BBC Review
It's like a cozy evening in with your two best mates.
Chris Jones 2009-05-21
Eric Clapton's millenium has seen him revisit many of his past glories. The Cream reunion gigs were a bona fide (if tense) treat while his pairings with BB King have yielded some easy going treats. Then, in 2008 he joined Steve Winwood on stage in New York and over two nights played a wide variety of old gems from which this double CD (and DVD) has been culled. Depending on whether you subscribe to the church of 'Slowhand' or consider him a reactionary guardian of something that wasn't his in the first place, this album will be a an easy ride through the past, or a yawnfest of epic proportions.
The album does hold many delights. Clapton's playing is as brimful of feeling as it ever was while it never strays too far from his purist path. What does invoke the magic is the combination with Winwood's voice and playing. Democratically sharing both soloing and vocal duties means that Live At Madison Square Gardens is as much a treat for fans of the ex-Spencer Davis prodigy. Three Winwood numbers (Glad, Dear Mr Fantasy and No Face, No Name, No Number) leave you praying for a Traffic reunion. Of course you get a few Blind Faith numbers. And given the abortive nature of the 'supergroup''s lifespan it's good to hear such under-appreciated material getting a new lick of paint.
But three Hendrix numbers (well, two plus Buddy Miles' fantastic Them Changes) and two by JJ Cale tell you all you really need to know about this prime slice of rock at its most classic. The guitars are as important as the voices, and the vibe is relaxed, respectful and never overly frenetic. It's like a cozy evening in with your two best mates, and none the worse for it.
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I hardly think a Traffic re-union is on the cards, as great as that would be, due to the non-availibility of Chris Wood and Jim Capaldi!
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I think Mr Jones has got his Buddys wrong.
It was, I recall Buddy Miles who wrote 'Them Changes', not Buddy Rich. No?
And no mention that Steve Winwood's guitar soloing was actually (not just my opinion) every bit as good. if not better than EC's.
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I agree, although Chris died in the 80s and Reebop in the 90s, Jim died only a couple of years ago.
Rick Grech also died in the 80s, I assume that Rosko Gee is still alive, and because Dave Mason is not necessarily best mates with Steve, and flitted in & out; to all intents and purposes Steve is Traffic.
John
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I was lucky enough to see that Traffic reunion when they supported the good old Grateful Dead on their 1994 Summer Tour. The gig in Las Vegas was a particular (very) high point when Traffic pulled out a sultry, sinister sounding Low Spark.
As for the MSG show, wish i'd been there and the highlight for me was the otherworldly Voodoo Child. Hendrix was in the house that night for sure.
Andy - Clyde Books & Records
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