ERIC CLAPTON - ROYAL ALBERT HALL 2009 10TH NIGHT: DAT MASTER

BEANO-245 - 2 CD

Royal Albert Hall, London, UK 29th May 2009



Disc 1 (62:01)
1. Intro.
2. Goin' Down Slow
3. Key to the Highway
4. Anything for Your Love
5. Old Love
6. Got to Get Better in a Little While
7. Driftin' Blues
8. Three Little Girls
9. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
10. Lay Down Sally
11. Over the Rainbow

Disc 2 (61:41)
1. Badge
2. Little Queen of Spades
3. Before You Accuse Me
4. Wonderful Tonight
5. Layla
6. Cocaine
7. Cross Road Blues

Band Lineup:
Eric Clapton – guitar / vocals 
Andy Fairweather Low – guitar / vocals 
Chris Stainton– keyboards 
Tim Carmon – keyboards 
Willie Weeks – bass 
Steve Gadd – drums 
Michelle John – backing vocals 
Sharon White – backing vocals 


This particular night marked the 10th show of Eric Clapton’s 11-night residency at his hometown venue, the Royal Albert Hall. It was a crucial moment as the residency approached its grand finale. Fans who enjoyed the Japan Tour recordings should pay special attention to this release. First and foremost, it’s worth noting that the drummer had changed from Abe Laboriel Jr. to the incomparable Steve Gadd. When it comes to Clapton’s music, there’s no better fit than Gadd. With his absolute mastery, Clapton dramatically altered the setlist from the Japan Tour. Right from the opening number, it was evident. The surprise inclusion of “Going Down Slow,” not performed since the “Reptile Tour” in 2001, was a treat. Both this song and “Old Love” were played with arrangements reminiscent of the “Pilgrim Tour” in ’98. This can be attributed to the presence of Tim Carmon on keyboards during that period. Carmon’s synth solo on “Old Love” is magnificent, but equally noteworthy is the powerful performance of “Anything For Your Love,” which hadn’t been played since ’92, utilizing Carmon’s exceptional synth playing abilities.

One of the highlights of the night was the inclusion of the Dominos track “Got to Get Better in a Little While” and the rare acoustic number “Three Little Girls.” The former is an energetic song Clapton has been performing since 2004, often a highlight of the first half of his shows during the 2006-2007 tours. This particular rendition showcases Clapton’s exceptional solos and the exhilarating rhythm section of Willie Weeks and Steve Gadd, both renowned musicians in their own right. The latter is an original song by Clapton, featured on the 2006 studio album “Road to Escondido,” a long-awaited collaboration with his idol, J.J. Cale. “Three Little Girls” is a heartwarming number dedicated to Clapton’s daughters. This song was only performed on this particular night, adding to its rarity. The fact that this live rendition is only available on this recording adds to its value. Bringing back “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for the acoustic set finale, a song not performed since 2003, is also a refreshing surprise. Who would have expected it to be played at this point? (There’s a possibility it’s linked to the naming inspiration of the new instrumental track “Blue Rainbow,” debuted during this Japan Tour.)

The second half of the show takes a more traditional approach, allowing the audience to savor the carefully curated setlist. However, what makes this night truly exceptional is the rare appearance of Doyle Bramhall II for the last three songs. As the opening act for the residency, Doyle’s band, Arc Angel, had been personally selected by Clapton. This collaboration was either a token of appreciation from Doyle to Clapton or a result of Clapton’s invitation. Regardless, the performance of “Layla” with Doyle’s support carries the same passion as the original version. Since Doyle only joined for the final shows of the residency, experiencing this unique stage is a must. This Royal Albert Hall performance, which took place after the Japan Tour, featured a changed drummer, significant alterations to the setlist, and the addition of Doyle, offering a distinct and captivating experience that is impeccably captured in this high-quality recording. As a representative source of Clapton’s energetic activities in 2009, we highly recommend adding this release to your collection.
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