[Slowhand] Songs for Pity - 25 Feb 2009

[Kevin Wilson]

I downloaded this a short while ago and have been listening to it day in and
day out on the way to work and back.

 

The sound quality/mix is great, as is the band, and the well-rounded set
list is nothing to moan about - compliments to Eric for taking his audience
through such vastly differing and exciting emotions with each song.

 

E's performance of "Hoochie Coochie Man" (early on in the show) is pure
Bluesbreakers - he probably needed to dip his head into a bowl of ice-water
afterwards to bring himself out of the zone. Wonder if Clapton anticipated
playing this number with the ABB in March? It would have been another
welcome addition to the Beacon set lists.

 

"Sheriff" is slightly reminiscent of Hyde Park 1996 and when the solo peaks
you get the impression that he didn't just shoot the nasty sheriff, but
machine-gunned every other bad-ass around to perdition. 

 

Then, for the most part, Eric carries the lead on "Why Does Love Got to Be
So Sad" on his own. The wah-wah break by Doyle is complimentary without
being challenging. Indeed, throughout the show, Doyle is there doing his
thing, but never in the way or overwhelming. The same can be said of Chris
Stainton, who has matured way past his honky-tonk plonk-along style of the
past. 

 

Again on "Little Queen of Spades" it's Eric who owns the song - I love being
carried along as the opening solo climbs and leaps and bounds, and even
prefer this part to the wild-finger-flaying ending.

 

My favourite from among the sit-down set is "Travelin' Alone", a jaunty
ditty held together by Doyle's electric guitar. Not overdone. Only the
acoustic, electric, bass and drums, with Eric on vocals.

 

Abe Laboriel Jr and Willie Weeks are the backbone throughout the show, but
the biggest surprise are backing singers Michelle and Sharon, who have
become a truly integral part of the EC unit. They are given the liberty to
add their own personality to most of the songs, eclipsing the fondly
remembered Executive PA look-alikes, Katie and Tessa.

 

"Crossroads" presents a timeless and fitting end to the show, with teases of
its Cream heydays and assurance that Eric Clapton is still among us and were
blessed by his presence.

 

Kevin