Deluxe 2LP Edition with Gatefold Sleeve.
In 1990, Eric Clapton performed 18 nights at one of his favourite venues - the famous Royal Albert Hall in London. During the 18 run of shows Clapton performed with three different line-ups: a rock band, a blues band, and an orchestra. Eric returned to the same venue in 1991 with the same three line -ups and played a further 24 shows. The huge undertaking of rehearsing for performances of three distinctly different genres was made even more challenging by the line-up for the rock shows varying from 4, 9 or 13 band members.
Clapton has always played with superlative musicians, and these shows were no exception. The bands included Johnnie Johnson, Jimmie Vaughan, Chuck Leavell, Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes, Steve Ferrone, Ray Cooper, and Jerry Portnoy. Additionally, legendary special guests joined Clapton on stage: Phil Collins in the rock ensemble; Robert Cray, Buddy Guy and Albert Collins for the blues shows.
The Orchestral performances were arranged and conducted by Michael Kamen the highly regarded and successful composer who had worked with Clapton previously (Lethal Weapon, Edge Of Darkness). The set list included the epic 30 minute ‘Concerto For Guitar’ that Kamen composed especially for Clapton - released now for the first time.
Many of the performances in both years were filmed and recorded. The huge volume of audio and film material from the archive has been painstakingly restored and upgraded by Clapton’s team of Simon Climie (audio production and mixing), producer Peter Worsley (Slowhand at 70 and The Lady In The Balcony), and director David Barnard (The Lady In The Balcony).
This remarkable series of shows is finally given the release that they deserve. A full concert of each genre (Rock, Blues, Orchestral) has been assembled from the hours of material available and will be released on audio (CD, LP, digital) and with an accompanying film on Blu-ray and DVD.
The 14-song Blues set includes standards such as ‘Sweet Home Chicago, ‘Have You Ever Loved A Woman’, and ‘Key To The Highway’.
Track Listing:
Side One
1. Key To The Highway
2. Worried Life Blues **
3. Watch Yourself **
4. Have You Ever Loved A Woman**
Side Two:
1. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
2. Something On Your Mind
3. All Your Love (I Miss Loving)
4. Johnnie’s Boogie
Side Three:
1. Black Cat Bone
2. Reconsider Baby
3. My Time After A While
Side Four:
1. Sweet Home Chicago
2. Watch Yourself (Reprise)
All tracks have been remixed and the audio has been upgraded and remastered.
** (on 1991 CD release)
