate with. Personally, compiling this kind of audio data is an extremely laborious task, so this is fascinating content that Clapton fans, as well as fans of the artists he has collaborated with, shouldn’t miss. Some of the notable artists featured include The Band, Paul McCartney, Robbie Robertson, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and D’Angelo, who sadly passed away last year at a young age. You can’t help but wonder what it would be like to hear Clapton and Paul, or Clapton and Springsteen, perform together. The sound quality is on par with official stereo soundboard recordings, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind. Considering Clapton’s humble personality, he’s not the type to constantly hog the spotlight and play solos, but thanks to the superb direction of Paul Shaffer, the awards ceremony’s musical director, the large group performance doesn’t become chaotic or messy, and Clapton’s solos are well-placed, making this a compilation full of highlights. Main highlights First up is Cream’s performance from 1993. That year, Cream’s achievements were recognized, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was their first reunion in 25 years since their breakup in 1968. A rehearsal was held the day before, and the three songs to be performed at the commemorative concert were decided before the main event. In a way, it makes sense that they chose these three songs from their extensive repertoire. Ginger’s drumming is a little sluggish on “Crossroads,” but considering it was their first reunion in 25 years, their performance was still impressive. The recipient of the award the following year, 1994, was The Band. It would have been great if all the original members had been able to gather, but the feud between Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm, which was one of the causes of the band’s breakup, continued, and Levon did not participate in this performance. The other members were present, with Anton Fig on drums. Eric Clapton, who had always admired The Band, was very keen to participate. Clapton not only played a guitar solo but also sang vocals. While Rick Danko’s vocals show noticeable signs of decline, their first collaboration in 18 years since “The Last Waltz” in 1976 is undeniably moving. In 1999, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen received the award. Songs related to them were performed together, and that year Clapton’s revered late Curtis Mayfield also received the award, which is why Clapton rushed to offer his congratulations. This explains his performances with D’Angelo and his participation in “People Get Ready.” Clapton also joined the joint performance, where he collaborated with Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen. “Let It Be,” a song Paul always performs at these events, is definitely worth listening to in this lineup. In 2000, Eric Clapton received the award as a solo artist, as did Bonnie Raitt. As blues musicians were among the recipients, many classic blues numbers were played. The collaboration between Clapton and Robbie Robertson here is a must-listen, and his performance with the renowned Black singer Natalie Cole on Route 66 is also brilliantly understated. In 2005, Buddy Guy, a Black blues guitarist whom Clapton greatly admired, received the award. Clapton must have been delighted. While he has collaborated with Guy many times in the past, this collaboration with B.B. King must have been particularly memorable. It’s also noteworthy that Bo Diddley and Jerry Lee Lewis joined them, clearly demonstrating that rock and roll and blues share the same roots. The 2CD set comprehensively covers Clapton’s historic collaborations with these great artists. While the recordings themselves are well worth listening to, I hope you will also appreciate Clapton’s stance of never being overbearing in these settings, but instead delivering precise and accurate performances. Disc:1 (45:43) Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles 12th January 1993 1. Sunshine Of Your Love – Cream 2. Born Under A Bad Sign – Cream 3. Crossroads – Cream Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York 19th January 1994 4. The Weight – The Band With Eric Clapton Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York 15th March 1999 5. I’ve Been Trying – Eric Clapton with D’Angelo 6. Early In The Morning – Eric Clapton with D’Angelo 7. Blue Suede Shoes – Paul McCartney & The Rock Hall Jam Band 8. What’d I Say – Billy Joel, Paul McCartney & The Rock Hall Jam Band 9. People Get Ready – Lauryn Hill, Bono & The Rock Hall Jam Band 10. Let It Be – Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Robertson, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Joel and others Disc:2 (40:45) Waldorf Astoria, New York 6th March 2000 1. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton 2. Further On Up the Road – Eric Clapton with Robbie Robertson 3. Love and Happiness – Eric Clapton, Robbie Robertson, Bonnie Raitt & The Rock Hall Jam Band 4. Sweet Home Chicago – Eric Clapton, Robbie Robertson, Bonnie Raitt & The Rock Hall Jam Band 5. Route 66 – Natalie Cole, Eric Clapton & The Rock Hall Jam Band Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York 14th March 2005 6. Let Me Love You Baby – Buddy Guy with B.B. King & Eric Clapton 7. Bo Diddley – Bo Diddley with Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton 8. Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On – Jerry Lee Lewis with Eric Clapton & The Rock Hall Jam Band STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING
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