Eric Clapton - Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert

Out of the blue...pun intended

I picked this disc up on a whim, with a preconceived mind set that it would be a nostalgic, one time listen. Wrong. Very wrong.
I don't know how this one slipped through the cracks, and was impressed enough to write my first review.
The original release had only six tracks (vinyl limitations ?), and included all three Winwood led tunes. At the time, this only served to lead listeners to believe that Clapton was not up to form at the time (physical and emotional addictions), and that the concert was only a mercy deal on Townshend's part.
The entire set, released 22 years later, reveals that this could indeed be Clapton's strongest live release. One only has to listen to the range and accuracy of his vocals on the first two tracks, Layla and Badge, as compared to countless later releases, to realize that he was more than capable of showing a confidence in his lead voice that he always denied having, and sadly to say, affirm that he has been on cruise control ever since. His currently predictable guitar lines and hook riffs are absent, and although most of these tunes were only several years old at the time, he switches them up a notch (Blues Power, Let it Rain and even Bell Bottom Blues)and seems to be taking chances that only someone genuinely into their playing and developement would have. Nothing feels scripted. He had something to prove, maybe to us, maybe to other players, but most likely to himself. It is hard to believe that this set was followed up with "greatest hits" such as "I Shot the Sheriff", "Lay Down Sally", etc., and countless other covers and "re-interpretaions" of the blues masters. Don't even get me started on the unplugged deal. Meanwhile, back to the disc at hand:
Most "star" line ups of this caliber don't live up to expectations, but this one does for all involved (OK, maybe not ReBop). The late Grech's bass lines and tone are more varied than on any other recordings, Winwood's keys and vocal support are subtle but essential, and it also pains me to say that Wood's slide work is also more out front and impressive than anything he has done in the Stones. Both drummers can be heard locking down a unit that probably wasn't rehearsed too much on changes, making everything flow. I'm not 100% sure, but I think that it's even Townshend himself taking a rock a billy lead on Bottle of Red Wine ! It doesn't have a feel like either of the other guitarists, and I think even die hard Who freaks would be hard pressed to find him doing a comparable break anywhere else to compare it to. Let me know if I'm wrong.

In all, maybe it's time for Clapton to take another break from recording and performing, although this time for healthier reasons, and regroup. Let him rediscover HIS passion, hang up the Armanis, stop the endless "I've got to pay to tribute and remind you of my blues influences" (we know...we know), make a new generation of believers, and remember why we started to pay attention to him in the first place...maybe...just maybe. September 12, 2008

hope to see this on dvd

I know the history of this concert, but just the pairing of this group is so fun and exciting for the listener.the remastered cd from 95 is the one I own. The only other thing I hope for is this entire concert on dvd-hopefully the artists will agree to release it some day September 9, 2008

Great live cd.

I was really surprised by this cd it is a very good recording especially being a live concert I really like the version of Laya. The artists were the best of the time so that is why it is so good, you do not get top artists getting together like that any more. July 17, 2008

Clapton's Rainbow Concert CD

I an a huge Clapton fan, who had this album in the 70's. Needless to say I misplaced it somewhere along the line, I was so happy to purchase this CD it is better than I remember, one of my favorite CD of all time. Everyone needs to own this CD. April 27, 2008

Rainbow Resurrection

This is one of the many reasons I continue to invest in CD's after their early 80's
Inception. Firstly sound-quality has leaped in dynamics, and of course "expanded" and "remastered" certainly IS a benefit to the longer play format.

And this along with titles like "Live at Leads", and Dylan's "Bootleg" series makes these releases even more valuable for everyone not just collectors and
rarity-philes.

I remember first finding this in the LP Vinyl cutout bin 35 odd years ago (along with the Blind Faith album) and immediately spotting Jesus/God playing a Strat. But the songs seemed a bit scattered and I couldn't't see the "flow" potential. And of course where was "Layla"?

But just like "Live at Leads" we are certainly blessed by the re-representation of the "Big Picture". And see what and hear what didn't make the grade at the time. This is Clapton's saving grace album and cheers for Pete Townsend for piecing Eric's puzzle back together. 461 Ocean Boulevard was yet conceived and we all were still yet to absorb fully Derek's Dominoes.

In retrospect reading the recent reviews of Led Zeppelin '07, this concert started off a bit ragged. "Layla" does turn out to be a tragedy... But the building momentum and surety comes on as the concert develops. Cheers to Townsend for NOT sounding "WHOish" and bless his heart for putting the show on in the first place. But Ronnie Wood, contrary to his entertaining bio, does NOT at all mirror even closely the fluid "slide" of Duane Allman. But still certainly a great document of Eric's resurrection.


February 12, 2008

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