The release of the 4-CD box set CROSSROADS is the perfect package to commemorate Eric Clapton's first 25 years of making music. Starting out as a blues purist with the like-minded Yardbirds, Clapton left after the band moved in a decidedly more pop direction. He began an apprenticeship under John Mayall. Encouraged to indulge in his love for the songs of Freddie King ("Hideaway") and Robert Johnson ("Ramblin' On My Mind") among others, Clapton metamorphosed into a guitar god after forming Cream with two of Mayall's sidemen, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. These three virtuosos set the bar for the classic power trio line-up and in the process redefined rock music and introduced unprecedented levels of improvisational freedom within songs such as "Crossroads." Post-Cream, Clapton took his godhead status into the supergroup Blind Faith before becoming a sideman with Delaney & Bonnie ("Comin' Home"). Using their back-up band on his solo debut led to the formation of Derek & The Dominos. This unit's synergy allowed Clapton to unleash all his accumulated creative might amidst the throes of personal unrest yielding the epic "Layla." Later, Clapton reinvented himself as a mellow singer-songwriter. CROSSROADS covers all this history and includes extensive liner notes by Anthony.
Recording information: Decca West Hampstead Studios (??/1963-09/1987); Fla (??/1963-09/1987); IBC studios (??/1963-09/1987); Olympic Studios, London, England (??/1963-09/1987); R.G.Jones Studio, Surrey, England (??/1963-09/1987); Wessex Studios (??/1963-09/1987).
Photographers: Joseph Sia; David Gahr; Bob Gruen; Richard Aaron; Vinnie Zuffante; Paul Natkin; Barry Wentzell; Anastasia Pantsios; Don Paulsen.
Arrangers: Derek & the Dominos; Eric Clapton; Carl Radle.
Personnel: Eric Clapton (vocals, guitar, dobro); Bobby Whitlock (vocals, guitar, piano, organ, keyboards); Steve Winwood (vocals, guitar, piano); Albert Lee (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Steve Stills, Delaney Bramlett, George Terry, Peter Tosh, Stephen Stills (vocals, guitar); John Mayall (vocals, harmonica, piano, organ); Keith Relf (vocals, harmonica); Jack Bruce (vocals, piano); Greg Phillinganes (vocals, keyboards); Phil Collins (vocals, drums, snare drum, percussion); Ginger Baker (vocals, drums, timpani); Marcy Levy (vocals, tambourine); Chuck Kirkpatrick, John Sambataro, Jerry Allison , Katie Kissoon, Nathan East, Rita Coolidge, Shaun Murphy, Sonny Curtis, Tessa Niles, Yvonne Elliman, Tom Bernfield, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Bramlett (vocals); Chris Dreja, Dave Mason, Duane Allman, Jesse Ed Davis , Robbie Robertson, Ron Wood, Ry Cooder, George Harrison (guitar); Felix Pappalardi (viola, piano, Mellotron); Michael Brecker, Bobby Keys (saxophone); Jim Price, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker (trumpet); Dave Bargeron (trombone); Albhy Galuten (piano, synthesizer); Jim Gordon (piano, drums); Leon Russell (piano); Brian Auger (harpsichord); Dick Sims (organ, keyboards); Chris Stainton (keyboards, synthesizer); Gary Brooker, Alan Clark (keyboards); Jamie Oldaker, Jim McCarty , Andy Newmark, Roger Hawkins, Henry Spinetti, Hughie Flint (drums); Denny Piercey (bongos); Tex Johnson, Sergio Rodriguez, Ray Cooper (percussion).
Glyn Johns; Delaney Bramlett; Derek & The Dominos; Eric Clapton; Felix Pappalardi; Giorgio Gomelsky; Jim Harris; Jimmy Miller; Jon Astley; Albhy Galuten; Mike Vernon; Phil Collins; Rob Fraboni; The Yardbirds; Tom Dowd; Phil Spector; Carl Radle; Bill Levenson (Compilation)
(*) MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
Crossroads Music Review
Customer Crossroads Reviews
Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)
Music Mastery This collection shows one man's evolution through music and his bringing together elements of all facets that make rock music great. He has clearly enhanced the blues-rock legacy, and his style and determination are wonderful. There is not one single track, better than another, this is one collection you have to sit down with and play together, or at least some of thediscs should be done together. It is my favorite boxed set that I have ever ourchased. Submitted by steve (plano, tx, usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Woo hoo! Best Clapton compilation ever!!! I can remember running off to the music store on my 14th birthday to go and buy this boxed set. It's fantastic!!!!!!!! It's got it all - all the hits (up to 1988) and lots of previously unreleased material too. I've been listening to this for 18 years now and it still takes me back to my High School days - this boxed set is part of the soundtrack of my life! The blues is so authentic - you've got to check out "Mean Old World", "Got to Hurry", "Double Trouble" and "Lonely Years". The hits are so cool - "I shot the Sherriff", "Cocaine", "Layla" and "Forever Man".
If you're a Clapton fan and you don't have this boxed set - go get it now! It's essential listening!!! Submitted by James Richardson (Elizabeth, South Australia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
great all his best stuff Submitted by Scott (Walla,Walla,WA,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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