Sessions for Robert J. [CD & DVD] [Digipak]

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Performer: Eric Clapton
Engineer: Alan Douglas
Producer: Eric Clapton; Simon Climie
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel: Eric Clapton (vocals, guitars); Doyle Bramhall II (guitar); Chris Stainton (piano); Billy Preston (Hammond b-3 organ); Nathan East (bass guitar); Steve Gadd (drums). It appears that Eric Clapton had more Robert Johnson in his blood than he thought -- or perhaps it was planned this way. This DVD/CD set (and really, it's not the other way around despite the packaging), showcases Clapton mining the Robert Johnson vein ever more deeply in no less than four different settings. The DVD features 19 acoustic and electric performances recorded in rehearsal spaces in Dallas and in England, as well as in the 508 Park Ave. in Dallas, a studio Johnson himself recorded in, in 1937. There is one more segment, a recorded solo acoustic in a hotel room in California. The band that joins Clapton in the rehearsal studios is comprised of guitar master Doyle Bramhall, organist Billy Preston, Steve Gadd on drums, pianist Chris Stainton and Nathan East on bass. The electric performances, particularly "Milkcow's Calf 's Blues," "Stop Breakin' Down Blues," and especially "I Wish I Had Possession Over Judgment Day," have some real life and stomp in them. Of the acoustic tracks, "Terraplane Blues" works best. The DVD also contains a selection of behind-the-scenes footage that will be of interest only to those fans who need to see everything. The CD contains 11 cuts culled from the DVD and the sequencing is in some ways preferable. ~ Thom Jurek During the filming of tour rehearsals that followed the release of Eric Clapton's acclaimed ME AND MR. JOHNSON, bassist Nathan East jokingly noted that many of the band's performances were "better than on the album." Clapton's longtime low-ender may have been right, as the resultant SESSIONS FOR ROBERT J provides the best of both worlds--the freshness of live interaction and the sound quality of a studio album. The differences between the two discs are sometimes striking, but often subtle. Clapton's vocals on "Milkcow's Calf Blues" are more forceful, Billy Preston's organ stabs on "Stop Breakin' Down Blues" just that much funkier. Of course, SESSIONS FOR ROBERT J (which comes paired with a lengthy documentary DVD featuring the practice sessions and interview footage) also includes several Robert Johnson songs not recorded for the ME AND MR. JOHNSON album. In addition to playing with his group, the English guitar legend tackles several pieces in tandem with guitarist Doyle Bramhall II (who adds a distinct Texas flair to Clapton's more Chicago-influenced style), and solo on acoustic guitar. Clapton's well-documented lifelong love of Johnson's music has never been clearer, as the music often reveals his undiminished sense of wide-eyed wonder about the enigmatic "King of the Delta Blues."

Over the course of four decades, Eric Clapton has carried the British blues legacy into the mainstream of pop music. From his mid-1960s days with the Yardbirds and John Mayall, through his years as guitar god with Cream and Blind Faith, and eventually to his more laid-back solo albums, Clapton has remained one of rock's most successful musicians. Given his guitar-superstar status, Clapton has played alongside the biggest musical acts of the 20th century, from soloing on the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," to performing at the Band's LAST WALTZ, to recording an album with B.B. King. Overcoming numerous setbacks and tragedies, old Slowhand has settled nicely into a long and prolific career.

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