By Martine Ehrenclou
Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., and Jimmie Vaughan created a musical feast for blues fans, in particular for guitarists and those who love them, on Monday, September 18, 2017, at the Los Angeles Forum.
To see Eric Clapton perform was, in a word, magnificent. And I’d seen him live before many years ago. A blues legend, who at age 72, performed four nights in L.A. Amazing? Oh, yes. A night to remember? Definitely. One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen? Without question.
Jimmie Vaughan (SRV’s brother) and Gary Clark Jr. performed two brief opening sets. Their two styles are so different—one roadhouse blues and the other, Clark, a mix of heavy Hendrix-infused blues-rock. Both were blues-mood boosters, energizing the audience before blues legend, Eric Clapton appeared.
Gary Clark Jr., a stunning talent, appeared on a stark, low-lit stage, almost still, as he launched into mind-bending solos and haunting songs from his Live North America 2016 album. Clark’s lyrics and melodies sometimes strike at the heart of the soul. Combined with raging rhythm guitar and solos with heavy distortion, Clark is one artist to watch. Talk about talent and a style all his own. His new single, “Come Together” by the Beatles, was the standout closing number before the master appeared.
And by the master, I mean, of course, the great Eric Clapton.
Some claim that Eric Clapton is a subdued performer. I see him as an artist who is less focused on putting on an act than he is on performing wonderful music. Watching Eric Clapton play is, among other things, to witness his interconnection with music. You can see it on his face—genuine relaxation into the music, instead of consciously putting on a performance. Isn’t that a true gift to be privy to that personal experience? I think it is.
Like Gary Clark Jr., Clapton appeared on stage with a brief “hello” to the audience, and didn’t say much. The crowd didn’t need him to talk because Clapton’s performance was all about the music, outstanding guitar playing, expert musicianship from the band, and songs most knew and loved.
Strat in hand, Clapton opened with, “Somebody’s Knockin’.” With two talented back up vocalists, the sound was rich, full-bodied. “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” was the next crowd pleaser before the beloved, “I Shot The Sheriff.”
Now the entire crowd was singing along with Clapton and his band of stellar musicians. Back up vocalists, Sharon White and Sharlotte Gibson, introduced a gospel feel to this tune and others.
Watching one of the greatest guitarists of all time, with his trademark tone, combined with the oh-so-recognizable riffs and solos, nearly knocked me off my feet. Close your eyes and listen to Clapton play a solo on, for example, “Stormy Monday.” You know it’s him. He’s a beautiful player, smooth, and soulful in his own way. Unlike anyone else.
By the time Clapton played, “Driftin’ Blues” I couldn’t help but wonder about the news of his medical condition, the rumor about this possibly being his last tour. Perhaps that enhanced the power of the concert for me. I kept thinking, “This is history.”
Clapton then downshifted into an acoustic set, complete with his Martin acoustic, Eric Clapton Signature model, of course. And I could see that signature on the fretboard because of the floor-to-ceiling video screens behind him with consistent close-ups on his hands playing that guitar.
“Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” was next, a song I’d watched Clapton perform countless times on video over the last few years. No one does this tune like Clapton. His acoustic version of “Layla” followed, a lovely rendition of the hit song.
Chris Stainton’s piano solos were pieces of exquisite music in and of themselves. This guy is that good. Stainton traded solos with Clapton and the equally gifted, Walt Richmond, on Hammond organ. Bassist, Nathan East, is also in the gifted category but not just on bass but with vocals as well. Drummer, Steve Gadd, provided a beat and rhythm rivaled by few.
The acoustic set, performed by a seated Clapton and seated band, included, “Tears in Heaven,” a heartfelt nod of respect to his late son. It had a slight reggae feel this time around, and to see Clapton play this live (for a second time) still moved me. With it, came a mellow hue to the the evening.
An invigorating, “White Room” by Cream, blasted the start of the final electric set. Bassist, Nathan East, took on the Jack Bruce vocal parts and did the song justice. This tune introduced fiery energy once again into the show. The pace of the show was well orchestrated as the softer acoustic set didn’t loom over the breakout third act.
Clapton played and sang a very moving “Wonderful Tonight” and then launched into the rocking, “Cross Road Blues” by Robert Johnson. Clapton seemed to be really enjoying himself on this song.
A blistering “Cocaine” closed out the final set, with many people around me dancing, hands in the air. Gary Clark Jr. and Jimmie Vaughan joined the band for the encore, “Before You Accuse Me.”
An extraordinary night of live music it was. The venue was filled with awe and respect for a musician who has made an indelible mark on blues and rock history.
I welcome your comments.
You are such a cool sagacious wordsmith,so good that review sings of rock
Marcus,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it.
You are a most fortunate person. EC and I have crossed many roads throughout the last 49 years of my life. I have moved heaven and earth several to make all of his Houston engagements. His unique feel for the music he performs lives in a rich and deeply personal place in me. Thanks for the review, and the jams. Of course, I regret missing it, but nothing will get me that far from Texas. Here I am real….like the sound of EC!
Joy,
Thank you for your comment. I feel incredibly lucky to have seen him live. You are very fortunate as well to have seen Eric Clapton so many times in Texas. I understand what you mean when you say that his unique feel for the music lives in a rich and deeply personal place in you. You are so welcome. Love it–real, like EC.
Saw Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans in 1978 and again in 1994 at the House of Blues in New Orleans (unplugged) where I ran into Kiefer Sutherland in the bathroom of all places. Two great shows! Kiefer Sutherland & I were trashed! It was quite funny, the two of us chatting in a restroom with Dwight (House of Blues). Two really great nights, but his timing was off in 1978 1994 show he was spot on! Thanks for the review and videos!
Tom, Clapton and Muddy Watters- what a show that must have been! Great story about you and Sutherland. Thank you for sharing it here.
You’re welcome!
beautiful
:-)
3rd time seeing my musical hero (along with the late great SRV). Eric is THE MAN ! Flew in from Texas with my bestie. Wouldn’t have missed it, especially with rumors flying that it may be his last. Even with the on set of neuropathy, he is still the master of guitar. I was hoarse the next day from singing along and screaming. To begin with Jimmie Lee and sandwich in Gary Clarke Jr. Was the icing on a perfect cake. God bless Eric Clapton. I hope there is still another tour left in him.
Becky,
Thanks for your comment.That’s awesome that you flew in from Texas with your best friend. You said it–even with the neuropathy, he’s still the master of guitar. lol–you must have screamed a lot! It was a great, great concert. I hope there’s another tour left in him too.
A long lasting admirer of Clapton since the days of Cream, he has certainly earned the greatest of respect for his “Slowhand” moniker , his time while with Riley in “Riding With The King” on to what is to me personally, the greatest respect to fellow musicians/songwriters, the annual “Crossroads” jam …
I hope to catch a live performance before “…, the sun is gonna shine on my guitar” …
Unfortunately the videos I’ve seen of the LA gig were poor, had a distant sound overlay and lacked clarity …
Thank you for a wonderful report …!
Frank,
Thanks for your comment. Nice description of Eric Clapton. I hope you get to catch a live performance of him too! You’re welcome!
Nice to hear your positive review of EC’s show. I saw a few bad reviews of his shows at MSG. Love EC. I am 61 and have muscular neuropathy and can’t imagine what it’s like for the 72 yr old guitar great. Thanks for your insight Martine ??
Brian,
Thank you. I saw those reviews too and I suspect most stemmed from a negative article in a major guitar magazine published March 2017. I noticed similar phrases.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with neuropathy. I hope it doesn’t limit your activities too much.
I can’t imagine what it must be like for Clapton– in his hands no less.
Thanks for your nice comment.
Thanks for a great review, Martine, you certainly set the scene well for this gig! I was inspired by this man back in the seventies to play guitar as a young teenager in northern England, and I just hope I will still be playing at his age (only 13 years to go). I didn’t realise Eric was going to do any more gigs so well done that man!
Thanks, Graham. That’s cool that you were inspired by Clapton back then and still are today. I’m sure you’ll continue playing way past his age!
Martine (I love your name!):
Your review of EC’s last concert in the US was excellent, and even though we saw him the first night, your review was spot-on, I agree with absolutely everything you described. Becky, my best friend (who’s already commented) and I made the trip to LA from El Paso, TX, because we’re huge fans of THE MASTER and we are apprehensive that we’ll not have another opportunity to witness this beloved virtuoso! This was the 6th time I’ve had the privilege to experience such wonderful performances since 1979, when he played here in El Paso! My heart aches that he’s got neuropathy in of all places, his hands! God willing, he’ll grace us with at least one more tour, but if not, I’m beyond grateful for having seen him last week! I was proud that fellow Texans, Jimmy Lee Vaughan and Gary Clark, Jr., so wonderfully warmed us up for an amazing & memorable evening!
Hi Patsy,
Thanks so much. It’s so cool that you and Becky came from TX to see EC. Six times– how lucky you are to have seen him that many times.
There’s all sorts of info flying around about EC touring, not touring, only doing small shows etc. Who knows. Let’s hope we have an opportunity to see him again.
I feel the same about the neuropathy in EC’s hands.
I’m also grateful to have seen him. It was an outstanding concert– including Gary Clark Jr. And Jimmie Vaughan.
Thanks for your comment!
I was at this final LA show, and everything you said is right. He played like a master, effortlessly and expressively, and it was magic.
Matt,
Thanks for your comment. Effortlessly is such a good word to describe EC’s playing. It was indeed a magical evening.
He’s the greatest. Period
I have been fortunate to have seen Clapton in several occasions. In the 90’s with Robert Cray and the Cream reunion at MSG to name a couple. Always a great artist.
September 18, 2017 was my first time
ever to see E.C… In my mind, “God”.
As described above in better words than I
can drudge up, He delivered. Yes, Vaughn
and Clark certainly added to my
excitement and blew my socks off, Mr.
Clapton treated my senses to classic
guitar demonstration, blistering licks, and
total showmanship. I’m still dazed. Thank
you, Eric.
This concert has a lasting meaning for
me. My wife Renee was recently
diagnosed with breast cancer and had just
finished 5 months of chemotherapy.
Although she doesn’t like “my music”, I
was given the green light to see Eric.
We are only in early stages of our experience with cancer but I like to think Renee gave me a gift, in return, for supporting her journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed what I had heard and
seen.
Thank you for listening.
Michael,
Thank you for sharing your experience. Clapton blew my socks off too, and not to diminish Gary Clark Jr or Jimmie Vaughan because the were great too. You described Clapton’s licks well.
I’m really sorry to hear about your wife’s breast cancer. You’ve both been through a lot and I send you both my very best wishes for her complete and speedy recovery.
I’ve enjoyed seeing him perform here in Michigan, what was best for me was i introduced his music to my children at a very early age. And also having Wonderful Tonight for my Wedding song.
Best to EC and his family. And Thank You for what you do for others!!
David,
Thanks for letting us know about his concert in Michigan and that you introduced his music to your kids. That’s just wonderful. And so is the wedding song.