Eric Clapton and his music

"The Road To Escondido" will be available November 7, 2006

ALBUM TRACK LISTING
"The Road To Escondido"
1. Danger
2. Heads in Georgia
3. Missing Person
4. When This War Is Over
5. Sporting Life Blues
6. Dead End Road
7. It’s Easy
8. Hard To Thrill
9. Anyway The Wind Blows
10. Three Little Girls
11. Don’t Cry Sister
12. Last Will and Testament
13. Who Am I Telling You
14. Ride The River

MUSICIAN CREDITS:

Vocals and Guitars
J.J. Cale
Eric Clapton

Drums
Jim Karstein
James Cruce
Steve Jordan
Abraham Laboriel Junior

Bass
Gary Gilmore
Willie Weeks
Nathan East
Pino Palladino

Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer Piano
& Rhodes
Billy Preston

Acoustic Piano, Wurlitzer Piano & Rhodes
Walt Richmond

Keyboards
J.J. Cale

Guitars
Doyle Bramhall II
Derek Trucks
John Mayer
Albert Lee

Accoustic Guitar & Background Vocals
Christine Lakeland

Percussion
David Teegarden
James Cruce
Jim Karstein

Harmonica
Taj Mahal

Fiddle
Dennis Caplinger

Horns
Bruce Fowler
Marty Grebb
Steve Madaio
Jerry Peterson

ALBUM CREDITS:
Produced by:
Eric Clapton
J.J. Cale

Co-Produced by:
Simon Climie

Album Available November 7, 2006


NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Sep 14, 2006 -- After years of admiring each other's musical masterworks and Clapton covers of Cale songs such as "After Midnight" and "Cocaine," guitar greats J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton have teamed up for the first time to create an original album together, "The Road To Escondido." The 14-track CD was produced and recorded by the duo in August 2005 in California. The resulting music defies being labeled into any one category, but instead finds influence across the spectrum of blues, rock, country and folk. A hybrid sound that is unique musically, while still bearing the signature styles of Cale and Clapton recognized by fans around the world. The songs are warm and rich, with deep flowing rhythms, yet use an economy of words to express much.

In a true collaboration, Cale and Clapton jointly produced and recorded the album, each playing and singing on the tracks. Cale wrote 11 of the songs, Clapton wrote "Three Little Girls," John Mayer wrote "Hard To Thrill" and the duo cover the blues classic "Sporting Life Blues." J.J. Cale's touring band accompanies them on the album as well as guest musicians including, Taj Mahal, John Mayer, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Albert Lee, Nathan East, Willie Weeks and Steve Jordan. Particularly special is the involvement of Billy Preston, who donated his classic keyboard talents throughout the album. The album is dedicated to Preston and Clapton's late friend Brian Roylance.

"Eric and I have known each other for a long time and it was a great experience to finally make a record together -- he's a great musician and it was a pleasure to work so closely on this project with him," said J.J. Cale.

"This was the realization of what may have been my last ambition, to work with the man whose music has inspired me for as long as I can remember, there are not enough words for me to describe what he represents to me, musically and personally, and anyway I wouldn't want to embarrass him by going overboard, for he is a truly humble man... I think it's enough to say that we had fun, made a great record, and I for one already want to make another," said Eric Clapton.

Clapton has often said that he has tried to achieve the J.J. Cale sound and has credited Cale with singular influence over his style as a solo artist. Mojo Magazine asked Clapton in 2000 which other musician he would most like to be, his response was quick: "I don't model myself on him but I like J.J. Cale, his philosophy, writing skills, musicianship. He's a fine, superior musician, one of the masters of the last three decades of music."

J.J. Cale is known for being reclusive. He lets his music speak for itself and by his own choice has not become famous in the conventional terms of the word. Instead, preferring to shun the spotlight for a more simple existence based on his musical creations. Ironically, doing just that, and focusing on his music, has turned him into a guitar legend over the past four decades. The depth of his influence can be felt in artists such as Clapton and Mark Knopfler, but the sheer breadth of his appeal is made clear by the diverse group of artists who have covered his songs from Johnny Cash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Allman Brothers to Bryan Ferry, Deep Purple, Santana and more recently jam bands like Widespread Panic.

Cale grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and cites Chet Atkins, Les Paul and Chuck Berry as some of his earliest influences. He is often quoted as saying, "In trying to imitate them, I missed it. And I came up with my own kinda thing." And so, Cale began playing the local Tulsa club scene in the early 1950s surrounded by other natives such as David Gates (Bread) and Leon Russell. After moving to Los Angeles in the mid-60s, he recorded the song "After Midnight."

Already an accomplished guitarist with bands such as the Yardbirds, Cream and Blind Faith, Clapton ventured to a solo career with the release of his 1970 self-titled "Eric Clapton" album. Mutual friend Delaney Bramlett had given Clapton a copy of Cale's song "After Midnight." Clapton decided to cover the song and it was the first single from the album. The song became a chart-topping success. Clapton was quick to offer praise for Cale's work while promoting the album. Cale had been told of the cover but has said that he didn't pay much attention until the song came on the radio in Tulsa.

Years later, in April 1976, Cale was performing at London's Hammersmith Odeon in support of his "Troubadour" album release. Clapton sat in on the performance and later during that trip surprised Cale in the studio with a version of "Cocaine" that would appear on his 1977 "Slowhand" release. Again becoming a chart-topping success.

In the years to follow, the two would occasionally cross paths, but would largely carry on with their respective musical careers. Until 2004 when Clapton was organizing a Dallas-based guitar festival called Crossroads. The 3-day festival featured the world's most elite guitarists. Clapton invited Cale to perform at the festival and Cale agreed to attend. In turn, Cale invited Clapton on-stage for the set and Clapton gladly joined, unannounced, for the entire set as a member of Cale's band. The set was a highlight of the performances from the festival.

Crossroads gave Clapton an opportunity to ask Cale to consider producing an upcoming album for him. If Clapton had been seeking to replicate the trademark Cale sound, having him as producer on an album would surely achieve that unique musical quality. As the two worked on the project, creative ideas took flight and they decided to take the project further formulating a true co-produced album. "The Road To Escondido" marks the first full-length album the two have created together.

Cale's entire 40-plus year career has produced only 13 albums. But most critics agree that each effort is well worth the wait. Lauded by his peers and completely unfazed by musical fads, J.J. Cale is an American icon, a craftsman like no other.

Clapton's career, also spanning more than 40 years, has resulted in 18 Grammy Awards and the distinct honor of being the only triple inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

У меня мурашки по коже бегут, когда я представляю, как в первый раз поставлю этот альбом. Вот будет праздник!

Примем к сведению темку.. Хоть Клэптон и редиска порядочная! :)

2Juls Maksi:
для таких высказываний, сюда пожалуйста...
https://www.beatles.ru/postman/forum_messages.asp?cfrom=1&msg_id=13076&cpage=9&forum_id=0

В срыве концерта он не виноват!

THE DEFINITIVE STORY OF THE 60’s SUPERGROUP
NOW TOLD FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD.
BONUS CD FEATURES FIVE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED CREAM RECORDINGS

PRE-REVIEW
In a nutshell - this is the best Cream DVD yet and in wide screen. The guys are interviewed pre-reunion and then during the reunions. Chris Welch (an excellent job by Chris!) has got some very blunt responses from them in the interviews. Eric looks exceedingly fit, Jack, doesn't (perfectly understandable) and Ginger - still smoking like a chimney but looking ageless.

Ginger is interviewed on his farm in South Africa and shows off his polo ponies - and we get a bonus drum solo.

Many edits of standard film clips are used but we do get one new one recorded in Sweden - just a pop show cheap production but it was unknown to date and thus precious. The Revolution club clips receive a nice transfer to DVD and the full version is included in the extras as are several of the other clips.

I'm not going to give away anything more (I will comment after release) - get it and enjoy - I REALLY did.

PS - Some Ginger Baker quotes: "My back is fucked..." prior to the reunion - "I hadn't played the drums for over 2 years". And the interview after the 1st Madison Square Garden's Show is explosive.

PPS - I'm in the credits on this - much to my surprise. It doesn't effect my opinion of it however - its good despite my name included.

PUBLICITY RELEASE
The much-anticipated Premier Episode of The Classic Artists Series of DVDs has been confirmed for this autumn with the release of ‘Cream’, the story of the world’s first rock trio and Super-Group. Their story is told by ‘Cream’ members Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker in a combination of rare archive footage and exclusive new interview material that was specially filmed for the documentary.

The DVD consists of a 2 hour programme plus 111 minutes of DVD extras which include 30 minutes of non-stop live ‘Cream’ performance footage, a photo and memorabilia gallery and extended interviews. On sale from September 25, the DVD also comes with a bonus audio CD of five previously unreleased ‘Cream’ tracks known as the Swedish Sessions which were made in 1967 for Swedish Radio and digitally re-mastered for The Classic Artists Series.

There is also a stunning 16-page full colour booklet with rare archive photographs of ‘Cream’ and inserts written by famed Melody Maker journalist Chris Welch.

When guitarist Eric Clapton joined drummer Ginger Baker and lead vocalist/bass player Jack Bruce for four shows at London's Royal Albert Hall in May last year, 37 years after ‘Cream’ split, it was hailed by fans and critics alike as the most eagerly awaited reunion of all time. The concerts, followed five months later by three sell-out nights at New York's Madison Square Garden, were seen as proof that miracles really do happen.

In the wake of these appearances, Clapton, Bruce and the notoriously reclusive Baker have been persuaded to talk at length about their time together. They reminisce about their first meeting, their early fame, conquering America and the final, painful split. They discuss how it felt to reunite at the Royal Albert Hall, ironically where they played their last ever concert on November 26th 1968. They also reveal their thoughts on whether or whether not there might be a future for ‘Cream’.

Aside from the band members, a host of contemporaries and associates give their own fascinating insights into the life and times of this most influential of groups. Tom McGuiness of Manfred Mann fame recalls how he formed a band called The Roosters in 1963 with the then 17-year-old Clapton.

Also supplying fascinating anecdotes and debunking long-held myths are the likes of Manfred Mann’s Paul Jones, Yes co-founder Chris Squire, BB King, promoter Harvey Goldsmith, Chris Welch, Rolling Stone editor Dave Fricke, road manager Ben Palmer and Pete Brown, lyricist and ‘Cream's’ unofficial fourth member.

Release Date: 25th September
Running Time: 120 minutes (+ 90 minutes bonus footage)
Catalogue Number: DVDCASTC001
Certificate: E
Retail Price: £19.99

___________________________________________________________________

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Eric Clapton kicked off his North American tour here Saturday night with a blistering set of old and new material.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 61-year-old Clapton, whose nimble playing inspired "Clapton is God" graffiti in London in the 1960s, showed fiery technique and soulful singing with no signs of any rust after a 5-week layoff since the end of his European tour.

The three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee dipped into his vast repertoire, serving up hits from as far back as his days with Derek and the Dominos, including "Got To Get Better In A Little While," "I Am Yours," and "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out."

He also performed such classics as "After Midnight," "Wonderful Tonight," "Layla" and "Cocaine."

The 22-date tour of the U.S. and Canada stops in 20 cities, including two concerts Sept. 28-29 at Madison Square Garden. Clapton then moves on to Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

REVIEW: Spurred by new sidemen and old friend Robert Cray, the rock legend kicked off his U.S. tour with a memorable show.

Eric Clapton had his back to the sell-out audience as Robert Cray soared on guitar during "Old Love," but the angle couldn't conceal what was new and exciting Saturday at Xcel Energy Center.
It was the first night of Clapton's U.S. tour, and the smiles were a mile wide -- on Clapton's countenance, on bassist Willie Weeks' and on the faces of about 16,000 fans. Clapton was wonderful on opening night -- energetic, expressive, passionate and generous, with both his guitar-playing (which hasn't always been the case) and with solo opportunities for his many sidemen.

On his new CD "Back Home," the rock legend, 61, may sing "So Tired," whining about getting no sleep while dealing with baby duties and toddler activities, but he seemed like he had discovered the fountain of youth Saturday. Maybe there's something about being an older father with young kids -- he has three daughters 5 and younger, and a wife 29 years his junior -- or maybe there's something about having two hotshot young guitarists in the band -- holdover Doyle Bramhall II, 37, and newcomer Derek Trucks, 26. Or maybe Clapton's limited but hugely successful Cream reunion gigs last year helped reinvigorate the rock Hall of Famer.

Since his exceptional 2004 St. Paul concert, his touring band has had a makeover; the key new members are driving drummer Steve Jordan, who toured recently with John Mayer and Trucks of the Allman Brothers.

But it was Clapton himself who set the tone Saturday -- from the opening "Pretending" (during which he took a long, darker than usual solo) to the closing "Crossroads" (during which Cray joined in for a congested but thrillingly monstrous four-guitar jam). The British rock legend got lost in his guitar playing during two of his first four numbers (the most arresting "I Shot the Sheriff" I've ever heard and the solo-filled "Old Love.")

Clapton's body language throughout the two-hour, 17-song show reflected his enthusiasm -- he danced on one leg during "Motherless Children," unleashed foot-stomping fervor while seated for "Running on Faith" and uncorked closed-eyes, head-shaking solos on "After Midnight." And, of course, his guitar was consistently expressive, oozing joy, pain and a spectrum of emotions.

The four-song, sit-down acoustic set was probably a better showcase for Trucks' gorgeous slide playing than for either Clapton's understated acoustic work or his impassioned singing. But the rest of the night was a ferocious rock performance for the ages.

It's been said that most people either generate their energy from within themselves, thriving on solitude, or get it from interacting with other people. In the case of guitar god Eric Clapton, he seems to have decided he's a people person after all.

Opening his North American tour in front of about 16,000 at a sold-out Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Saturday night, Clapton is no longer the uncomfortable frontman of years past. He now openly delights in the company of his bandmates, especially the team of top-notch guitarists he's brought on the road with him. With hot-picking soulman Robert Cray opening the evening, then sitting in with Clapton's band, the evening became a celebration of the guitar, particularly its power in delivering the blues.

Blame it on that guitar festival Clapton's been hosting in Texas, but the 61-year-old Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer has taken to feeding off the fire of others and, if Saturday's any indication, offering some of the most exciting solos he has since his Cream days.

The set list leaned heavily upon the '70s songs that, back then, hid this electrifying soloist's light under a bushel basket of simple riff rock. But Clapton and company took the songs and turned them into platforms for exuberant jams, featuring spine-tingling solos by not only Clapton but fellow guitarists Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhall II, as well as veteran pianist Chris Stainton. Throw in an outstanding rhythm section of drummer Steve Jordan and bassist Willie Weeks (who got his start on the Twin Cities scene of the late '60s), and you could say that Clapton's put together an all-star ensemble.

There was many an adrenaline rush to be gleaned from the faster numbers, especially what may have been the best version of "Layla" Clapton's ever offered in the Twin Cities — thanks in part to Allman Brothers Band veteran Trucks channeling Duane Allman exquisitely. But the slow blues numbers provided the peaks of this set. Whether trading licks with Cray on the melancholy "Old Love" or engaging in splendid one-upmanship with Bramhall and Trucks on "Little Queen of Spades," it was clear that Clapton loves nothing more deeply than he does the blues. Unless it's the sound of a well-played guitar. And there was plenty of that to be heard on Saturday.