BLUES N'AT

Eric Clapton's latest CD, Old Sock, is an example of the vast array of music that has influenced Slowhand in his 68 years. Clapton likes to spread himself around, musically, with blues, reggae and even some standards. He gathers an impressive list of guest stars on this album from Paul McCartney to J.J. Cale, from Taj Mahal to Chaka Khan. There is even an assist from his former Blind Faith band mate Steve Winwood as well as his young daughters, Julie, Ella and Sophie singing backup. Clapton is in a mostly mellow mood. There's a cover of Cale's Angel with it's mellow vibe and elegant guitar. EC keeps the easy listening going with a cover of Folks Who Live On The Hill. He puts the rock in this CD with Gotta Get Over, one of two new tunes. Then Clapton goes a little bit country with Born To Lose. He gets his blues on with a cover of Gary Moore's Still Got The Blues. Let's face it, though, EC's days of recording scorching guitar solos are a thing of the past. These days he's happy to have the guitar as a melodious accompaniment. However, Clapton likes to wear his musical influences on his sleeve and on Old Sock, they fit him like a glove.