|
New York - The hallowed walls of The Fillmore East and the sold out crowd within lay witness to a dazzling display of guitar mastery as Eric Clapton's most recent musical incarnation, Derek and the Dominos, rolled into New York yesterday for the first of two nights. While the guitar magic was of the caliber now expected from Clapton, the show, and indeed the man himself, were different. Not better. Certainly no worse. Yet decidedly different. And, every bit as exciting as anything he's done.
Clapton's multifarious musical road seems to have veered sharply once again as the guitar virtuoso continues his insatiable exploration of the Blues. While his previous ventures helped forge the high voltage, distortion riddled thoroughfare currently being traveled by newcomers such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, yesterday evening saw a return to basics for the twenty-five year old guitarist, whose normally heavy-handed brushstrokes to the canvas that is Blues-Rock were exchanged for a more delicate approach. While things were more refined, they were certainly no less intense or inspiring.
Even Clapton's dress seemed a perfect compliment to last night's stripped down set. The flamboyant garb of his Cream era tenure is gone, trading in his silk scarves and paisley shirts for simple blue jeans and a striped pullover. Clapton took to the stage just before 9 PM along with his newly christened Dominos; bassist Carl Radle, keyboardist Bobby Whitlock and drummer Jim Gordon. Much of yesterday's set list was unknown to most, appearing on the yet to be released debut album titled "Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs". The final recording and mixing sessions wrapped up just two weeks ago and the album is due out on Polydor next month. The new material appears to be an extension of the experiment Clapton began on his first eponymous solo album that was released this past August. While shunning extended guitar solos on his solo effort, a no doubt conscious decision on his part, lengthy stretches of superb guitar work flowed during many of the songs last night. Still tentatively wading the unfamiliar waters of his newfound front-man role, Clapton often retreated to the refuge and comfort of his guitar when the unusual novelty of being the lead vocalist proved unsettling. Although his vocal delivery at times seemed somewhat cautious and uncertain, he was more than capable in executing the demanding combined duties of vocals and guitar. Whitlock provided soulful vocal support for the sometimes wavering Clapton, often times doubling on the lead vocal.
continued . . .
|
