Eric Clapton and The Wallflowers

I have been a fan of Eric Clapton for most of his 50+ year career and this was the 8th time that I have seen him live. This was the best show that I have ever attended except for one thing - the stage lights were like being in a police station for a 5th degree interrogation. They flashed in my and probably thousands of peoples' eyes so brightly that it made it almost impossible (and very painful) to get a look at the stage for more than 90% of the time. Thankfully, there were movie screens on both sides of the stage that showed the action (including close-ups of Eric's and other's hands during solos).

The music was delightful! He played the same set as when they were in Jacksonville the week before (see http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403251/tom-szaroleta/2013-03-27/concert-review-half-century-his-career-eric-claptons). Eric was magnificent as he played the entire time (two hours and ten minutes) sharing lead guitar duties with Doyle Bramhall II (great lead parts, especially slide on "Tell the Truth") and singing duties with Paul Carrack, who sang blues standards while playing Hammond organ to give Eric's voice a rest. Another great addition to Eric's standard band (Willie Weeks on base, Steve Jordan on drums, and Chris Stainton on piano) was Greg Leisz, who did great slide guitar parts on Clapton's ballads as well as for "Black Cat Bone".

Clapton's guitar playing continues to improve as highlighted by the new intros and finales he added to his great repertoire and his voice continues to improve each time I have seen him play. Doyle Bramhall plays lead parts that are very similar to Clapton original parts with slide work that Duanne Allman would have played. Both have achieved tone that matches exactly with the tunes they played.

If you get a chance, catch Eric at the "Crossroads Festival" in Madison Garden mid-month. The DVD's that he puts out in this concert series are great!