Eric Clapton - Sessions for Robert Johnson (2004)

Live, intimate, and raw, Sessions For Robert J is the essential audio/video companion to Eric Clapton's 2004 gold, Top 10 Me And Mr. Johnson, tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson. Filmed during tour rehearsals in London and Dallas plus a Los Angeles hotel room and the Dallas warehouse where Johnson made some of his final recordings, Sessions for Robert J finds Clapton performing all Robert Johnson songs with his touring band, acoustically with Doyle Bramhall II and solo-as well as discussing Johnson and his influence. A performance/documentary DVD with 14 tracks (from which the 11 CD selections are taken), Sessions for Robert J is blues heaven.

Shame On EC

Sloppily put together. Clapton wears the same shoddy clothing and a week's worth of stubble on his face and seems bored and robotic. Doyle Tramhall II looks like he is in another world and seems to have the same goofy look on his face throughout the sessions. Although when Clapton and Bramhall sit down and play a casual acoustic collection of Robert Johnson songs, it certainly is a treat to the ears but they just don't seem to be "there".
The first session which features Billy Preston on organ and the Clapton regulars is horrible. It is done in a small room and the sound is way too loud for the acoustical capacity of the room. The drums are ear-splitting and overwhelm the rest of the intruments. I couldn't even watch the whole session; it was pitiful. I don't recommend this DVD to anyone. It's obvious that not much work or planning was put into it and it shows. June 10, 2008

Clapton's continuing respect for Robert Johnson

Once again Clapton puts together some serious musicians to honor Robert Johnson's mesmerizing albeit difficult music. They not only played the music but they gave some serious credibility by recording some of the sessions at the Park Avenue location used by RJ in 1937. I have to believe that being in the same room where Robert Johnson recordeed was intimidating but awe-inspiring to the final recording.

Although the music was obviously top-notch renditions of Rj's most memorable meleodies by some extremely talented artists the sometime inept interviews between takes actually became a high point in the DVD for me. To hear Eric Clapton talk about his initial exposure to RJ's music and his forty year fascination with it gave new relevance to one of my already favorite song-writing blues artist. If you like the blues and you like Eric Clapton you certainly will be very entertained by this entire DVD. The companion bonus CD contained is also extremely well done and was a complete surprise when I opened it.

Anyone who has the CD "Mr & Mr. Johnson" really needs to have this DVD. It completes and compliments the music CD. Eric Clapton again has paid humble tribute to his roots and with his educated opinion dispels a couple of mythes about Robert Johnson at least to my satisfaction. If you are a serious blues fan you will place this DVD very close to the top of your favorite music DVDs. April 25, 2008

Clapton is a master!

Clapton rehearses in a hotel room on this DVD, and it is great! The more I watch it, the more I learn. This is for anyone who loves the blues!! January 12, 2008

Sessions For Robert Johnson

Eric Clapton displays his ability to play and the influence that Robert Johnson has had on him. It is a great balance of interviews and blues music. March 11, 2007

Clapton is THE Blues Man

Great DVD. Clapton was one of the first to bring Robert Johnson to attention with "Ramblin" and now gives his major tribute to R.Johnson.
Also get The Crossroads Festival it's killer. March 10, 2007

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