BLUES N'AT

Mrs. Black-N-Gold continues her review of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival that was recorded live at MSG in New York City last April. Today she is listening to disc #2. This disc starts off with a rollicking version of "Congo Square" by Sonny Landreth with some tasty guitar licks courtesy of Derek Trucks. This is one of Mrs. Black-N-Gold's favorites. Yum. Next up is John Mayer and Doyle Bramhall II channeling Stevie Ray Vaughan on "Change It", another fave. Speaking of SRV, his brother Jimmie follows with "Ooh-Ooh-Ooh". It's nice to hear from Jimmie. We don't hear him enough. Derek Trucks is back for more with a fellow named Blake Mills, a young songwriter-guitarist from California. They perform a lovely rendition of the Drifters' "Save the Last Dance for Me". Los Lobos make an appearance with a ripping "Don't Worry Baby". Now it's time to get a little bit country with Vince Gill doing "I Ain't Living Long Like This". Gill gets an assist from English guitarist Albert Lee, of all people. They certainly mix well, rocking this one up a bit. Next is blues icon Taj Mahal giving us a case of the "Diving Duck Blues" with Keb' Mo'. Way to bring the blues! Gary Clark Jr. keeps the blues rollin' with his original "When My Train Pulls In".  Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck provides an instrumental interlude with the Irish song "Mna Na Heireann". The strings in this song are phenomenal. Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, and Derek Trucks are back from more with a beautiful version of Neil Young's "The Needle and the Damage Done". They follow that up with the Allman Bros' fave "Midnight Rider". Then Clapton steps back into the spotlight and brings special guest Keith Richards with him for a trip down memory lane with "Key to the Highway". This trip just mesmerizes the listener. Welsh guitarist Andy Fairweather Low, a veteran of the London blues scene in the 60s, joins Clapton for some "Gin House Blues". Another highlight for Mrs. Black-N-Gold. Clapton goes solo after this. He breaks out the rocking "Got to Get Better in a Little While" from his latest effort. He closes it out with the Cream classic "Sunshine of Your Love". This brings down the house on a 2-disc set that is worth every penny. If you didn't get to the Crossroads Festival, this is like being right there at the Crossroads. Until next time, boys and girls. Keep it bluesy!