Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert [Expanded] [Remaster] by Eric Clapton (CD, May-1995, Polydor/Chronicles)

I picked this disc up on a whim, with a preconceived mind set that it would be a nostalgic, one time listen. Wrong. Very wrong.
I don't know how this one slipped through the cracks, and was impressed enough to write my first review.
The original release had only six tracks (vinyl limitations ?), and included all three Winwood led tunes. At the time, this only served to lead listeners to believe that Clapton was not up to form at the time (physical and emotional addictions), and that the concert was only a mercy deal on Townshend's part.
The entire set, released 22 years later, reveals that this could indeed be Clapton's strongest live release. One only has to listen to the range and accuracy of his vocals on the first two tracks, Layla and Badge, as compared to countless later releases, to realize that he was more than capable of showing a confidence in his lead voice that he always denied having, and sadly to say, affirm that he has been on cruise control ever since. His currently predictable guitar lines and hook riffs are absent, and although most of these tunes were only several years old at the time, he switches them up a notch (Blues Power, Let it Rain and even Bell Bottom Blues)and seems to be taking chances that only someone genuinely into their playing and developement would have. Nothing feels scripted. He had something to prove, maybe to us, maybe to other players, but most likely to himself. It is hard to believe that this set was followed up with "greatest hits" such as "I Shot the Sheriff", "Lay Down Sally", etc., and countless other covers and "re-interpretaions" of the blues masters. Don't even get me started on the unplugged deal. Meanwhile, back to the disc at hand:
Most "star" line ups of this caliber don't live up to expectations, but this one does for all involved (OK, maybe not ReBop). The late Grech's bass lines and tone are more varied than on any other recordings, Winwood's keys and vocal support are subtle but essential, and it also pains me to say that Wood's slide work is also more out front and impressive than anything he has done in the Stones. Both drummers can be heard locking down a unit that probably wasn't rehearsed too much on changes, making everything flow. I'm not 100% sure, but I think that it's even Townshend himself taking a rock a billy lead on Bottle of Red Wine ! It doesn't have a feel like either of the other guitarists, and I think even die hard Who freaks would be hard pressed to find him doing a comparable break anywhere else to compare it to. Let me know if I'm wrong.

In all, maybe it's time for Clapton to take another break from recording and performing, although this time for healthier reasons, and regroup. Let him rediscover HIS passion, hang up the Armanis, stop the endless "I've got to pay to tribute and remind you of my blues influences" (we know...we know), make a new generation of believers, and remember why we started to pay attention to him in the first place...maybe...just maybe.

This is a C.d. no Clapton fan should be without This concert marked Erics return from a five year fight from drug adiction There are many classic tracks on this C.D and with E.C.using a Gibson Les Paul It rocks from the opening bars of Layla Classics versions of Badge Tell the truth Little Wing.Bottle of red wine All ably backed by Pete Townsend.Rick Grech.Ronnie Wood.Steve Winwood. Its well worth the money Vintage Clapton at his best.

I noticed another reviewer that noted, it was like an intervention. It was indeed. Pete Townsend well may have saved his life. EC had been playing with the devil himself, in the form of heroin. He was lacking confidence in his ability to play and sing. We are lucky to have this recording. The engineers have done a fine job of cleaning up the original tapes, but one can tell instantly that this was a restoration from the past. Some of the reviewers have gone so far as to exclaim that this may be Clapton at his best live show. They have a point about it being raw and unrehearsed, but come on folks, it can't be compared to "One More Car, One More Rider." They went on to say that today he is too predictable. There has never been a predictable riff from EC's fretboard in his career.

I am glad to add this CD to my collection. I owned it on LP and the sound is much better to say the least on compact disc, plus you get the bonus tracks.

If you're a person who loves Clapton for who he is, you should buy this offering especially with all of the great artists involved in this intervention.

This is my favorite Clapton album. It's raw and underrehearsed, which for me makes it an excellent snapshot of a moment in time. It is very "live". It takes Clapton out of the "rock-god" category and puts a very human face on him. The band (led by Pete Townshend) is a collection of well-known friends trying to get Eric back into the flow of life after a long struggle with addiction. This concert is basically an intervention. It shows-not very pretty, but full of love and energy.

I've been a Clapton fan for years especially a fan of his live concerts. He has overcome so much adversity time and time again. He is a great example to follow. The RAINBOW Concert is Eric at his best . I found this CD on ebay and got a great deal as usual. No problems. The product itself works like a charm. Thanks Paul Pardue PS Eric Rocks