BLUES N'AT

Mrs. Black-N-Gold recently purchased the 2 CD set for Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival that was recorded last April at Madison Garden in NYC. Clapton stages this festival every few years to help raise money for his Crossroads rehab facility. And he always brings out the biggest guns for this gig, too. The first CD kicks off with a Clapton tune that never gets old to Mrs. Black-N-Gold, the haunting "Tears in Heaven". Considering the personal nature of the song's content, it always feels as if Clapton is baring his soul to the listener. The next track is an old Clapton favorite, "Lay Down Sally", this time with bit of a country twang, courtesy of guest Vince Gill. Then the CD takes a decidedly Stax-y feel thanks to Booker T & Co on "Green Onions".  This is always a great guitar tune. Next up is a fellow named Kurt Rosenwinkel. I must admit, I wasn't familiar with his work as he's a jazz guitarist and Mrs. Black-N-Gold usually keeps her head buried in the blues and rock-n-roll. It was definitely a change-of-pace and certainly otherworldly. The jazz continued to flow with a gentleman named Earl Klugh. He shared two of his original compositions, "This Time" and "Mirabella". Both were very smooth and melodic. Robert Cray followed with "Great Big Old House". Cray has been on the blues circuit for many years and has played with Clapton several times. He doesn't get nearly the recognition that he deserves. Next was Clapton's right hand man of late, Doyle Bramhall II with young blues gunslinger Gary Clark Jr. They dueled on Muddy Waters' "She's Alright" one of Mrs. Black-N-Gold favorite tracks on this CD. DBII next jams with Citizen Cope on "Bullet and a Target", one of Cope's originals. It has a reggae vibe to it. Something for everyone on this CD, I tell ya.  Then, out steps John Mayer for one of his songs, "Queen of California". A lot of people give Mayer grief because of his pop background. But, the guy does have chops. He and Keith Urban follow up with a scorching version of the Beatles' "Don't Let Me Down". Gary Clark Jr is back for more with his tune, "Next Door Neighbor Blues". It sounds like something that would be right at home back in the day with some very impressive guitar work here. The penultimate song on CD 1 features one of the ultimate, all-time bluesmen, Mr. Buddy Guy telling the listener, "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues". Right on, Buddy! The CD finishes with Clapton and the Allman Brothers Band jamming to the Derek & the Dominoes show stopper, "Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad". I wear my love for all things Clapton, Derek & the Dominoes & Allman Brothers Band on my sleeve with pride. This does not disappoint. Man I wish I could have been there. This 2 CD set is the next best thing. I'll review the second disc next time. Mrs. Black-N-Gold has to go smoke a cigarette after this one! Until next time boys and girls, keep it bluesy!