[Slowhand] Comments re: Concert for George

[Kevin Wilson]

For the record: (i.) Tom Scott plays alto sax and Jim Horn plays tenor sax and not vice versa as indicated in the credits and booklet. (II.) "Give Me Love..." features a ghost guitar. Dhani Harrison, Albert Lee, along with Jim Keltner, leave the stage for this number. Both Eric and Jeff Lynne are seen and heard playing rhythm on their acoustic guitars. Andy Fairweather Low and Marc Mann are seen playing "duet" slide guitar. But - another guitar is clearly audible throughout. 
 
The Director of Photography should be blacklisted or chained in a room for a year watching 70 year old musical spectaculars. His camera crew are all over the place and this detracts from enjoying the show at times, e.g. focussing on Dhani who sings supporting vocals here and there, but not all the time, and for not zooming in on instruments being emphasised. Although "Wah Wah" is nothing more than a fun number, the cameramen had no cooking clue who was singing when Andy FL did his bit nor who was soloing when Marc Mann did his - they're silhouettes in the background. But, in the camera crew's defence it can be said that the stage was crowded throughout. Musical Director Eric clearly steps out of the way during Albert Lee's solo on "Honey Don't".
 
As far as the music is concerned, I have to admit that I have always underestimated George as having a weak voice, whereas it is now evident he used gentle and subtle nuisances in his vocal performances. Sam Brown delivered the best and certainly the most lively vocal performance of the evening and her dad, Joe Brown, the weakest. I wonder who the dickhead executives are who decided to leave "Horse to the Water" off the CD release. Jools Holland appeared on this number only and Klaus Voormann on 2 songs, "All Things Must Pass" and "Wah Wah". Sam Brown's backing vocals, along with Katie and Tessa, on "My Sweet Lord" was particularly welcome. The stage was really wired for sound. You actually hear Eric speaking when he is some distance from the mikes and above the roar of the audience. 
 
"Old Brown Shoes" with Gary Brooker on vocals should be released as a single. It rocks.
 
Eric's best performance of the evening was on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", even though he almost fluffs the vocals just after his first guitar solo. The camera captures his guilty grin; pity there was no multiple angles to capture old Paul's expression. That aside, it is to Eric's credit that the orchestra was left off this number. Through the multiple guitars chugging away, the horns and keyboards ploughing a field of sound and drums pounding in unison, Eric weaves a solo that teases of places he's taken it before and at the same time is beautiful in its simplicity. "Isn't It a Pity" was not the guitar highlight I expected. I was surprised to see that Marc Mann did the solo on "Something".
 
Thankfully, the concert does not descend into sentimental mishmash. The musicians looked enthusiastic in their roles, especially Ringo. Sadly, Jim Capaldi was relegated to percussion for the latter part of the show - perhaps he pitched up late for rehearsals.
 
I enjoyed the mini feature on the rehearsals at the end of the Theatrical Version disc. All in all, Eric did an exceptional job in putting together a band that captures the spirit of George's music. Well done Eric. I paid 400 bucks for the discs, which is twice the normal rate over here, but it's a well-deserved and much-appreciated Christmas present to myself. I've been listening to it for 2 weeks and will put it on for many more.
 
The essence of Eric Clapton is not in his longevity or in showcasing his phenomenal capability as a bluesman, but in the success of the projects he takes on. A true leader, where others fear to tread.
 
Kevin
 

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