I didn't study music, I don't analyze, trying to figure out if it was hard to play, whether it requires talent or not. Whatever Eric Clapton plays just sounds right to me. Sounds like music. Sounds like he has a gift.
When you say to someone show me how you really feel? How can you do that with actions? But you put an instrument in their hands and you can hear how they feel and that’s that’s what we adore about musicians. Their frustrations, their challenges, their emotions all put into their music and sound.
There are several comments asking about what this concert is, so here is everything I know about it plus some context. I hope this is helpful to some, and I'm grateful for the positive comments it has received so far. Eric Clapton's favourite venue to play at is the Royal Albert Hall in London. He used to do big blocks of concerts there and still plays there regularly. In 1989 (when I first saw him) he did 12 nights. Unusually for a series of rock concerts, he decided have two different band line-ups. Some of the concerts were of a four-piece band, with Phil Collins on drums. The others were officially an eight-piece line-up with no second guitarist, but on the night I went (and I believe the other nights too) Mark Knopfler made it up to a nine-piece, though there is no mention in the concert program of him being in the band. In 1990 EC did 18 nights there and in 1991 he did 24 nights. For these two concert series he decided to be even more ambitious by having four different line-ups: A four-piece; A nine-piece; A blues band (I went to one), in which several big names from blues history played alongside him; A band with orchestra, with Michael Kamen conducting the National Philharmonic Orchestra. At least one concert of each of those line-ups was filmed, two of which have been leaked (links included further down) and this video is from one of them. No full concert from those runs has been officially released as audio or video. A snapshot with a few numbers from each line-up was released on the live album/DVD 24 Nights. The title is misleading because it did not only feature recordings from the 24 nights of 1991 but also drew from the 18 nights of 1990 as well. More details are on the Wikipedia page for the album: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Nights Michael Kamen worked in various musical capacities, most notably as a film composer. He wrote the scores for films such as Highlander, Lethal Weapon and Die Hard. He orchestrated for many artists including Queen (Who Wants to Live Forever), Pink Floyd (Comfortably Numb), David Bowie and others. He first worked with EC when EC played guitar on Kamen's theme from the 1985 BBC TV drama series Edge of Darkness. They decided to collaborate again for the 1990/91 series of concerts at the RAH. Kamen arranged orchestra parts for several songs from EC's set list, and they played some of Kamen's music, including his theme to Edge of Darkness which is included on 24 Nights. EC's concerts at other venues during this period opened with a recording of Kamen's orchestral introduction played at these concerts, which incorporates some themes from EC's songs such as Layla. An example is in this bootleg recording from a New York concert in 1990, and there are other examples on RU-vid too: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VDF4Ns9WRzY.html The video this thread is all about is an extract from Kamen's Concerto for Electric Guitar and Orchestra, from the the concert used for the 24 Nights CD/DVD on 9th February 1990. EC doesn't read music, so much of what he played is improvisation, although Kamen guided him on certain things he wanted. There is no official release of this concerto with EC as soloist (it was not included on 24 Nights) but Kamen did record it with Japanese guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei, released on CD in 1998. Michael Kamen died in 2003. More information about him is available on Wikipedia here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kamen The full show that this extract comes from is here (and I disagree with the date of the concert the poster has given it): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ly91wz5Cv70.html A good-quality audio recording of one of the orchestra nights (a different night to this video) is available in two parts here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oMj9PPnlCyA.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-U2CPDMWRfws.html The full-length video (of similar quality to this video) of the four-piece concert used for the 24 Nights CD/DVD (with a guest appearance by Phil Collins in the encore) has found its way out unofficially and is available in two parts here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RScXBBerByI.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ey5k0J982a8.html Eight songs from the blues night performance used on the 24 Nights album/DVD is available here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YVe9KEzKzWY.html Three of the eight songs in this video are on 24 Nights, but does not include Hoodo Man which is also on the album. I am not aware of any available video recordings of full blues band or nine-piece shows. I'm sure they exist and hopefully one day they will find their way out onto the Internet in the way the orchestra and four-piece filmed concerts have. Here is an interview in which EC talks about playing at the RAH over several decades, and how he wanted to give the audiences who keep coming back something different to what they saw last time. He talks about how the 18/24 nights of 1990/91 remain the most ambitious thing he has done to achieve that intention. He seems surprised now that they pulled it off. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-i6vFo6nkQQE.html Edit - May 2023: There is a deluxe edition of 24 Nights scheduled for release in June 2023 consisting of six CDs and three DVDs. Clearly they have rightly decided to release a lot more of what was recorded for these concerts. Excellent news! I will be rewriting the relevant parts of my comment in the light of this release.
Just reminding everyone: The orchestra and even Nathan East (bass) and Ray Cooper (percussionist w/sunglasses), who are regulars with EC to this day, are all reading the music. Eric is improvising. He just hears the music and is able to put what he hears in his head onto the fretboard with great imagination and feeling. That is mastery of an instrument and becoming one with it. Very powerful video. And the look on his face at the end tells me even he was amazed at how good it was. His face kind of said' "Oh, my God, that was awesome and we actually pulled it off!." You don't see EC as joyful as this very often anymore. Thanks for posting, and yes, it must be from that Journeyman period. He is killing it here. Great to see.
you need to know if not already he is suffering from a neurological problem that affects and has effected his ability to perform as he used to and this pains him greatly both physically and emotionally. thanx, for your interpretation of this event. one who loves eric clapton dearly and deeply as well as long long time 40ish years. sldclovesepclovessldc SLDC out
I do know that. Just read a lot about it this week and it's a shame. Most of us who play an instrument (particularly as a professional, like myself) can identify with the problems that can manifest themselves after many years of playing. In his case, hard playing, touring, and physically demanding situations over a 55+ year career. It catches up to many but not all. Keith Richards' hands look like old gnarled tree branches but he still can play like he has for about 60 years. Some- times it's just in the genes, too, whether it will happen or not. I love EC and his body work will stand as monumental as far as this fan is concerned.
Yes, he is suffering, and it breaks my heart not only for the fact he may not play live much anymore, but for him, personally, and the pain that he is suffering. It's hell getting older as I am living that now, but to have this happen to Eric is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to him
Larry thanks for naming the percussionist, I saw EC live years ago andRay Cooper weas with him, you could see he was having a blast playing in that band with EC!
I think this performance deserves to be made into an anthem. Its like a perfect fusion of classical music and rock 'n roll. The melody, the taste and the emotion into Clapton's playing are just superbly brilliant..
Music himself reached in and caressed that boy in the womb. Blessed him with something special. And then made sure he had just enough pain in his life to have the fire in his soul for the outlet of the gift
OMG, I can't believe I"ve only heard this for the first Time. Magnificent........ Truly the Honorable, the Humble, privileged Clapton could only perform with a full orchestra like that. listening again Clapton fan 63 yrs old 1st...Cuto's To the Orchestra for making this recording possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Perfect at the end nothin but smiles....
Just so amazing in concert. First time seeing him was in 1978 with Muddy Waters opening. The From The Cradle Tour was, hands down, one of my favorites. ALL covers of his blues influences. He didn't do ANY of his own music. Truly God like!! Seen him 8 times live, the last one with Roger Daltery opening. Took my son to that one. Simply one of the greatest to EVER strap a guitar on!! Long live Clapton.
Outstanding artistry ~ Beautiful unison ~ Enduring attire ~ Landed every detail ~ Eric Clapton is Ludwig van Beethoven of our time. "Bless your heart" for sharing your gift.
Eric Clapton plays what he feels. Sometimes so raw. You can't teach this part of music. That's why some of greats liked to play with him. He doesn't have to be perfect. You just let HIM PLAY!!!!!!
Freddy Buggenhout The Moody Blues did such an awesome job with orchestra. I saw Moody Blues live in 1978 and they played with and without an orchestra. But most of rock is better off indeed without it.
in 1969, yeah, I'm just that old, I paid $1.50 at The Whisky on The Strip to see a band called "The Cream". I was devastated by them and being a fledgling guitarist I was in love with Clapton's playing & remain so to this day. I have seen this performance but it never gets old. I do but the music I love? Never. Thanks so much for the post.
One of my all time favorites, Jimi-esque shows he can play anything with anybody....modern day Mozart and modest to boot, Jimi, Dylan and Clapton....we're all lucky to have walked the Earth while they were passing thru
Vai is good. I have a lot of respect for him but he wishes he could play like Clapton. I heard Vai in an interview that he can't get Clapton's unique tone. When Vai teaches about vibrato, he also mentions Clapton as "the goal you want to strive for with vibrato".
If you were to ask EC, he's very likely to say, Oh no. Jeff Beck is probably the greatest guitarist that I've ever known personally. But then there's that Billy Gibbons fella down in Texas." He's stated on many occasion that he feels JB is the best that he's ever known and is amazed at Gibbon's style and riffs. Suffice it to say, the man is humble.
When I was in college in September 1970 someone came to with an album and said listen to this, this is the greatest guitar player on the planet. This guy is so fast, like lightning. It was Clapton before anyone knew who he was!!! Simply Amazing!!!!!
@@rafterman5072 What about Derreck and the dominoes ? Long time ago, I think that was him as well. Not sure before Yardbirds, though.Think there was something.
@@roybean7166 Yeah, Clapton was with Derrick and the Dominoes at the beginning of the 1970s. Clapton was also briefly with The Roosters and John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers at the beginning of the 1960s. I think the phrase "Clapton is God!" was coined when Clapton was with the Bluesbreakers and not Cream.
What an overwhelming, phenomenal, un-earthly performance! It hits right into the emotion centre of the soul, what a bliss! May you live forever, sir Clappo!
Amazing talent ......tranquilising imagination....emotion in space ! Eternal bliss in chaotic Oblivion . Thanks to such a great musician belting out bullets everytime he picks up the guitar !
anyone who can play a complicated concerto, learning it in only a short time, is a brilliant talent and nothing anyone says can take that away from Eric Clapton!
He is a favorite of mine he literally played with all different artist and he is still the best artist ever I think it’s just beautiful what he can do for years!!! Ageless professor to all in the area of rock and roll I rest my peace
It's so amazing how so many people analyze a musician's talent based on & ignoring the technical qualities of the concert or of the era. Or nasty things have to be said at all. I like the description "quickest, cleanest & most melodic". The beautiful melodies that come out of his soul are almost immeasurable in quality. They've lent themselves well to all genres of music he's played & composed. Nobody ever talks about his compositions HE wrote, lyrics & voice. I'm so glad he converted the world to southern Blues. Even has added beauty to that. I love how our Blues musicians admire & are grateful to him and VICE VERSUS. I love his humility. And a true maestro.
Colette Davis As a harp player of 35 yrs ive always loved the blues. Im 58 yrs old and have been listening to the blues since i was around 11 yrs old. Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Lonny Johnson, Howling Wolf, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Sonnyboy Williamson, Sonny Terry and so many more. And im a huge fan of Gospel Blues, especially Blind Willie Johnson. Check out The Glen Kaiser Blues Band, been listening to Glen Kaiser since the early 90's. BLUES RULES!!!
Heading to NYC tomorrow morning (10-07-18) to see him for the first time. Saw the Beatles in 1966 in Washington, this should be just as spectacular for my wife and myself. Joe W. Crofton, Maryland
I have been listening to music for a long time but I do not feel able to judge or compare guitarists' skills, also because I have always given priority to the quality of the music rather than the skill of the instrumentalists. A few years ago in Pesaro (Italy) witnessed a concert by Clapton that was very enthralling, beautiful music and great instrumentalists, it was a beautiful evening and remains in me a beautiful memory.
I only discovered this solo today thanks to youtube recommendations, even though I always loved Eric Clapton. His musicianship is fabulous. I have read a few posts criticising the title of the video stating that is was somehow a clickbait, but I am not sure I agree with that.Sometimes you hear a song , a concert, discover an album and play in loop, days after days and you say to your friends "this is the best album , I ever heard" and then 6 months after, you move on and listen to the next best thing. Same applies to movies , all of us ,for sure, in many occasions have said ' this is the best movie I ever seen' Best solo EVER is probably too enthusiastic but maybe that what's slowhand44dz feels. He is for sure a Clapton's fan given his pseudo. Anyway this solo is fantastic , this is the best piece of music I have listened to today. Tomorrow is another day , maybe the best piece of music I will listen to will be Mahavishnu Orchestra or a Beethoven sonata :) Peace and love.
Some people don't consider him the best, one thing for sure he's got to be the most versatile guitar player off all time. He's my G.O.A.T. I think he invented the 15, 20 minute guitar solo.
Everyone arguing about who was better during what show, please!! FYI Eric Clapton is a musical genius! And if you have taken the time to read his books or seek him out in interviews, he is KNOWN for knowing just when to chill back and let others shine when he plays with other top guitarists. It's his version of guitar code: knowing how and when to play and also when to let others shine. He knows when to rip, so please enjoy the master player, and let him show you something or two.
all my life I dream of having melody and a sense of banding and a gentle sound like you and I think my dream came true .. if my friends asked me who taught you to play the guitar .. I say Eric Patrick Clapton my teacher and the greatest role model .. now I have 35 years and I will listen to you while I am alive.. hello from Serbia 🤎❤🤍🧡💛💚💙💜
...no one can explain it ...but when you hit playback, he just sounds ....so great. Great ability to play in other guys ‘ bags......wanton Marsalis. ....crusaders....mike Kamen......j j Cale ... Albert Lee ......5 million blues guys........great stoned ... great drunk, though not every night...........great straight....... Great ear...great sound....great fluidity......great sense of time......great command. Great.
Excellent performance. With art I don't think there is any greatest. There is only subjectivity of the listener. I never heard any of the great guitarist ever say they were the greatest. Clapton is of course on of the greatest and always generous with his praise of other guitarists.
A workmate's daughter works in a hotel in Dorset where EC likes to come and stay two or three times a year and go walking in the Dorset countryside. She says he is very modest and unassuming. He certainly does not walk around with his chest puffed put giving it the big "I am". She has served him tea and coffee and taken things to his room etc. He's always polite and if you did not know who he was you would not look at him twice.
There is a real reason for it. When Clapton played in the blues breakers, when he broke a string, while he changed it the audience would start clapping slowly. A slow hand clap. The manager, Giorgio Gromelski, turned that into the nick name Slow hand. It didn't become part of the legend in America until much later
I listen to his playing almost daily. Due to an accident, I can no longer play, which makes me very sad. The sound of a guitar being played is so awesome. Played clean or being shredded by someone like Gilmore, Beck, May, Bonamasa, the sound is is like no other.
Wow, First time I saw this. How have I missed this over the last 50 something years. Crossroads 2004 is awesome also. Makes me feel like grabbing my Git!
I'm not here to proclaim any guitarist as the best, but consider Jimi Hendrix. In a career that lasted only four years, he revolutionized the guitar. I submit that Jimi died in his musical infancy. At the time he died, he was already branching out into other musical styles like jazz, fusion, flamenco ect. Had he lived, I think we would be listening to very different kinds of music today. There were many great guitarists in Hendrix time. Clapton who I love, Carlos santana who was identifiable by the playing of a single note. Richie Blackmore, Johnny winter, and many others who were not named in the comments below. All of them had the benefit of long careers, and for all those years are still basically playing the same way in the same style. That's all I have to say.
Clapton is one of my favorite guitarist, he plays with his soul. Im a blues harp player myself. I here the old bluesmen in his guitar; Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and many others with his own distinct and awesome style.
am writing a phrase in Latin: DE GUSTIBUS NON EST DISPUTANDUM that means ABOUT TASTES are NOT DISCUSSED... I read the comments for Eric solo and find it right that everyone has to express his thoughts. I think Eric has performed the solo so truly exceptional.
I thought the same thing, then of course everyone who will not or can not happen to be a critic... I liked it - was a great performance - yet, I'd abstain from even saying is the best Clapton instrumental, let alone guitar instrumental... but 'ill take the posters enthusiasm into account.
Despina Luigini It's funny how you can LITERALLY be Eric Clapton and some silly arse critic can come along and calmly let you know that you can't really play the guitar. I think what's annoying about these types of comments is that part of what makes art enjoyable is its inability to be understood, so when someone comes along and points at the hand stuck up Kermit's arse, you want them to shut up as you were enjoying the muppets perfectly happily before they came along.
There are some very great guitarists out there. One thing I gotta say on Clapton is. Others can make it roar, shout and scream. But, nobody can make it cry like Clapton can. Wonderful tonight is the best example I can give.
the man is a gifted genius, of course other legendary players could improvise and play their thing but I’m confident they’d all decline to play this note for note - why?!, - because of respect for Eric’s own creativity, and that by ear without a phd in music, he is very respectful of other players and that makes him a musician ie to play like this means he is listening to and playing along with the orchestra, unscripted, such petty jealousies amongst some folks on here but yet I’ll wager every guitar legend would shake his hand after hearing this and none of them are connected to the negatives on this post aka jealousy!
Clapton's Great but he ain't no Jimi. When Hendrix played it was effortless. People like Clapton have been trying to emulate him ever since. Even then I'd put Stevie Ray Vaughn second then Clapton. Clapton just doesn't have the same level of charisma as the other two. Maybe all the cocaine burned his adrenal glands out. Still love Clapton though but he really is a step down from Hendrix. But personal preference is everything. He is even considered the greatest instrumentalist of all time not just guitarist Jimi didn't need no Orchestra either, just pure Rock and Roll
Tbf Hendrix would have played with an orchestra at some point. You're right that preference is everything. I for one prefer Clapton over everyone. But i love them all.
The Blues Pentatonic Scale, which has the same relationship with the Major Pentatonic Scale as a Minor Key has with its relative Major Key, is on full display here... ...in fact, between the orchestral composition itself, and Clapton's soloing out front, this is nothing short of a Pentatonic Concerto Grosso. (I wish I had more info on this performance: I may be wrong, but to my eyes, the conductor appears to be the late Michael Kamen, a great and successful film-scorer, who was a Juilliard Grad, and a member of "The New York R 'n' R Ensemble" at the same time that Clapton was in "Cream.")
This is why Eric Clapton is a lot more famous than Yngwie Malmsteen or any other "fast hands" guitarists out there. EC is just loved by millions and millions around the world, fellow guitarists, guitar fans or non-guitarists fans. His music and playing style and skills is all about feelings and soul...:)
Ray Cooper must have the best. most persistent agent in the biz. He is in EVERY on of these big shows; tribute, benefit, all star jams. I mean - he's playing a damn tambourine LOL!
Yeah, but he plays the sh*t outta that tambourine! Check out the solo shows he did with Elton John thru the years if u have the time. Just a man on piano and an insane percussionist!
I agree completely and totally get why people are naturally drawn to particular styles and musical genres , as a guitarist I must say I love all individual that time
Amen brother. Every guitarist is unique in their own way and style. Is Clapton "better" than Hendrix? How can you compare them? You can't. Just listen and enjoy. We are not judges.
It's a shame these Orchestral Nights got a full official release, I remember taping them off the radio for my own enjoyment. Beautiful stuff, RIP Michael Kamen
Nos tenemos que arrodillar ante el. Hace a todo y para todos. Esa manita lenta que le dio la providencia nos sorprendió a todos. Y sigue. Muchas gracias por tu música Eric. Thanks. Un abrazo desde Sevilla. España
People complaining that this is "nothing special" and "not a difficult piece to play" are absolute idiots. I bet none of them can play half as good as clapton can. Yes, maybe there are more complex pieces available to play however, the way clapton plays this is truly unbelievable. His touch is so meaningful and his notes are so clean. If you really know anything about music you will appreciate genius when you hear it.
I agree with those who say it's easy to play this, but that's because it's easy to copy. What I agree with you here is that none of them can play half as good as he can, because it's all about the phrasing and expression of the playing. Being able to play something is one thing, but being able to stand out doing it is another - clapton has it, and many here don't.
Bo Nichlas Westerby if they were half as good as Clapton they would be celebrities making millions instead of trolling on you tube. That's how far ahead Clapton is from the rest
Yes, Clapton shows he can play extremely well, very clean notes, excellent vibrato and bending skills, and most importantly, well chosen lines and notes. Not every guitarist can improvise with an orchestra and sound so good. I'd rather hear Clapton's nice melodies and phrases, than hear a run of 32nd notes that sound like they come from a machine.
Agree totally which is why I listed the 5 other guitarists above that are at least equal (I think better than Clapton, but for the same reasons). At least 2 of them could play equally well with complete orchestras, similar to Bela Fleck on banjo.
Its impossible to rate the best guitarists numerically. However, Clapton is definitely in the top 5 mainly for two reasons: 1. No other guitarist puts more emotion in their playing, and 2. He is the most versatile guitarist I've seen. He can play with anybody and make them sound amazing.
Greatness!!! inspired so many that came after him folks don't discount the incredibly talented guitarist since and even today Don't stop listening rock is great and Eric's the king
What is it about this that chokes me up? The undertone from the cello in that long intro hits you in the solar plexus and makes you yearn for something and you just don't know what. Tremendous combination with the orchestra. Wow
