When Eric Clapton first adopted the Robert Johnson song "Crossroads" as his own, he probably had no idea that he would soon be standing at his own personal crossroads, as he eventually was forced to confront his own demons of addiction.
That story is far too long and complicated to recount here. But to his credit, Clapton was finally able to conquer those personal demons — which is probably why we are still able to enjoy the music of the man who was once called "God" (as scrawled graffiti style on buildings in England in the sixties), today.
Which is what this marvelous two-DVD set is really all about.
You see, not only did Clapton overcome his addictions — in 1998 he also founded the Crossroads Centre (for treatment to such addictions), located on the island of Antigua in the Caribbean. The location was picked by Clapton himself, because of its serene surroundings where "one can begin the process of healing."
What is captured on these two DVDs is the second of two (and hopefully more) amazing concerts put together by Clapton to benefit the Crossroads Centre. Here, some of the world's greatest musicians — "the cream of the crop" as described on this DVD by Albert Lee (a guy who would definitely know) — have come together to support that great work. Profits from the sale of this DVD will also support that same cause.
So as far as the performances captured here go?
There are so many great ones, the only real question is where to begin. Recorded earlier this year in Chicago, the emphasis here is clearly on the blues. And with the clout of a guy like Clapton, the names involved truly do read like a "who's who." You've literally got everyone here from the masters like B.B. King and Buddy Guy, right on up through the likes of truly underated modern players like Doyle Bramhall II and Robert Randolph (who turns in an absolutely smoking performance of "NobodySoul").
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
nice review glen. i've only seen bits and pieces of this on the television but man, one thing that really caught my eye was the Jeff Beck segment. he plays "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" and "Big Block" with the insanely talented and very young bass player Tal Wilkenfeld, who is actually 21 years old...but sort of looks 16 because of her size.
it was really freaky to see her really leaning into a solo on the first tune there...
i have to get a copy of this thing.
2 - Glen Boyd
Yeah she really held her own, and then some, with Beck...she also has really nice, .... um. never mind...
-Glen
3 - Mark Saleski
i also thought it was funny when she was making "guitar face" through some of the heavier passages...but there's nothin' funny about the way the fingers flew all over the neck of that bass.