But what you also get here is everything from the modern "adult-pop" of people like Sheryl Crow and John Mayer, to the fusion jazz of John McLaughlin (emcee Bill Murray references McLaughlin's stint in the "Mahi Mahi Orchestra" in a particularly humorous moment).
Even country guys like Willie Nelson and Vince Gill get into the act here.
Throughout the proceedings, Clapton himself often joins the musicians onstage, and can also be seen taking it all in from the sidelines as a fan. For one thing, you can see "God" snapping away at the camera during both B.B. King and Sheryl Crow's sets. Speaking of the camera, much of this DVD is displayed in split screen images — giving it a decidedly down home, Woodstock sort of feel.
As to the musical highlights?
Again, far too numerous to mention — although both Robert Randolph and Jeff Beck are standouts here. Johnny Winter also turns in a blazing version of Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited," despite the fact that it is somewhat apparent from his appearance that he is not in the best of health these days. He sounds as good as he ever has though.
But ultimately what makes this DVD a real keeper is the surprise reunion — well, almost anyway — of sixties supergroup Blind Faith. Although drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Rick Grech are missing, Clapton's amazing band more than makes up for the absense. Clapton's reunion with his one-time Blind Faith partner Stevie Winwood is the undisputed highlight of this DVD.
I should mention at this point that Blind Faith was one of the earliest concerts I ever saw. It was at the then H.I.C. Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. I was all of thirteen years old, and by this point the band had already pretty much broken up and were simply playing out the last dates of what turned out to be a disastrous first tour. Despite a great first album, Blind Faith never really jelled as a live band — which certainly shows on their one official live document, the horrible Live At Hyde Park DVD, released last year.
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.