Record Reviews

ERIC CLAPTON ~ NOTHING BUT THE BLUES REPRISE 093624906452 (Barcode: 093624906452) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1994 Released: 2022 Almost thirty years after the filming the documentary “Nothing But The BluesFind albums with this title” in 1994, which tells the story of British guitar superstar Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and his affiliation with Blues Music, capturing his live performances at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, the soundtrack and the film are finally released on CD, DVD and other formats for us to enjoy. The CD presents seventeen Blues classics, performed by a band, which includes, in addition to Clapton on guitar and vocals, also guitarist Andy Fairweather LowFind albums by this artist, harmonica player Jerry PortnoyFind albums by this artist, pianist Chris StaintonFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave BronzeFind albums by this artist, drummer Andy NewarkFind albums by this artist and the Kick HornsFind albums by this artist horn section. There are no surprises herein, which is to be expected. Clapton feels like a fish in the water within the Blues idiom and his deep love of the music is evident all the way through. His vocals are steady and strong and his guitar work is as genuine as they come. Most of the material is close to the Blues tradition, more Blues than Blues-Rock, which finds Clapton reverting almost thirty years back in time to his legendary stint with John MayallFind albums by this artist. The sound is somewhat a bit too dense for a true Blues experience, and a smaller lineup might have served the purpose more accurately, but let’s be honest, Clapton is a Master of the Trade and his understanding of the Blues is truly astounding, which guarantees complete satisfaction to his many fans and followers. Overall, this is a feast to Blues and Blues-Rock lovers the world over, with the right man in the right place to make sure everything works like clockwork. A bit too loud for me, but hay, I must be getting old... Enjoy!

Updated: 23/12/2022Posted: 23/12/2022

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

MUDDY WATERS ~ I`M READY (EXPANDED EDITION) EPIC 515162 (Barcode: 5099751516224) ~ USA ~ Blues Recorded: 1977 Released: 2004 By the end of the 1970s Blues Emperor Muddy WatersFind albums by this artist, the man who modernized and reinvented the Blues decades earlier by composing numerous of the genre´s standards performed the world over, decided to revitalize his sound, his band and his career. The meeting between Waters and his admirer, Texan guitar virtuoso Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist, led to a successful cooperation, which lasted for several years. Winter joined the Waters band and became his producer, creating a series of incredible electric Blues albums, which rank among the best material ever recorded, of which this is the second. The cooperation proved extremely fruitful to both Waters and Winter, as both benefited from each other strength: Waters finally had a superb backup band, which was the best vehicle for his incredible compositions and Winter found the ideal setting to play the music he always loved with plenty of space to express his immense talent. Apart from Waters and Winter the band included also harmonica players Jerry PortnoyFind albums by this artist and Big Walter HortonFind albums by this artist, pianist Pinetop PerkinsFind albums by this artist, additional guitarist Jimmy RogersFind albums by this artist, bassist Bob MargolinFind albums by this artist and drummer Willie SmithFind albums by this artist. This is a true classic Blues album by any standard, alive and kicking as if it was recorded yesterday, with everything any lover of the genre should enjoy: great tunes, superb vocals and incredible guitar work – in short a must!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend