Various Artists: A Tribute To Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton has certainly made an impact on my musical upbringing. I first discovered the revered guitarist through his classic fifth solo album Slowhand (1977) and went from there, discovering The Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes. His influence in rock music cannot be understated, his famous black Stratocaster becoming synonymous with the axe slinger.

Now, this is not a new solo album but a cover album of some of his most famous songs titled A Tribute To Eric Clapton, released this year. When you look at the list of musicians playing on the album, it is rather impressive, with the likes of Albert Lee (10 Years After), Molly Hatchet, Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Sammy Kershaw, and Snowy White (Thin Lizzy, Roger Waters), just to name a few. There is no doubting the talent here but does it all work? Successfully reimagining such classic songs cannot be an easy thing to achieve, but I have to say the result is a fine rock album that touches on a diverse range of musical forms. This should not be a surprise given the wide range of musicians from such diverse musical backgrounds.

Clapton’s classic rendition of “Cocaine�, originally written by JJ Cale, features Kirk Fletcher (Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Bonamassa) and Brian Auger (Julie Driscoll, Auger and the Trinity, Steampacket, Oblivion Express). Explosive organ and fantastic bluesy lead guitar backed with a crisp groove and super soulful lead vocals bring it all home. It stays true to the original while adding tasty instrumentation from both artists. Sammy Kershaw adds country vocal stylings to “Lay Down Sally� while Albert Lee exerts his expert craftsmanship on lead guitar. The Cream classic “I Feel Free� is given a kind of proto punk treatment and Arthur Brown’s vocals are stellar and in “Sunshine Of Your Love�, Dug Pinnick supplies the heavy bottom end while Eric Gales sings his heart out and adds some biting lead guitar. More highlights include Jack Russell’s smooth vocals and Sonny Landreth’s soaring slide guitar in “Let It Rain�, Molly Hatchet’s blistering take of “Layla�, and Snowy White’s searing guitar work in “White Room�.

If you are a fan of Clapton or just dig the classic rock era, this tribute album is one to check out. Highly recommended.

A Cleopatra Records release.

Track Listing:
1. Cocaine (feat. Kirk Fletcher and Brian Auger)
2. Lay Down Sally (feat. Sammy Kershaw and Albert Lee)
3. I Feel Free (feat. Arthur Brown, James Williamson, and Rat Scabies)
4. Sunshine Of Your Love (feat. Dug Pinnick and Eric Gales)
5. Let It Rain (feat. Jack Russell and Sonny Landreth)
6. Wonderful Tonight (feat. Oli Brown)
7. Layla (feat. Molly Hatchet)
8. I Shot The Sheriff (feat. Pat Travers, David Sancious, and Artimus Pyle)
9. For Your Love (feat. Mark Lindsay and Rick Nielsen)
10. Tears In Heaven (feat. Ana Popovic)
11. White Room (feat. Graham Bonnet and Snowy White)
12. Can’t Find My Way Home (feat. Shirley King and Martin Barre)

Added: January 12th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
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Language: english

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