Eric Clapton and his music

Eric Clapton kicked off the first leg of his U.S. Tour on 16 September at the Xcel Energy Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a continuation of the 2006 / 2007 World Tour which began in Europe in May.

The U.S. Tour Band features Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks on Guitar, Chris Stainton and Tim Carmon on Keyboards, Willie Weeks on Bass, Steve Jordan on Drums and backing vocals by Michelle John and Sharon White. The Robert Cray Band will be the opening act.

The set list was like the European Tour which ended on 31 July. The opening-night audience heard gems from Eric's back catalog like "After Midnight" and "Motherless Children" along with songs of more recent vintage. Robert Cray joined EC on stage for "Old Love" and came back for the encore, "Crossroads". The full set list was:

Pretending
I Shot The Sheriff
Got To Get Better In A Little While
Old Love (with Robert Cray)
Everybody Oughta Make A Change
Motherless Children

sit down set
Back Home
I Am Yours
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
Running On Faith

After Midnight
Little Queen Of Spades
Further On Up The Road
Wonderful Tonight
Layla
Cocaine

Encore
Crossroads (with Robert Cray)

The band's next concert will be 18 September at the Savvis Center in St. Louis, Missouri. This portion of the U.S. tour concludes on 23 October in Miami, Florida. Additional U.S. concerts will be announced at a later date.

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09.16 | Xcel Energy Center | Saint Paul, MN
09.18 | Savvis Center | St. Louis, MO
09.20 | United Center | Chicago, IL
09.21 | Van Andel Arena | Grand Rapids, MI
09.23 | The Palace | Auburn Hills, MI
09.24 | Air Canada Centre | Toronto, ON
09.26 | Scotiabank Place | Kanata, ON
09.28 | Madison Square Garden | New York, NY
09.29 | Madison Square Garden | New York, NY
10.03 | TD BankNorth Garden | Boston, MA
10.06 | Mohegan Sun Casino | Uncasville, CT
10.07 | Mohegan Sun Casino | Uncasville, CT
10.09 | Wachovia Center (Spectrum) | Philadelphia, PA
10.10 | Verizon Center (MCI Center) | Washington, DC
10.12 | John Paul Jones Arena | Charlottesville, VA
10.14 | Gwinnett Civic & Cultural Center | Duluth, GA
10.15 | RBC Center | Raleigh, NC
10.17 | Charlotte Bobcats Arena | Charlotte, NC
10.18 | Birmingham Jefferson Arena | Birmingham, AL
10.20 | TD Waterhouse Center | Orlando, FL
10.21 | Jacksonville Memorial Colliseum | Jacksonville, FL
10.23 | American Airlines Arena | Miami, FL

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Cocaine (incompleted) 16.09 Xcel Energy Center

Review #1
"Thank you. It's good to be back." Clapton said before he started in on Back Home. Couldn't agree more.

Drove down to St. Paul listening to some softer tunes to keep me mellow. The listening party was held in a private section in a bar. Very nice setup. Drinks and food provided. Just hung out chatting with fellow EC fans. Then the two in charge (sorry I forgot your names) handed out copies of a press release about the album. A handful of t-shirts were handed out as the group was asked trivia questions. Luckily I had reviewed that almost identical press release that was posted online here and got the final two questions correct. (the 2 I got correct were; how many of the songs did J.J. Cale write? 11; which song did Eric write? Three Little Girls) Two free t-shirts. Thank you guys very much! Then they gave us a packet where we could rate the songs and leave our comments on the songs. They piped the music through the sound system surrounding the bar. Sounds like an absolutely fantastic album! I really don't know what to say except I loved all the songs. Definitely a J.J. Cale! produced album. Some amazing, yet lower key, solos really caught my attention when I happened to be drifting away from the album to hear some incredible stories from some truly devoted life-long fans! Heard that Clapton had been in St. Paul for the entire week, probably get some confirmation, at least more info from a member on the board here. He does love his fly-fishing. Then after this nice little get-together walked on over to the Xcel. It was a great time at the listening party. Very nice job by those who put it on, thank you guys very much!! Hopefully I could hit the Chicago one too... please. You guys will love it!



Sitting in the center section 15 rows from the stage at the Xcel waiting for only half an hour seemed like a day. I've been waiting for this since the Back Home press release last summer. Finally, Cray takes the stage. Started off with Phone Booth, first time I've heard the song was on a you tube video. Loved it ever since. Got some nice cheers when he inserted St. Paul into the lyrics. Poor Johnny is one of my favorite songs, love it live. Cray's vocals were way better this night compared to the recently released From Across the Pond. It appeared that the bass player was having a little tech trouble in the beginning. Great solos on each and every song. I Was Warned, 12 Year Old Boy, Bad Influence, Twenty and I'm Walkin' rounded out Cray's set. Great blues to open the show.

It wasn't long before the lights dimmed. To a huge roar Eric and his band appeared on stage. Ah yes, the tinkling of Chris' piano. Boom boom bu da boom. Pretending. We're off. Unfortunately, for most of the concert my vision of stage was limited to Doyle, Tim, Willie, and Chris as the people sitting in front of me seemed to be in "wave" mode during the concert. It got ugly at the end but for me it didn't matter. The crowd was up for about half the concert. Clapton was incendiary!! I've been listening to a lot of Clapton the past year or so. The Sheriff from the Crossroads Festival I have memorized note-for-note, although I'm not a musician, nor do I know anything about music. Clapton's solos blew my mind every single time. All the solos were different from the ones I've previously heard. Even quite different from the recordings I've heard from this tour. The band was smiling throughout and a few times it appeared they huddled together around the drums in between songs. Everyone seemed really refreshed and excited to be playing again. Everyone has heard the buzz about Derek. I'd have to agree with the Star Tribune and say that his light was brightest during the sit down set. It was Doyle that blew my mind on the other tunes especially on GTGBIALW. GTGB, Everyboudy Oughta Make a Change and Motherless Children got a huge response from the crowd. I was hoping these songs would be played on this tour but didn't know how ubiquitous they were. Awesome jam band! Both these guys were magnificent. I was impressed by both of their soloing, so was Eric. A lot of laughs were shared on the stage. There were a lot of hand gestures too that I couldn't make out, but the entire band was having a ball and kept pushing each other to no end. Right away I was struck by the power of Steve Jordan's drumming. All of the instruments were well balanced I thought. The guitars were cranked a bit louder but that's they way I like it. I do recall requesting his guitar be turned ! up when he was playing acoustic. I think Eric lost a pick on Nobody Knows You and almost missed a lyric, but of course he quickly caught back up. They had huddled for a couple minutes it seemed after Running on Faith. Then the lights made a move that made me think he was going to pull out White Room, but then burst into After Midnight which got the audience up in an instant. For a while the back drop of "bed sheets" doubled as a screen for another projected screen. Lovely light show. Wonderful Tonight was almost all pink. Eric said one of the lyrics unlike he's ever sang it before but I don't recall which line. Sounded much more personal when he sang it. I'd like to say now that Eric's vocals far surpassed my expectations (except on After Midnight chorus and the "if I am guilty I will pay" bit in Sheriff). He was really getting into singing with his whole body. Not to mention his soloing. I surprised myself when I realized I was much more into the latter half of Layla as opposed to! the be ginning. Derek and Eric were going to town on the second half. Derek was meant to play that with Eric! Cocaine featured mind blowing solos from Eric, Doyle, Derek and Chris. Eric was teasing us with a lot of string bending in Cocaine. Each bend bringing a smile to my face. Eric then was able to do something I didn't think was even possible. He built up the solo like Tim Carmon's solo on the 04' tour. Sliding his hand higher and higher up the fret while hitting four notes at once. My jaw dropped. Then Doyle just let loose and if there was a moment I were to go deaf it was that moment when Doyle started his solo when Eric was finishing his. WOW. What else can I say? Encore...

...Here's where things got nasty. The lady in front of the guy sitting next to me (who was distracting a whole lot of us throughout the entire set) stood on her chair. The guy next to me did politely ask her to get down. Then a lot of F bombs were dropped as the couple in front of us went off on the poor guy next to me. So I ended up missing the first bit of Crossroads as security came over. Then I got to stand in the aisle. Nothing happened with the security guy, he just stood there. But with me in the aisle I was able to see Bob and Eric share a few lines. Everyone was shouting the lyrics. Cray was really getting into too, using his entire body when he was singing. Five guitar solos later and the show was over. Everything about the concert exceeded my already high expectations. There was an unfortunate courtesy issue sure, but I didn't need to see anything. This night ROCKED! This band will blow your mind!! Eric IS the greatest living guitar player hands down. Like a friend I met today, you might want to invest a portion of every paycheck into an Eric Clapton account and see as many shows as you can!

Review #2

This was a concert filled with incredible guitar playing that blew me away from the opening number of Pretending to the soulful guitar riffs of the blues. Just when I think Eric Clapton can't get any better he does, he is the master and he plays with a passion so strong that it brought me to tears.

Clapton along with guitar greats Robert Cray, Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks made this night a spectacular night of showcasing guitar playing at its best. My seats were great but the large screens on each side of the stage brought the guitar playing up close and personal one could only sit there in awe and watch the fingers of these guitar players move with unbelievable skill.

For me I was right at home with Clapton playing songs from long ago, the songs that made us all fall in love with Clapton in the 60's and 70's. What an incredible ride he has given us over the last 40 years. I can't help but be shellfish and ask him for more. I've seen a lot of concerts but none like this. It left exhausted from unleashing my emotion and breathless from listening to unmistakingly the best guitar playing I have yet seen.

Clapton plays with such feeling that it brings his songs inside our heart and soul. That is what a great musician does and no one does it better than Clapton.

He said in his program that he guarantees that whatever we hear it will be done with feeling, so have a great time, and maybe we'll meet again somewhere down the road....that road had better be short, because I had a great time with a great man and his band and it made me graving for more. Thank you EC.

Review #3

I was very impressed with Eric's performance at the Xcel Energy Center last night. It is awesome to see that he still has so much energy and passion for what he does with his music. He and the whole band did a stellar job! Doyle, Derek, Chris, Tim and Willie were fantastic. My only complaint was that I could not hear the Hammond B3 well enough when he was playing it. But, that did not really matter. Steve Jordan did a wonderful job on the drums. Eric has assembled another fine band indeed. My favorite numbers had to be "I Shot The Sheriff", "Old Love" (with a great keyboard solo by Tim), "Little Queen Of Spades", (great solos by both Doyle and Derek) and of course "Layla" and "Cocaine".

That had to be one of the greatest concerts I have ever witnessed. Eric and the band looked like they were really having a blast out there too! This was a very memorable show indeed.

Review #4

Opening with "Pretending"! Ending with "Crossroads"!
Having seen Eric only twice before, I was totally memerized by his expertese, at not only his masterful guitar playing, but his joyful interplay with his band mates! Never before have I witnessed a man so full of youthfull energy as I did at the Excel Center on Saturday night! Yes , Eric did a great job at his great technique of playing some hardcore blues, but his band supported him with some fantastic slide guitar, rhthym, and bass! The piano was excellent, and the drums were well delivered; the backup singers did a fine job of supporting the cast. Eric was soulful, playful, and energetic the whole evening. I can't imaginine a finer concert on the road today, and I can't imagine a finer crowd to enjoy it with! I was blessed to be with some fantastic friends that helped to make this one of my memorable concert experiences.

Review #5

Pre-Show:
ECAccess did a nice job with the listening party. Everyone got a free drink of their choice & they provided a very nice spread of food to munch on. There was a T-shirt giveaway during a quick trivia contest & EC's & JJ's new album was a joy to listen too. We were asked to rate each song & provide comments.

The Show:
Robert Cray's 40 minute set was an artful blues display -- a show in itself!

Then the place was electrified by EC and is band's heart pounding earth thumping performance. Never have I seen so much energy from EC in a live performance. The set list did not change from previous performances during the current tour. I always want more but all good things must end. Thank you EC & Chicago watch out here he comes & he's most definitely going to bring the house down!

Eric Clapton continued his trek around the U.S. with a stop at the Scottrade Center (formerly Savvis Center) in St. Louis on 18 September. It was the second show of the U.S. Tour and the 41st of his world tour, which kicked off on 5 May. Fans in attendance reported an amazing show, with Eric and his two guitarists (Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks) trading leads. Radio hits "I Shot The Sheriff" and "Pretending" and "Wonderful Tonight" shared the setlist with classic blues like "Further On Up The Road" and more recent songs like "Back Home." Robert Cray again joined Eric onstage for two numbers.

The full set list was:

Pretending
I Shot The Sheriff
Got To Get Better In A Little While
Old Love (with Robert Cray)
Everybody Oughta Make A Change
Motherless Children

sit down set
Back Home
I Am Yours
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
Running On Faith

After Midnight
Little Queen Of Spades
Further On Up The Road
Wonderful Tonight
Layla
Cocaine

Encore
Crossroads (with Robert Cray)

Review #1

I just got back from the Eric Clapton concert in St. Louis. What can I say, it exceeded my expectations and Wow! what a jam! The set was the same as in St. Paul. I have seen Clapton three times and I believe he was better or at least as good as any other time I have seen him, partly because of the great band he had with him. An amazing amount of guitar solos. I was impressed the Eric gave so much time to the others. They all looked like they were having a good time.

The sound quality was very good and not too loud. I read other reviews that said the sound was bad in other locations. The Scottrade Center (formerly Savvis Center) seemed to have good acoustics, every note seemed clear and all the words were understandable. I was not overly impressed with the backdrop and the light show, but I don't think people go to a Clapton concert for the light show.

Robert Cray opened and I enjoyed his set. I haven't listened to him in a few years and found his tunes very refreshing. Good lead on for Clapton and the band. Cray played some nice bluesy tunes and his voice was great. He showed up during Clapton's set on Old Love and Crossroads.

Clapton opened with a lot of energy bringing the crowd to its feet through the first few songs. The first three songs were almost done as a medley running directly from one to another without missing a beat. I sat on the floor about 30 rows back. I am not usually a floor person, but could see most of the stage whether standing or sitting so it was pretty good. The video screens were very clear and the camera men did a fantastic job of getting right in there on the frets.

The thing that amazed me the most about the concert was the number of solos. It seemed every song had at least a couple people doing solos and many songs had most of the band doing solos. Besides Clapton, I was most impressed with Derek Trucks. I found myself waiting for his solos and I could tell the rest of the crowd did as well. His slide was as good as I have heard. He always received a lot of applause. He makes it look so easy. He seemed to know just how much to add to enhance the jam. Even on the slow, acoustic set, the background slide was really nice without being overpowering.

I was least impressed with Doyle Bramhall. It seemed like a lot of his solos were off. Maybe he was just having a bad night. But there were a couple where he found the groove and complimented Clapton well. The keyboardists were great, both did a few solos. I especially liked the piano solo on Layla.

My favorite tunes were Old Love (with Robert Cray), Motherless Children, Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, Running On Faith, and of course the final four... Wonderful Tonight, Layla, Cocaine, and the Encore - Crossroads. Layla was awesome, with some changes thrown into the solos. The overlay by Derek Trucks really added to the haunting melodies the tune is known for. I noticed there were many variations thrown in the old tunes I had never heard before which really blew me away. The crowd was great holding a deafening applause for several minutes prior to the encore. Crossroads was a great finale, the four guitarists took turns with solos then layered on top of each other. Very nice!

As usual, there were a few standers in the crowd during the sitdown set which caused a little ruckus, but an usher handled it very well by allowing them to move to the front on the side so they wouldn't block others.

It was a great, great concert. So much awesome guitar playing! Sometimes I just had to stop and close my eyes and take it all in. Clapton spun another magical night. It is unbelievable he is over 60. His voice was strong and although he never talked to the crowd except for an initial hello, he seemed to be enjoying himself. If you get a chance to catch this tour - do it!

Review #2

Wow, what a show! I'm wondering if Eric worked out a deal with Father Time, he's got the energy on stage of someone half his age and is playing fabulously. Robert Cray was fantastic as the opener, and his work with Eric was wonderful as well. I'm looking forward to hearing his new live album. Derek and Doyle are impressive, and their solo work is top notch. When the lineup was first announced I was disappointed that Andy Fairweather-Low wasn't on the tour, but these guys rock. The drums are loud and right on, and the keyboards sounded darn good. We screamed for more after the encore(Crossroads), and it's always sad when the house lights come back on. I loved it all, but if I had one request it would be to have a bit more slow/bluesy mixed in (perhaps "Have you ever Loved a Woman", or "I Want a Little Girl"). Just like I've been reading from other tour stops, Eric's guitar and vocals sound better than ever. Chicago, here they come!!!

Legends live Spain 97.

Sax:David Sanborn
Gt:Eric Clapton
Key:Joe Sample
Bass:Marcus Miller
Dr:Steve Gadd


Elton John - Sacrifice (With Eric Clapton and Dire Straits)

Whenever Eric Clapton performs in Chicago, you can place a sure bet: it will be a terrific concert with lots of blistering blues. Last night was no exception. He delivered a set of old and new material that filled the United Center with the sound of his hallmark guitar solos. One of the evenings many highlights was "Little Queen of Spades;" a Robert Johnson blues which Eric recorded for his 2004 tribute album "Me and Mr. Johnson." Following exceptional guitar solos by Eric, Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks, Chris Stainton wowed the audience with a phenomenal piano solo near the end of the number. "Motherless Children", "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out", "Further On Up The Road" and "Crossroads" were other favorites of the blues-loving residents of the Windy City. And, as has become habit, Robert Cray joined Eric for "Old Love" and "Crossroads".

The full set list was:

Pretending
I Shot The Sheriff
Got To Get Better In A Little While
Old Love (with Robert Cray)
Everybody Oughta Make A Change
Motherless Children

sit down set
Back Home
I Am Yours
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
Running On Faith

After Midnight
Little Queen Of Spades
Further On Up The Road
Wonderful Tonight
Layla
Cocaine

Encore
Crossroads (with Robert Cray)

Review #1

Tonight, I heard the voice of God. I wasn't in any state of divine or ritual purity, I was simply present for the spectacle that is Eric Clapton's guitar playing. Robert Cray's set was surprisingly short. I was hoping for at least a 45-minute set from the Cray Band. Instead, they only played for a little over a half hour. They played Cray classics such as The Bad Influence and Phone Boothe, as well as touching on Cray's last album with Poor Johnny and the album's title track, anti-Iraq invasion ballad Twenty. The Cray Band did have two noticeable absences from their set: rocker Back Door Slam and ballad Time Makes Two. Never the less, Cray was still a stellar opener. After about a half hour wait, the lights went down and it was time for the one called God to take the stage. It was the standard setlist, but an anything-but-standard show. I Shot the Sheriff was the highlight of the first section of the show, along with Old Love (for which Cray again joined Slowhand and the band). The sitdown set was very good. I could have done without Back Home and I Am Yours, but they were definitely listenable. Nobody Knows You and Running on Faith have always been two of my favorite EC songs, and hearing them was magical. I've been listening to those since I was a little kid and now, nearly 18, was quite happy to hear them live. The return to the stand-up set was a clear highlight as the band rocketed into the first incarnation of Clapton's Cale cover After Midnight, followed by a stunning Queen of Spades. Queen of Spades transitioned beautifully into another classic EC cover, Further On Up the Road. After that, it was go-time with "The Back Four" as I've seen them called so frequently. Wonderful Tonight was absolutely gorgeous. Though Slowhand can't hit the high notes anymore, the song was extraordinarily powerful and gave me the urge to simply call my girlfriend and tell her I love her. Layla......I have been waiting to hear that song since the first time my dad played the Derek and the Dominoes CD for me and introduced me to the guitarist that I grew up simply knowing as God (that was just how my dad raised me calling him). It was worth the wait for every second of it (though I would have liked more of a jam before the piano section). The transition from Layla into Cocaine was a total shock and absolutely jaw-dropping. The song was an extensive jam and really showcased the whole band's abilities. It was the quintessential closer to a perfect set. Crossroads crossed over from magnificent performance to absolutely other-worldly. All of the guitarists involved took impressive solos, with Cray singing the first 2 verses, Clapton covering the next, and the two sharing the mic for the final verse. The solos were magnificent. Trucks showcased his wonderful slide skills, but even those were eclipsed by Cray's technical ability and the voice of God speaking through Clapton's guitar. The whole show built and built, and it all came to a head with this song. I can't put into words how stellar it was. An absolutely perfect close to the night I've waited nearly 18 years for. Tonight, I heard the voice of God. He didn't speak out of a cloud or a burning bush. He spoke out of 6 steel strings and 4 fingers. Tonight I heard the voice of God. Tonight, I experienced the magic of Eric Clapton in concert.

Review #2

Rather than giving a detailed account of every song let me be succinct and sum up my Robert Cray/EC concert experience with this word...

Magnificent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was an awesome night of music filled with stellar performances by everyone on stage. For this guitarist it was the ultimate guitar clinic given by four masters of the six string...EC, Robert, Derek and Doyle.

Review #3

Wow! All I can say is just WOW! What an incredible performance last night in Chgo. I have seen Clapton maybe 5 or 6 times in the past 20 yrs, and putting aside the CREAM reunion (which is in a class all by itself) I have to say that this was the best performance by Clapton I have seen. Great selection of songs, great solos, & Clapton seemed happier than I have ever seen him play. Got to Get Better In A Little While is one of my favorites, and to hear it live for the 1st time was beyond great. Motherless Child & After Midnight were big crowd pleasers, as well as Little Queen of Spades & Cocaine. I have to say that I was happy that he is not playing White Room or Sunshine of Your Love on this tour. And the new "funkified" version of Crossroads was jaw dropping. If there were disappointments, it was that sometimes the background singers were not heard, and the horn section is not with him during the US tour - I would have loved to have heard the version of After Midnight as it appeared in Crossroads. And if this tour is not released as a LIVE album or DVD, it would indeed be a crime.

Right after the Chicago concert, it was off to Michigan for a concert on 21 September. Although there were no changes in the setlist, stellar versions of "Got To Get Better In A Little While", "After Midnight", "Cocaine" and an acoustic "Running On Faith" were performed. As always, "Wonderful Tonight" was a favorite of those in attendance at the Van Andel Arena. The bands next stop will be the Palace at Auburn Hills on 23 September.

The full set list was:

Pretending
I Shot The Sheriff
Got To Get Better In A Little While
Old Love
Everybody Oughta Make A Change
Motherless Children

Acoustic Set:
Back Home
I Am Yours
Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out
Running On Faith

After Midnight
Little Queen of Spades
Further On Up The Road
Wonderful Tonight
Layla
Cocaine

Encore:
Crossroads (with Robert Cray)

Review #1

This Grand Rapids stop was one high octane rock and roll show that the fans won't soon forget. What a crowd! What does it say about a show when the entire floor crowd stands for the whole show minus the acoustic section. Absolutley amazing. It was like like a 70's event relived....sights and smells included. The band fed off this energy and delivered a superb show.

Robert Cray started off the night with a crisp soulful set. 30 minutes is not enough for such a fine musician. When Eric took the stage, this place erupted.
From the opening chords of Pretending through the final leads of Crossroads 2 hours later, he was on and the band was on. All bandmembers were outstanding in their solos, of which there were many. Extremely impressive.....Derek Trucks on Running on Faith, Little Queen of Spades and Layla. Great slide work. Chris Stainton was outstanding on Old Love, Doyle had many fine moments.

What about the man? Simillar to the Cream reunion, being pushed seems to be was he thrives on. Highlights were Got to Get Better in a Little While, Old Love, Motherless Children, After Midnight, Queen of Spades, Layla , and Crossroads. In each song, he was able to find those notes and progressions that sets him apart from every other guitarist. Whether its wailing on the high notes or playing low on the neck, he makes it look so easy.

He appears to be having so much fun with this tour, it seems to have take his playing to another level. This was a great EC night. I can't wait for Saturday night. Get ready to rock Detroit.....

Review #2

Simply put,the best concert I have ever seen. No lulls in the action,No political statements....Just kick-ass guitars,keyboards and drums.I heard on the radio the next day that some people seemed to think everything was rushed.I didn't see it that way.The amount of music that was played in the two hours was awesome.I hope the man never stops touring and hope he continues with his habit of releasing a dvd from somewhere on the tour.I will be the frist one in line for that one!!!!! E.C. may really be God!!!!!

http://entertainment.heritageauctions.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=634&Lot_No=22289

Eric Clapton's Fender USA Stratocaster Guitar
ESTIMATE: $65,000 & up

Album by Clapton, Cale spotlights Escondido

ESCONDIDO – Unlike Kansas City, Detroit or San Francisco, this city and rock 'n' roll are seldom uttered in the same breath. But guitar icon Eric Clapton may help change that.

Clapton and his recent collaborator and longtime inspiration, J.J. Cale, are releasing a new CD. Its title: “The Road to Escondido.”

The CD cover, showing a cardboard sign that reads “Escondido” propped up against two guitar cases sitting on the ground near a rural road and an old red pickup truck, looks like it could have been shot north of the city.

Clapton has been sighted in Escondido several times while working on the album with Cale, who has lived for years in Valley Center.

“Isn't it cool!” Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler said yesterday when asked about the title. “I've heard he's been seen several times at Cruisin' Grand, and that he really enjoys our community.”

Cruisin' Grand is a classic-car event held downtown on Friday nights in the summer.

Pfeiler said she assumed the road to Escondido was Interstate 15 from points north, but after learning that Cale lives in Valley Center, she now wonders if it's Valley Center Road headed south into the city.

The name is a sort of tribute by Clapton to Cale, said Cale's agent, Mike Kappus of Los Angeles.

But Escondido will have to bask in the title alone. Kappus said none of the 14 tracks on the CD has anything to do with the city, but some were written by Cale while living nearby. The album is due for release in November.


Clapton stayed at Cale's home in summer 2005, when they began work on the album. Most recording sessions were done at a Los Angeles studio with an all-star band that featured former San Diego bassist Nathan East, a longtime member of Clapton's band.
Clapton, 61, one of the all-time great guitarists, is the only three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He launched his career in the '60s with groups such as the Yardbirds and Cream, and went on to further fame as a solo artist, known for his scorching riffs and bluesy ballads, including “Layla,” considered one of the defining love songs of the genre. Two of his hits, “After Midnight” and “Cocaine,” were written by Cale, whose trademark rock roots influenced artists such as Clapton and Dire Straits.

As for “The Road to Escondido,” it is co-produced by Clapton and Cale. Cale wrote 11 of its songs, Clapton one, one is a John Mayer track and one is a blues classic.

“It's a strange hybrid. It's not really blues, it's not really folk or country or rock 'n' roll, it's something in the middle,” is how Clapton describes the album on a promotional video.

Local guitar maker and musician Chris Camp interrupted a recording session yesterday to gush about the title.

“This is really good news,” he said. “I think it's wonderful. These guys are icons, you know, not just what's currently popular in music.”

Camp has owned and run Camp Music, a music shop and recording studio on Second Avenue, for about 11 years, and repairs guitars for Cale. He said a serious music scene bubbles beneath Escondido's surface, and that in the past few years, more customers from out of state have traveled to his studio.

Although Escondido has never been regarded as being at the center of the rock world, or even in the same galaxy, Camp said the city is evolving. With its arts center, residents such as Cale, numerous musicians and now the album title, Escondido might just be the next big thing.

“Everybody's looking for a place to go that's undiscovered because it's hip and a little underground,” he said. “I work with a lot of people from L.A., and a lot of them say, 'Gee, maybe I should come down here and see what's going on.' ”

Camp said he suspected the album title also had a figurative meaning, with Escondido symbolizing a creative destination, a place where musicians might journey to find inspiration.

“It could be literal or figurative,” he said. “Every cool destination has to have a story behind it.”

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