Crossroads Guitar Festival Night 1 - Madison Square Garden 4/12/13

 

I wasn't going to go.  These big "event" shows always end up being a let down.  Take the Hall Of Fame Concerts a couple of years back...some pretty good performances and some yawns.  Against my better judgment I went ahead and bought an extra pair a co-worker had.  I caved. 

 

Not knowing who would play the first night was a little annoying but with a sense of anticipation the wife and I headed in to NYC to the World's Most Famous Arena (Rangers fan here) via the ever scuzzy LIRR.  This is my first trip after round 2 of renovations and I am less than excited by what I have seen.  Longer rows and more cramped seats.

 

 

The night started out promptly at 7:30 with the promised acoustic set from EC.  Nice mellow vibe and a few songs my wife knew and liked.  Some nice performances with Andy Fairwether-Low and Vince Gill made for a great start.  I was enthused.

 

Next up was Booker T.  A great set with guests Steve Cropper, Matt "Guitar " Murphy, Keb Mo and Alvin Lee.  Born Under A Bad Sign was pretty freakin' hot.

 

 

Robert Cray was up next and his set included the 86 years young King of the Blues Mr. B.B. King.  There couldn't have been a better pairing with Cray's tasteful, clean leads the perfect counter to Lucille's tone.  Clapton and Jimmy Vaughn joined them for a sit down, but not dull, version of Everyday I Have The Blues.  Good stuff folks...

 

 

I missed the beginning of Doyle Bramhall's set but got back to my seat in time to see some smokin' leads from both Doyle and guest Gary Clark Jr.  I am not a fan of Bramhall's style but his playing speaks for itself.

 

 

We got some jazz with a short set from Earl Klugh and then Kurt Rosenwinkle (new to me) with guest turns from Allan Holdsworth and Clapton.  Not my thing and a big energy killer for most of the MSG crowd.

 

 

Huge response for John Mayer.  Yawns from me.  I just don't get the appeal.  The Trio album was pretty good, but the rest leaves me bored.  Keith Urban closed the set with Mayer dueting on the Beatles Don't Let Me Down.  Ugh.

 

 

The King of Chicago Blues and the Baddest Mother Fucker in the World...Buddy Guy.  Great set with 14 year old prodigy Quinn Sullivan and pedal steel badass Robert Randolph.  Energy back.  Volume up.   Things are improving big time.



The headliner for night1 was The Allman Brothers Band.  I was pretty worried about Gregg's health after seeing them at the beach this past summer but those fears are in the past.  He sounded great and the band was smokin' hot.  After the opener DWYNK>Ain't My Cross To Bear.  The band brought out Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo from Los Lobos and Taj Mahal for Stateboro Blues.  Uh, more please.  Every time I see the guys from Los Lobos play with the Brothers or Gov't Mule I am blown away.  After a really jammy Black Hearted Woman Clapton came out for Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad.  The leads fired off between Derek Trucks and EC made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.  Just amazing. 

And then he walks off????  I was at the Beacon the second night he jammed with the Brothers a couple of years back and I expected more...that is I expected more songs!  A killer Whipping Post followed and the show was over

 

 

So the night ended up how I expected.  Some highlights, a few truly memorable performances and some let-downs.  As I said to my wife I am going to stick to the Brothers and Gov't Mule at the Beacon...they do the guest spot thing so much better.

 

Here's the set list as posted on PhilZone.com

 

Eric Clapton

1. Driftin' (with Steve Jordan & Willie Weeks)
2. Spider Jiving (with above & Andy Fairweather Low lead vocal, Doyle Bramhall II & Greg Leisz)
3. Tears in Heaven (with above and Chris Stainton)
4. Lay Down Sally (with above and Vince Gill)
5. Wonderful Tonight

Booker T, Steve Cropper, Blake Mills, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Keb Mo

1. Time is Tight
2. Hip Hug Her
3.Sleep Walk
4. Born Under a Bad Sign (with Keb Mo)
5. Green Onions (with Keb Mo)

Robert Cray, B.B. King, Jimmie Vaughn, Eric Clapton

1. Side Dish
2. Great Big Old House
3. Let the Good Times Roll (with B.B. King)
4. Sweet Sixteen (with B.B. King)
5. Everyday I Have the Blues (with B.B. King, Jimmie Vaughn & Eric Clapton

Sonny Landreth

1.

Doyle Bramhall II, Citizen Cope, Gary Clark Jr.

1. Green Light Girl
2. Cry
3. Bullet and a Target (with Citizen Cope)
4. Son's Gonna Rise (with Citizen Cope and Gary Clark Jr.)
5. She's Alright (with Gary Clark Jr.)

Philip Sayce

1. Steamroller

Earl Kugh, Al Turner

1.
2. This Time
3.

Kurt Rosenwinkle, Alan Holdsworth, Eric Clapton

1.
2. (with Alan Holdsworth)
3. If I Should Lose You (with Eric Clapton)
4. Way Down that Lonesome Road (with Eric Clapton)

Gary Clark Jr.

1. Next Door Neighbor Blues
2. Don't Owe You a Thing

John Mayer, Keith Urban

1. Who Says
2. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
3. Queen of California
4. Don't Let Me Down (with Keith Urban)

Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, Quinn Sullivan

1. Damn Right I've Got the Blues
2. Let the Door Knob Hit Ya
3. Slippin in
4. Outro music

Dan Akroyd, Keb Mo

1. Louisiana Blues>Got My Mojo Working

The Allman Brothers Band, Taj Mahal, Cesar Rosas, David Hidalgo, Eric Clapton

1. Don't Want You No More
2. It's Not My Cross to Bear
3. Statesboro Blues (with Taj Mahal, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo)
4. Black Hearted Woman
5. Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad? (with Eric Clapton)
6. Whipping Post

 

 

The pictures are from the Crossroads Facebook page.

Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck

It was a really good night at the Garden, really good. In fact at points it was great. I just wonder about how well these two guitar legends actually mesh when the play. More on that later though.

Jeff Beck hit the stage promptly at 8:00 so if you are going tonight get there on time. Jeff Beck is a monster player. His innovation and skills are beyond question. I "knew" a few cuts right away (Led Boots, Big Block, and of course the Beatles A Day In the Life) but others were unknown to me. That doesn't stop or limit the enjoyment. It was 45' of simply amazing playing. In particular Nessun Dormar with the mini orchestra was a stunning example of just how great a guitarist he is.

Eric Clapton came on at 9:15 and opened with a string of acoustic numbers. Driftin', Nobody Knows You, Runnin' On Faith (fabulous) and Rock & Roll Heart. Some in the crowd were a bit restless, but I like this side of EC. I've seen him do the hits shows before so a little change up is a good thing. Tell the Truth kicked off the electric portion of the set that saw a killer Little Queen of Spades lead into a crowd favorite ending (Cocaine). Nice tight hour of music.

Jeff joined Eric and his band right away and off into the "together" part of the show. Now you need to understand that this was not exactly a hits section but the playing was amazing and I quite enjoyed the song choices with the possible exception of Shake Your Money Maker. Moon River was absolutely gorgeous. Beck played the killer melody and Clapton sang his heart out on this standard. I am getting older and these standards more and more appeal to me. I think I am just catching up to what I have been missing.

During the blues numbers it becomes clear how different they are as guitarists. Clapton's bread and butter has and always will be the blues. Not so for Jeff Beck. When he plays the blues it seems to me that his great talent is not utilized to the fullest. It's not that he wasn't great, he was, I just prefer Clapton more when it comes the blues.

It was a good night and my son really enjoyed it. It does highlight for me the difference between the two. As good as Beck is I rarely pop on one of his albums. Blow by Blow once in a while, Truth and Beck-Ola more often...but then again those two are more "traditional" band albums. No knock on Jeff Beck and I love seeing him live, but at home it's gonna be Clapton alone more often than Beck alone.

18 February 2010 - Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck

Madison Square Garden
New York, NY

JEFF BECK & HIS BAND
Jeff Beck - guitar
Jason Rebello - keyboards
Rhonda Smith - bass
Narada Michael Walden - drums

ERIC CLAPTON & HIS BAND
Eric Clapton - guitar / vocals
Chris Stainton - keyboards
Walt Richmond - keyboards
Willie Weeks - bass
Steve Gadd - drums
Michelle John - backing vocals
Sharon White - backing vocals

Special Guest(s)
During Jeff Beck's set
12 Piece Orchestra *

Set List
Jeff Beck
01. Eternity's Breath
02. Stratus
03. Led Boots
04. Corpus Christi Carol *
05. Bass solo by Rhonda Smith
06. Hammerhead * (possibly not performed)
07. Mna Na Heireann *
08. Big Block
09. A Day In The Life *
10. Nessun Dorma *

Eric Clapton
01. Driftin' - acoustic
02. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out - acoustic
03. Running On Faith - acoustic
04. I've Got A Rock 'N Roll Heart - acoustic
05. Tell The Truth
06. Key To The Highway
07. I Shot The Sheriff
09. Little Queen Of Spades
10. Cocaine

Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton
01. Shake Your Moneymaker
02. Moon River
03. You Need Love
04. Outside Woman Blues
05. Little Brown Bird
06. Wee Wee Baby
07. (I Want To Take You) Higher
08. Crossroads - encore

I Can't Wait

My son and I will be at the Garden on Thursday. We are both really looking forward to this one. He has never seen either (except Clapton with the Allman Brothers last March) and is really excited. Here is the setlist from last night.


Set List
Jeff Beck
01. Eternity's Breath
02. Stratus
03. Led Boots
04. Corpus Christi Carol *
05. Bass solo by Rhonda Smith
06. Hammerhead *
07. Mna Na Heireann * **
08. People Get Ready
09. Big Block
10. Lilac Wine ***
11. A Day In The Life *
12. Nessun Dorma

Eric Clapton
01. Driftin' - acoustic
02. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out - acoustic
03. Running On Faith - acoustic
04. When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful
05. Tell The Truth
06. Key To The Highway
07. I Shot The Sheriff
09. Little Queen Of Spades
10. Cocaine

Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton
01. Shake Your Moneymaker
02. Moon River
03. You Need Love
04. Outside Woman Blues
05. Little Brown Bird
06. Wee Wee Baby
07. (I Want To Take You) Higher
08. Hi Ho Silver Lining - encore (Jeff / Eric vocals)

Perfect for your OldRockr this Christmas

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - The Live Anthology

Tom Petty finally gets the proper live album that he deserves (Pack Up the Plantation was only OK). You get the hits, the misses, the album tracks and a bunch of covers over 4 CD's with a list price of only $24.99 which is a bargain and a half. I've been playing it over and over in the car, it's just too much fun to listen to.

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood - Live From Madison Square Garden
I got to see the third night of these dates back in 2008. It was every bit as good as I had hoped. Steve Winwood sounds like 40 years haven't passed since some of these songs were recorded and Clapton's playing is positively inspired throughout. This is worth it for Voodoo Child alone.

Both of these should be on my year end Top 10 but I usually don't include live albums. Great, great listens.

Eric Clapton To Miss Hall of Fame Concerts

From Where's Eric...

Eric Clapton - Hall of Fame Concert Appearance Cancelled

Published: 22 October 2009

Unfortunately Eric Clapton has cancelled his performance for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert next week to undergo a minor medical procedure for gall stones. He will spend time recuperating at home in the UK and is very sorry to disappoint the fans and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He remains committed to his 2010 concert schedule. Spokespeople for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said today that they wish Eric Clapton all the best and they will announce a replacement for Eric’s part of the show shortly.

Needless to say I am bummed. The thought of Clapton/Beck/Guy jamming was almost too good. Let's see who they replace him with. May I suggest...

Paul McCartney
Neil Young
Mick & Keef
Pete & Roger

Joe Bonamassa and Eric Clapton

Way too tasty...

Some Recent CD Purchases

Ian Hunter - Man Overboard

Ian is now 70. It's hard to get used to our Rock & Roll heroes getting old. In this case though, older does not mean boring. Following up on the strength of Rant and Shrunken Heads, Ian returns with another excellent release. Not as rocking but no less gripping as some of his best work. Another triumph.

Ashley Cleveland - God Don't Never Change

Mike Farris - Shout! Live

I come out of the Lutheran tradition. Germans. The "frozen chosen". Don't take this as a slam on my church, it's just the way it is. The Good News is not shared through foot stomping, hand clapping, Praise-The-Lord Gospel. These CD's do that, and they do it well. They may not make you a believer, but they might make you wish you were!

Return To Forever - Returns

I'm a casual jazz fan. I tend to like some fusion and most of what I like I came to through my rock leanings (Jeff Beck, Larry Carlton). Back in the 80's I was working at Looney Tunes where I was introduced to Return to Forever's Romantic Warrior. I finally found some "real jazz" that I could get into. I still break that one out on occasion.

I missed the reunion tour (the United Center is just too hard to get to) but I did pick up this 2-CD live recording recently. It's pretty good, in particular Corea and DiMeola really stretch out on some extended pieces. I should have went...



Vintage RTF - Romantic Warrior

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood - Live From Madison Square Garden

I really was quite excited to see this show. Clapton is a favorite and Winwood is one of the best voices in rock so expectations were high. For me the show did not disappoint. Clapton and Winwood shared vocal duties (a little more weighted in Steve's favor) and most of the tunes gave them the chance to stretch out a bit. This CD is worth it for their take on Voodoo Child alone. Clapton has really become re-energized of late, especially when he lets someone else sign and he just plays the guitar. I love this stuff.

Willie Nile - House of a Thousand Guitars

This is the follow up to his exceptional 2006 release "Streets of New York". Willie Nile is a name you may know but are really not familiar with. The sound echoes Dylan a bit in the vocals and he is most definitely a New York singer-songwriter. One that rocks! This is another fine effort that is worth your time to check out. The video clip is from his recent live cd.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts

I was lucky enough to get tickets to both nights. Way up high but in the building. Ticket prices are a joke $79.50 to $2450.50 (and some of these are not even on the floor). These two nights have the potential to be very special. Here is the press release from the Hall of Fame...

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary with Two Groundbreaking Concerts

U2, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Simon & Garfunkel, Metallica, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Crosby, Stills Nash & Friends and Eric Clapton along with Special Guests Set to Perform in Concert at Madison Square Garden

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 22, 2009: Music’s biggest stars – Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, U2, Paul Simon, Metallica, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends, Simon and Garfunkel – will come together on October 29th and 30th at Madison Square Garden for two unique concerts celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The shows, presented by American Express, will be packed with guest stars and unique collaborations designed to tell the story of rock and roll. American Express® Cardmembers have access to advance tickets through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 starting 9 a.m. on Monday, July 27th. Additional sponsorship support for the event is being provided by Bacardi.

Each night will feature entirely different line-ups, with artists performing their own songs and the music that inspired them –tracing the history of genres ranging from soul to hard rock. All proceeds raised will go towards creating a permanent endowment for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Museum. “Twenty-five years ago a group led by legendary Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun created this foundation to recognize and celebrate the music and careers of artists whose music helped shape and define our generation,” said Jann Wenner, Founder and Chairman of Rolling Stone and Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “These once-in-a-lifetime concerts are designed to celebrate the artists and their music.” A creative team of Tom Hanks and his producing partner Gary Goetzman, Wenner, singer-songwriter Robbie Robertson, Academy Award®-winning screenwriter, director Cameron Crowe and several others will work with the artists to curate the show through the live performances and filmed segments. Joel Gallen, the producer/director behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies and the MTV Movie Awards (1995-2006), will direct the show and oversee the 25th Anniversary Celebration along with the creative consultants.

This event is being presented in conjunction with the American Express Concert Series. American Express offers Cardmembers the exclusive opportunity to purchase advanced tickets to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation 25th Anniversary Celebration, prior to public. Tickets will be available for purchase with an American Express Card through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000, from 9 a.m. Monday, July 27th, through Sunday, August 2nd at 9 p.m. Tickets will be on sale to the general public beginning Monday, August 3rd at 9 a.m.

The Rock and Roll of Fame Foundation and Museum’s anniversary celebration will also extend beyond the concerts, with both a book and a deluxe DVD set to be released this fall. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The First 25 Years, chronicling 25 years of induction ceremonies, will be published by Collins Design (an imprint of HarperCollins) in September. In August, Time Life will issue a nine-DVD boxed set of highlights of the past induction ceremonies, featuring speeches and all-star performances, many that have never before seen by the public.

Performing on October 29th will be:

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Simon & Garfunkel

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends

Paul Simon

Stevie Wonder

Performing on October 30th will be:

Eric Clapton

Aretha Franklin

Metallica

U2