Saturday night, I was in the same room as Eric Clapton (aka God).
Although, I sat in the Miami Arena, with thousands of other
people I still felt that he was performing just for me. From the
start, listening to the recorded music of "TDF", Clapton's side
project, where he perfomed under the psuedo-name "X-Sample", it was
all Clapton! Even the opening act, hand picked by EC, had the Clapton
style.
Distant Cousins, the opening act was a bluesy/soulful band that sounds
like a cross between Seal and Hootie with a Motown flavor. Their blues
influenced performance of original tunes, as well as a cover of
Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" worked as a great opener for EC, but the set
seemed short at only thirty minutes.
After a, ten minute pause for the instuments to be changed and the
twenty piece casually dressed orchestra to take their places Clapton
appeared on stage to the delight of the crowd wearing his Black Fender
a huge smile, a blue button down shirt and jeans. No Armani suits
for Florida.
The first five songs played where from the Pilgrim CD, followed by
three acoustic tunes. Then he donned his black Strat once more to
finish out the night with seven classics and an awesome encore.
I found it very interesting that during the acoustic set the entire
band was seated, including his backup singers. Every member of
Clapton's band seemed to be truly enjoying themselves on stage,
fine musicians all. Having Nathan East on bass opposite Eric and
experiencing the interaction between the two was a real treat.
The highlight of the night for me was an incredible version of Change
The World with the orchestra. We all sang along making the experience
even more heartfelt.
Here's the set list from the night.
My Fathers Eyes*
*Pilgrim*
*One Chance*
*River Of Tears*
*She's Gone*
*Tears In Heaven acoustic*
*Layla acoustic*
*Change The World acoustic*
*Old Love*
*Crossroads*
*Have You Ever Loved A Woman*
*I Shot The Sheriff*
*Wonderful Tonight*
*Tearin' Us Apart*
*Cocaine*
*Sunshine Of Your Love -- Encore
If Eric comes to your part of the world and you can possibly make the
show, be sure and do so! Eric Clapton is magic on the guitar.
He sings and plays from the heart, and is ever still the inspiriation.
If you are going for a blazing light show or pyrotechnics you will be
disappointed. The lights are well done, but the only sparks are from
EC's fingers, as he played his butt off for two hours. With the
great musicians on stage all the flash was not needed. There was an
abundance of recording gear present as well as video camera's.
Any rumors of a live Cd or a tour video out there?
I'm sure I'll be thinking of more to add here as the times passes and
I remember more Stop back and check for more info... If you have seen
his show and would like to add to this page, or just let me know
what you thought, I would love to hear it. Please e-mail me and
I'll add your comments.