Ry Cooder / MD, USA – February 28, 1983 (Complete)

Here is a complete recording—captured via a high-quality stereo audience source—of the set performed by slide guitar virtuoso Ry Cooder, who served as the opening act for Eric Clapton’s 1983 Landover concert. Cooder had previously contributed to the track “Everybody Oughta Make A Change” on Clapton’s album *Money and Cigarettes* (released that same year), engaging in a slide guitar duel with Clapton; impressed by this, Clapton personally selected him to open the tour and warm up the crowd. At the time, Cooder was riding a wave of momentum, having released two acclaimed albums in quick succession: *Borderline* (1980) and *The Slide Area* (1982). The setlist showcased his early material, including “How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?” (from his debut album), the hit “Money Honey” (from his second album, *Into the Purple Valley*), “Smack Dab In The Middle” (from the 1976 masterpiece *Chicken Skin Music*), and “Little Sister” and “The Very Thing That Makes You Rich Makes Me Poor” (from the 1979 classic *Bop Till You Drop*). He performed these tracks with care, crafting a set that clearly defined his musical identity. The band lineup reportedly included Ronnie Barron (guitar, organ), Patrick Henderson (organ), Tim Drummond (bass), Milt Holland (drums, percussion), Jim Keltner (drums), and Bobby King (vocals), among others. With such a large ensemble, the performance unfolds as a lively, lavish celebration of American music—featuring, of course, top-tier slide guitar work throughout. The source material comes from the same taper who recorded Clapton’s set; while the audio quality falls just slightly short of the exceptional fidelity of the Clapton recording, it remains high enough to clearly distinguish the instruments within the large band. Listening to this Cooder set guarantees a trip back in time to that concert venue on February 28, 1983. Live at Capital Center, Landover, Maryland, USA 28th February 1983 TRULY AMAZING SOUND (44:41) 1. Intro. 2. Little Sister 3. Smack Dab In The Middle 4. If Walls Could Talk 5. How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live ? 6. Money Honey 7. The Very Thing That Makes You Rich Makes Me Poor 8. Crazy ‘Bout An Automobile (Every Woman I Know) Ry Cooder – Guitar, Vocal Ronnie Barron – Guitar, Organ Patrick Henderson – Organ Tim Drummond – Bass Milt Holland – Drums, Percussion Jim Keltner – Drums Bobby King – Vocals