You know how there are certain musicians you just want to tell to shut the hell up and play? Well, for me Eric Clapton and Phil Collins are two guys who pretty much top that list.
In Clapton's case, it's when he veers away from what he does best — playing the guitar — and tries to reach that "wider audience" record company execs talk about in their corporate boardroom meetings by making pop records with people like Babyface and Lionel Richie. And speaking of Lionel Richie, let's talk about his whiter eighties counterpart, one Mr. Phil Collins.
There was a time in said eighties that I was seriously convinced Collins had to be the Anti-christ. First he ruined Genesis, turning the once proud prog-rock pioneers into a hit machine complete with corny choreographed videos like the atrocious "I Can't Dance." And then there were those God-awful solo albums. Collins is still for my money one of the best drummers on earth. But I swear to God in heaven, for awhile there in the eighties I wanted nothing more than for Phil Collins to "Su-Su-Sussudio" right the hell off of my radio and my MTV.
So what happens when guys like this — great musicians that they are — simply do what they really do best and play? Well what can happen, and did happen in this particular case, is you get a really great concert like the one captured on the DVD Eric Clapton Live At Montreux 1986
Clapton's career at the time of this recording was on an upswing, and he was touring with a leaner, meaner band that not only included Collins on drums, but crack session guys Greg Phillinganes on keys and backing vocals, and bassist Nathan East (who remains with Clapton today). Touring between two of Clapton's eighties albums, Behind The Sun and August, the emphasis of the show was strictly on the music, and the performances here are nothing short of stellar.
The show kicks off with a couple of old chestnuts from Clapton's Cream days, "Crossroads" and "White Room." Here the performances are serviceable enough, but certainly nothing special (although the rearrangement of "Crossroads" is an interesting one). But by the third number, "I Shot The Sherriff" of all things, Clapton takes off on something of a guitar tear and basically never looks back for the rest of the concert.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
thanx for pub;ishing this Connie.
-Glen
2 - Paul Roy
This is the same band and tour as on the "Eric Clapton & Friends Live 1986" DVD, but with what looks like twice the songs, and probably better production, if it is up to the standards of all the other Live At Montreux DVDs I have. Thanks for the review, I can't wait.
3 - Glen Boyd
Eagle Vision's Live at Montreux series has been a good one Paul. Where else are you going to find pristinely captured live performances by everyone from Lou Reed to James Brown to Alice Cooper to...now, Eric Clapton.
This DVD is a worthy addition to the series. The video is sharp and clear and the 5.1 Dolby sound mix is awesome. You wont be disapointed.
-Glen
4 - Jonathan
I've just this minute ordered off this DVD. I have the Eric Clapton and Friends concert featuring the same line up and it has an absolutely phenomenal version of Layla but certainly lacks something with regard to the other tracks. I'm in total agreement with you about the inclusion of pop fodder In The Air Tonight - totally unnecessary. I have Gary Moore from Montreux and if it's a patch on that then I'll be very happy indeed. EC really has gone downhill recently and his last 3 CD's, I've just got rid of basically as after a few listens there's nothing of note there. I'm looking forward to this like nothing else and with the 1988 concert of Eric's featuring Mark Knopfler on lead and rhythm guitars soon to be released in the UK, I do feel kinda spoiled. Great blog entry Glen.
5 - Glen Boyd
Jonathan,
I dont think you'll be diapointed here, but you'll have to drop a line and let us know what you think once you get the DVD. Thanx for the comment.
-Glen
6 - Jonathan
Hi Glen,
Right, it arrived this morning and after I'd made a cup of tea, put it on. I totally agree with what's been said previously, White Room and Crossroads are okay though nothing I would term earth-shattering though the way EC launches into the solo of White Room made my jaw drop and caused me to say "Whoa!" which I haven't done for a long time, where Clappers is concerned. I Shot The Sheriff is more like it though the solo does meander a little, still it's nice to see him taking chances and HAVING FUN! That's right, Clappers having fun, smiling and interacting with the other musicians. This has been seriously lacking in EC's output for a very long time now, a total lack of humour.
I Wanna Make Love To You is a really great track and reminds me a little of some of Rick Derringer's blues work on the Code Blue label in the mid 90's. The real killer track for me though is Same Old Blues, I've rarely heard Clapton play better, it's quite wonderful. The solos are masterful and ooze power and emotion. It's a very fine audio-visual document and although I detest Phil Collins' music and voice, he really is an expert drummer. My only qualm is that Layla appears to be played a little too fast and the solo is over before you know it. I much prefer Layla as performed on the live Eric Clapton & Friends concert with the same line-up from 1986. The crowd is really engaged with what he's doing and there's an atmosphere of bonhomie, you can feel the electricity. I love this DVD.
All the very best,
Jonathan.
7 - Glen Boyd
Jonathan,
Glad you liked the DVD. Like you I think, I just really love it when EC just does what he does best and plays the freaking blues, which is for the most part what he does on this DVD (Collins lapses into poppier fare not with standing). This whole live at Montreux series has proved to be very decent from what I've heard and I plan on checking out a few more of the titles in the series (have already checked out the Alice Cooper one which I really liked -- its from a much more recent show though).
Anyway, glad I was able to point you towards it and that it lived up to the review in your mind. Thanks for the comment Jonathan.
-Glen
8 - Jonathan
I definitely want to get the next Montreux release which features Buddy Guy, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown & Bobby Parker from 2004. That looks excellent. Carlos Santana is featured guesting on some tracks.
The Gary Moore entry into the Montreux canon is nothing short of stunning as is the Legends DVD featuring Eric Clapton, David Sanborn, Steve Gadd, Joe Sample & Marcus Miller all playing on the same stage. That's wonderful.
The Montreux concerts, as you say, are very good indeed. The sound is excellent and the camerawork very fine. There is another Montreux DVD which features EC playing backup guitar to Otis Rush if you're interested.
Good blog Glen.
9 - Glen Boyd
I'm actually waiting on my copy of the blues thing you mentioned as we speak--a 3 DVd set I understand. Watch for the review here. Thanx Jonathan!
-Glen
10 - Jonathan
You're very welcome :-)
11 - james
My copy off this dvd is not the best. The sound and picture goes screwy in a quite a few spots. Is this the way the recording is????
12 - james
If someone could answer me back here about the sound & picture quality that would be great. Like I said, Mine has alot of flaws in it. I enjoyed the show though. But my sound & picture screw up quite a bit. I would like to know, because I'll take it back and get another copy!!