Tag: Eric Clapton

Derek Trucks Then & Now

Derek Trucks (Eric Clapton, Allman Brothers Band, Derek Trucks Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band) is one of my favorite guitarists. I recently saw him perform at the Beacon Theater along with the rest of the Allman clan, and it was the most magical concert experience I’ve ever had. I couldn’t even bring myself to write about because I didn’t (and still don’t) have words for it.

I stumbled upon this video of a 13 year-old Trucks playing Duane Allman’s legendary slide guitar solo from Layla. Even at 13 the guy was unbelievable.

What’s so interesting is that his stoic and professional manner is completely unchanged.

Almost two decades later here he is alongside his wife and one of my favorite vocalists Susan Tedeschi performing another Derek & the Dominos song, Anyday.

Two of the most moving concerts I’ve ever had were seeing this Derek Trucks live. As great as he is on a record or YouTube, they really don’t capture the power of seeing him perform. Treat yourself next time he’s in town. I promise you won’t regret it.

Rory Gallagher “Irish Tour ’74”

Rory Gallagher is one of the best guitarists you’ve (probably) never heard of.

The Irish blues rocker shredded his way through the 70’s and 80’s, and produced an exceptional yet under-appreciated discography. He may not have had mainstream success, but he is regularly cited as an influence by bands like Guns N’ Roses and Queen’s Brian May.

Gallagher’s live album, Irish Tour ’74 demonstrates his range and virtuosity (as well as his crappy album covers).

Gallagher's album covers suck.

Some of the standout tracks include:

Tattoo’d Lady – Catchy and firey, this song could easily have been a radio hit. The guitar work is so passionate, as is the crazy keyboard work of Lou Martin. I freakin love this song.

(The music in the video starts 40 seconds in)

As the Crow Flies – This cover of a Tony Joe White song is a beautiful acoustic slide track. It’s a great blues song, and it underscores Gallagher’s range as a guitarist.

Walking on Hot Coals – 11 minutes of blues rock insanity. I read somewhere that Eric Clapton prefers solos that have a “madness” to them. This song is jam packed full of guitar madness.

Give Irish Tour ’74 a listen.

Ginger Baker’s New Website is Crass

Famed belligerent drug addict, and Cream/ Blind Faith drummer Ginger Baker launched a new website that is boldly crass.

The design isn’t remotely noteworthy, but I’m very fond of the written content on the homepage.

“Am I to blame if people try… to emulate my life and die?”

No, but you don’t need to celebrate it.

“Official Website and Online Store of the World’s Greatest Drummer.”

Would you look at that, he even has a store.

What a jackass.

Eric Clapton – Edge of Darkness

Have you ever loved a song, and then completely forgotten that it exists?

Edge of Darkness by Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen is one of my favorite songs, and I didn’t even remember it.

Last week I stumbled upon a CD case filled with mix CDs I made in early 2005. Listening to them has been a fun experiencing; I had pretty good taste back then… Only a few songs made me cringe with embarrassment, or wince in disgust. One of the CDs contained Edge of Darkness.

Anyway, Edge of Darkness was scored by Clapton and Kamen as the theme song to a BBC show of the same name. The original recording is alright, but nothing worth blogging about. This orchestrated version is a completely different story. It’s both beautiful and intense. The buildup is magnificent, and then it explodes with raw emotion. Have a listen.

Whatever my mood is, this song amplifies it.