[Slowhand] Saint Paul, Minnesota

[Pat Seger]

Last night the blues were heard in Saint Paul.  One local reviewer moaned
over the fact that the mellower side of Eric was not seen, no "My fathers
eyes" or "Tears in Heaven".  I have no complaints!

The evening started out with the high energy and high talent of Robert
Randolph for 30+ minutes and even the normally flat Minnesota crowd got
moving.

Mr Clapton came out (for those who need to know) wearing  a short sleeve,
front botton, blue/white checked shirt, jeans, running shoes, two rings on
his right hand and wedding band on his left and long silver chain tucked
inside his shirt.

He and the band seemed to start slow (or maybe it was just the comparison
to  Randolph's energy) with "Let it Rain" and "Hoochie Coochie" then
surprised many an old timer with "Walk out in the Rain" and
"I want a little girl".  Things finally kicked into high gear with
"Sheriff", an absolutely blistering classic Clapton solo that lifted me out
of my seat.  He was smiling and seemed to really enjoy himself.

During the seated portion of the show with DB II and Nathan, Eric was bent
over his guitar as though he were coaxing the music from it.

During "Got to get better in a little while"  Eric soloed then walked over
to Nathan, said something, and they both laughed.  Then Eric continued with
an extended solo.   Have you ever loved a woman seemed to be heartfelt, but
I would have prefered more of Eric's solo and a bit less of DB II.

At times when he was soloing, eyes closed, standing back from the mike, he
seemed to channel the music.

The remainder of the show included "Badge",  "Wonderful Tonite"
(unfortunately), Layla, Cocaine and the standard encores for this tour
"Sunshine" and "Got my Mojo working".

I agree that Doyle really pushes Eric and they seem to be enjoying it.
Robert Randolph looked like a kid in the candy store during the encores -
watching Eric closely for cues.

I wanted to send a bowling ball across the stage to the two "backup
singers" (something about their shape suggested that).  Don't get me
started on the tight mini skirts and tube tops.   They talked, wandered
away from the mikes and back, and even "sang" during part of Eric's solo. I
don't know where he found them, but send them back!!!

All in all a good show, even if the sound on the side of the arena was a
bit muddy.  Now I wish I had tix to one of the final shows, this one left
me hungry for more.

----
Pat Seger
seger001 at gold.tc.umn.edu