[Slowhand] Seattle Times Review

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Concert Review
Eric Clapton: At his playing, singing peak 
By Patrick MacDonald
Seattle Times music critic
Eric Clapton was spectacular at KeyArena.E-mail this articlePrint this articleSearch archiveMost read articlesMost e-mailed articlesOther linksSearch event listingsSearch movie listingsSign up for Movies e-mail

Eric Clapton renewed his credentials as a rock-guitar god Tuesday night at KeyArena with an electrifying concert that ranks as one of the best I have ever seen. 
All of his many years of experience came into play as Clapton brought new life to classic hits, including "Layla," "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Have You Ever Loved a Woman," with amazing solos that showed how expressive the electric guitar can be in the right hands. 
Clapton is touring behind his new all-blues album, "Me and Mr. Johnson," dedicated to the songs of Robert Johnson, but it was hardly a sad, somber night. Put it this way: Clapton rocked! 
His band must've contributed to his inspiration, because the seven-person ensemble — including Billy Preston, the only person to record and tour with both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones — was brilliant. They got to shine, with solos that complemented and enlarged on Clapton's. 
The capacity audience ranged from those who go back 40 years with Clapton, when he was a 19-year-old phenom with the Yardbirds, to teenagers, many of whom probably want to be a guitarist like him. All were roused by the spectacular display of musicianship. The video screens provided plenty of close-ups of Clapton's fingers at work, which many fans studied intently. 
Looking casual in faded jeans and blue, short-sleeved shirt, he opened with the melodic "Let It Rain." 
Review


Tuesday, KeyArena, SeattleClapton's first incredible guitar solo came on the second number, "Hoochie Coochie Man," which also featured solos from Preston and the second keyboardist, the equally talented Chris Stainton. 
A younger guitarist, Doyle Bramhall II, was lucky enough to be Clapton's acolyte. Starting with the dramatic "Walk Out in the Rain," he played mostly slide guitar, sometimes dobro. When he and Clapton traded licks, he kept up admirably. 
While every song was outstanding, a couple were extended to allow solos from nearly everybody. "I Shot the Sheriff" had the audience in a frenzy, as Clapton played two blistering solos. Both keyboardists soared, and Bramhall was impressive. Shifting into a slower mode, the aching blues of "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" earned a long standing ovation. Another showcase for the band, especially drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Nathan East, was the hard-rocking "Got to Get Better in a Little While." 
You expect Clapton to play "Layla," his biggest hit and signature tune, but you don't expect it to feel fresh and new. That happened because they did the long version, with fast and slow sections, and Clapton's guitar parts were different and varied. 
A mini-concert of five songs from the new CD was the soul of the show, with Clapton at his singing and playing peak, especially on the intense "If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day." With a bigger band than on the disc, the songs, including "Me and the Devil Blues," "They're Red Hot" and "King Hearted Woman Blues," were longer and richer. 
One of Clapton's finest vocals came later, when he sang the warm and romantic love ballad, "Wonderful Tonight." Singers Michelle John and Sharon White added soulful vocals. 
Robert Randolph joined on pedal-steel guitar for the encores of "Sunshine of Your Love" and "Got My Mojo Working." He and his Family Band opened with an energizing set of tight, exciting R&B. Randolph has single-handedly made the pedal-steel, heard mostly on country tunes, an R&B instrument. Clapton obviously loved dueting with him, and the crowd loved Randolph. 
Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald at seattletimes.com 



Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company


		
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