[Slowhand] Opening Night at La Palestre

[Michael Sawin]

It's amazing. Without even listening to how good the band were and what the 
set was really like, after 1 night, people are ready to dismiss this new 
tour. Jeesh, what does it take to keep you doubting Norah's happy?
Let me tell you right now that after being lucky enough to get to see last 
nights opening date, contrary to some people's beliefs, Eric is alive and 
well and playing his bloody socks off!
This is not a casual fan talking but a fully paid up member of the 'saddo' 
contingent who has been along for the ride on tour with Eric since 1974 and 
an admirer of his music since 1966.
Sure, I've been through the drunken period of the 70's and the 'dark days' 
of the early 80's with his ponderous UK band, but I can honestly say that he 
is still playing with fire and passion and irrespective of there being 3 
guitarists, he let it be known through his playing that he is STILL the 
'guvnor'.
By now you all know the set-list and from song 1 he and the band played with 
the passion and energy that was evident in 2004 after a couple of so-so 
years of touring.
He was generous to both Derek and Doyle when he let them loose but ALWAYS 
finished the song with a great solo. I even enjoyed the songs from the new 
album with a very honorable mention to 'Lost and Found'.
He started with 'Pretending', to my mind his best opening track, ever. And 
we then all knew it was going to be a great show.
'Got to get better', 'Anyday' and 'I am Yours' were all played with respect 
to the original and moved me with the playing. 'Sheriff'(as always) was an 
excellent vehicle for a fantastic solo. 'Little Queen of Spades' was the 
replacemnt slow blues for 'Stormy' or 'Have you Ever...' and did not 
dissapoint. 'Running on Faith' (although played whilst he was sitting down) 
was a real builder. 'After Midnight' was reminiscent of the original version 
from his first solo album (horns et al), whilst 'Everybody must Change' and 
'Motherless Children' were great opportunities for a slide fest (again, when 
it came to the crunch, Eric let everybody know who the boss was). 'Wonderful 
Tonight' was mercifully short but not unpleasant and 'Cocaine' was a real 
rocker-excellent solos all round. 'Layla' was, as anticipated, a time for 
Derek to skillfully craft a slide frenzy on the Coda. 'Crossroads' was no 
longer a reggaefied excuse for a blues standard but really, really bounced 
along the way it should have. Robert Johnson would not be spinning like a 
top in his grave tonight.
And the band? well, to be truthfull, I think Tim on 2nd keys was superflous 
and if it really came down to it, so was Doyle-Derek slotted in real fine. 
But if Derek does not tour on the US leg, then he's a good man to have 
along. He seems to have calmed down after his first EC tour and plays at a 
sensible volume now.The rhythm section was excellent with Steve and Willie 
changing the whole feel-to the better. The girls on vocals performed 
admirably and to you fashion fiends out there, they dressed sensibly as 
well! The Kickhorns did their thing well and went off stage when not 
needed-which was quite often and finally Chris was superb and got standing 
ovations from the enthusiastic French audience (why does EC always play well 
in France?).
Do not miss this tour because you think you've heard it all before-you 
haven't. I hear they also rehearsed 'Why does Love...' and a few others so 
who knows what changes will come. And with Robert Cray being the support, 
there's going to be some oppotunities for a bit of jamming at the end.
Marks out of 10? Well, don't laugh, but to be honest, I'd give it a 10. He's 
made drastic changes with the set list and even the old standards have been 
revamped. He seemed to be having fun and finally, as my yardstick-I enjoyed 
it. And trust me, if he ever plays substandard, I am vociferous in my 
criticism.
You'll enjoy this tour, trust me.