Eric Clapton/Tokyo,Japan 11.2 & 4.1987

From the 1987 Japan tour accompanying “August” by Eric Clapton with the Robert Cray Band, the first two performances of the five performances, November 2nd and 4th, were recorded in full with high quality audience recordings from the original master provided directly by the recorder. Since this performance has “TWO EDGED SWORD”, it is difficult to release other sound sources, but these two performances are masterpieces with overwhelming texture and content that will entertain both enthusiasts and beginners. The original was previously released under the titles “LIVING IT UP” (11/2) and “IN THE MIDST OF LIVES” (11/4), but this work was remastered from the original tape because “It would be a waste to let such excellent recordings be buried!” Compared to the previous release, the sound with a greater sense of scale is full of listening pleasure from beginning to end. The two sound sources, with excellent separation that seems to amplify the good parts of the original, will warp you to the Budokan in November 1987 in one go. It is clear that they were recorded with advanced microphones, and both performances have a truly excellent sound, recreating the two-day Budokan live. On the first day, we will listen to an excellent document with a full scale, including a sense of realism. The entire recording is recorded with high sound quality for this period, capturing everything from low to high tones firmly, and Clapton’s phrases that express the emotional ups and downs and the overdriven tube sound are particularly realistically reproduced. Also pay attention to the drum sound recorded with a powerful sound. On the second day, the musical sounds are captured closer than on the first day, and while the low range has a lighter impression, you can enjoy a powerful sound that is very clear and close to the live sound. The volume of Clapton’s guitar, which was a little too loud in the beginning, is so realistic that you can even hear it being suppressed by the PA from the middle stage. In 1986, after the release of their new album “August,” the band toured Europe and the US, and after a break, they came to Japan with a four-member lineup from the first half of the year when Phil Collins had joined the band, and the performance showed the clear playing of each member. As for the first day’s performance recorded on discs 1 and 2, each member’s playing is great, but it may be said that the band’s cohesion is not as strong as other performances. Everyone is amazed by the phrases played in short bars, such as “Same Old Blues,” which lasts more than 20 minutes, and “I Shot The Sheriff,” which is the most solo-heavy. It hits the tension that can’t be beaten in other performances, but you can hear a rare performance where the groove suddenly loses momentum immediately after that. Next is the second day’s performance recorded on discs 3 and 4. Although it was said that Clapton was abstaining from alcohol on this day, as gossip at the time rumored that he had drunk wine before the show, in fact, he performed a stage that could only be described as such. The opening solo also included a mistone, and the vocals were slow and delayed from start to finish. After working up a sweat with “I Shot The Sheriff,” the play became quite stable, but there was an unexpected mistake in the intro to “Layla.” However, the solo parts of each song were suddenly mixed with fast-playing solos that woke you up, making it an interesting stage that you can’t predict. For the encore on both days, Robert Cray, who was the opening act, jumped in and performed a guitar duel with Clapton. As mentioned above, the sound quality is a very clear stereo recording, and due to the difference in recording position, it is a must-have 4-disc documentary title for fans that allows you to experience a different sense of realism from the previous releases. Budokan, Tokyo, Japan 2nd & 4th November 1987 PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Live at Budokan, Tokyo, Japan 2nd November 1987 Disc 1(59:45) 1. Opening 2. Crossroads 3. White Room 4. I Shot The Sheriff 5. Wonderful Tonight 6. Run 7. Same Old Blues Disc 2(65:21) 1. Tearing Us Apart 2. Holy Mother 3. Badge 4. Let It Rain 5. Cocaine 6. A Remark You Made 7. Layla 8. Sunshine Of Your Love 9. Further On Up The Road ((with Robert Cray) Live at Budokan, Tokyo, Japan 4th November 1987 Disc 3(64:32) 1. Opening 2. Crossroads 3. White Room 4. I Shot The Sheriff 5. Wonderful Tonight 6. Run 7. Same Old Blues Disc 4(64:26) 1. Tearing Us Apart 2. Holy Mother 3. Badge 4. Let It Rain 5. Cocaine 6. A Remark You Made 7. Layla 8. Further On Up The Road (with Robert Cray) Eric Clapton : Vocals & Guitar Nathan East : Bass & Vocals Steve Ferrone : Drums Alan Clark : Keyboards