Sessions for Robert J - Eric Clapton DVD/ CD Review

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DVD/ CD Review

‘Slow-hand’continues his obsession with legendary Bluesman Robert Johnson.It’s not a case of ‘Love in Vain’ for old EC,as he seems to be getting plenty of commercial mileage from RJ’s songbook.Clapton does the obligatory subliminal threads explaining his discovery of the blues via rock’n’rollers Little Richard,Chuck Berry,Buddy Holly to the rootsier Muddy Waters,Big Bill Broonzy,Son House and Charlie Patten.Johnson turns out to be his favourite.He’s not exactly the first guitar god to do so:The Rolling Stones,Led Zeppelin and other luminaries have tilted their hats in Johnson’s direction.As well as being a replicator,Clapton has been an innovator.His 1992 ‘Unplugged’ CD and DVD spawned a new generation of artists to go down the same route.It also inspired established acts such as Nivarna et al,to display their acoustic talents.This DVD gets right to the nitty gritty of his pre-concert rehearsals in Hook End Manor UK and Irving Texas USA,as he brings his band members together for routine practice and formatting.Traditionally,Clapton rarely speaks during concerts,and he never puts on a ‘show’.Music always does the talking:this fly-on-the-wall experience is no exception.These sessions were the preamble for his 2004 world tour,which I had the thrill of seeing at Manchester’s ENA last May.Sessions 1&2 is like watching the dawn chorus,as the collective thrash out their setlist in the relative privacy of the studios.The only intrusion is the film crew,but the overall feeling is intimacy,getting close up to the formidable ensemble.Working with the greatest living guitarist brings it’s compenstations,but it’s a no nonsense approach with little relief for his band-it’s get on,get it done and get off.

The four sessions begin in England as a band,finishing off in a hotel room in LA as a solo.Session 3,acoustic,with counterpart Doyle Bramhall is the best:it’s Johnson’s songs they way they were meant to be.

Musical highlights:Session 1-They’re Red Hot(with band)Session 2-If I Had Possession etc(with band) Session 3-Love In Vain(duo with Bramhall)Session 4-Ramblin’ On My Mind(solo)

You can also enjoy the audio experience on the 11 track CD.

Elly Roberts