Eric Clapton: New Release “Clapton” out September 28th

“This album wasn’t what it was intended to be at all. It’s actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It’s an eclectic collection of songs that weren’t really on the map… If it’s a surprise to the fans, that’s only because it’s a surprise to me, as well.” ~Eric Clapton

Worldwide CD GiveawayTHIS CD GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

(Congratulations to Ron Grande & Tim Null who’ve both won a copy of the disc. Your new Clapton CD is now on the way to you… You’re gonna love it!!!)

Next month it’s The Blues Blogger’s 3rd Anniversary. However, to coincide with Eric Clapton’s upcoming 19th solo album “Clapton” later this month, I thought it might be fun to give away 2 copies of the CD and announce the winners on the day of the release… Your opportunity to win could not be simpler. In fact many of you reading this are already entered. I will explain shortly…

First

I Have a Question for You

If somebody asked you, “what song in your past acts likes a soundtrack to your youth?” Would you know right away? If you had to think about it, what song would play in your mind? I know what song that would be for me. And I’ve mentioned it many times from my very first post Electric Blues Masters, to Joe Bonamassa Live at The Royal Albert Hall and of course Freddie King I Am a Blues Master. That song is John Mayall & The Blues Breakers featuring Eric Clapton’s version of Freddie King’s Hideaway. It’s the first audible groove I vividly recall my brother playing along to on his guitar on the bunk bed below in the room we shared while growing up.

For Eric Clapton

some of the tunes that make him reminisce about his childhood, he got the opportunity to record on his upcoming album. These selections are gems which were passed down to Eric from his grandparents. It’s an assortment of songs by such noted composers as Irving Berlin, Fats Waller, Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael. Clapton covers everything from old brass bands to obscure country blues, in addition to brand-new originals. The result is tranquil, reflective, and quite different from anything he’s done in the past.

Working with guitarist and producer Doyle Bramhall II, Clapton brings together an impressive range of talent to back him on this self-titled release. Musicians and guests include drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond. Also featured on this eclectic offering is JJ Cale, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Steve Winwood, Allen Toussaint and Derek Trucks.

Clapton has also announced several live dates in 2011 including 4 nights at The Royal Albert Hall. And has assembled a remarkable band for the 2011 tour which will consist of long-time touring partners: Steve Gadd (drums), Willie Weeks (bass), Chris Stainton (keyboards) along with Michelle John and Sharon White as backing vocalists…

For more details you can go to Eric Clapton’s site by clicking here

While many of my long time readers are familiar with my posts, what many of you may not know was how Clapton inadvertently influenced the idea for me to create this blog three years ago.

Time has passed quickly since I succeeded in freaking my entire family out with the news of my heart attack 36 months ago. It forced me into a situation where I had a lot of time to think. When my brother heard the news and realized I would be alright, he told my wife TBBW on the phone to get me Clapton’s recently released autobiography. A hard cover copy of the book would be at my bedside when I opened my eyes one morning in the hospital. While reading that book and recovering at home, I got the idea of creating a music blog where I could combine my appreciation for music and my long time desire to write.

That desire to write started when I first heard Hideaway when I was a kid, but I never really concentrated too much on it until after I read Eric’s biography three years ago. The book made me reminisce about my own life and the music that surrounded me when I was young. The blog then became a therapeutic canvas for me. It would also be a place where lovers of blues, jazz, and fans of some good old rock n roll could come together and share their thoughts; past and present.

For these past three years The Blues Blogger site has grown in an extremely profound way, and as a result so have I. I’m truly very humbled by all your kind words and overwhelming support…

And Now…

Do You Want To Win a Copy of Eric Clapton’s Upcoming CD?

The Rules Are SimpleTHIS CD GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

All email subscribers of The Blues Blogger anywhere in the world will get the opportunity to win 2 possible copies of Eric’s 19th solo album “Clapton” in a random draw giveaway.

(All current Blues Blogger subscribers are automatically entered.)

You will need to subscribe to my e-mail list at the top of the page where it says “Receive Updates by Email.” Enter your email address and press click here. When you submit the form, you will receive a verification message in your e-mail in-box. Once you respond to this message you are subscribed. That’s it! I promise no spam and you can always unsubscribe at anytime…

This random prize giveaway will end September 26th, 2010 at 11:00 pm eastern time in the U.S. When the winners are notified, they’ll have 12 hours to respond or a new name will be drawn.

But now if I could, I’d like to get back to my original question Do you have a favorite tune that plays in your mind from the past? Are there any songs or performances from Eric Clapton from your youth that you’d like to share?

As an extra added bonus, if you comment on this post as well as being an active subscriber, I will put an additional ballot in the draw to increase your chances of winning. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and a terrific memorable record to gain.

I’d love to hear from you.

Good luck,

The Blues Blogger

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Lyle Beaugard
Lyle Beaugard
13 years ago

It might seem a bit silly, but when I was a young teen coming of age in the 70s, there was a great TV show for called James at 16 that dealt with a lot of controversial topics. I remember one episode about a school dance and they played Clapton’s Lay Down Sally, it really stuck with me for some reason.

Non Clapton, anything from Led Zeppelin IV reminds me of my youth as it was the first serious rock album I owned.

indigorock
indigorock
13 years ago

I like it when someone pays homage to the music that made them who they are. We all have those memories that have influenced us throughout our lives, it’s what makes us human.

Pamela
13 years ago

There use to be a radio station that would broadcast at midnight on Saturday nights. They would play
songs the mainstream stations didn’t play and also songs before an album was released. A group of us would all gather at this spot every Saturday night and turn up the car radios. I remember hearing some awesome blues and rock that I’d never heard before. One song that sticks in my mind is Eric Clapton’s ‘ Mainline Florida’, from 461 Ocean Blvd.

It was just a happy song and a happy time.

Lua Santos
13 years ago

I may be a little young but… Tears in heaven is very important to me… But not the most… I think that the Clapton´s song that really makes me is “Broken Hearted”. It´s a simple song, but the lyrics are so intense and I see my life in these lines…

Just love it!

jasper1949
jasper1949
13 years ago

This Clapton cd interests me more than any of his in some time. His guitar work has always been great, but this adds humor and heart to the great talent.

A couple songs bring me back to what i would call a gateway to the past. The first is Jeff Beck’s “Bolero”, Just never could get that tune out of my head, ….. to this day Jeff is one of my favorite guitarists. He has adapted and fiddled around and played inspired music for a long time and he is a joy for my musical ears.

The second is more a group experience. The Electric Flag and Butterfield used to play at a little coffee house in Boston and the midnight to 6 DJ on AM used to get permission to bring tapes of some of the sets back to the studio. It was like being present at the dawn of creation of a new musical genre.

Phyllis
Phyllis
13 years ago

There are so many that take me back– Fats Domino– Blueberry Hill– Knights in White Satin–and the first time I heard Elvis—Eric Clapton came a bit later–all of his music has its good points— :Love the Blues Blogger- I thank you for the contributions you have made and continue to make with music history.

Phyllis

marcel lemieux alias starflight

I always heard of Clapton talks and some would say when he was young..bla bla bla..but I got into Clapton music in the days of Layla.. I followed his career and seen him go through changes…but I fell on my ass when I read and heard this blog intro..that’s the Clapton I had always wished would be…like an old aged wine…absolutely great…I love this new album..full of soul,tenderness,gusty,poetry,..an artist at the top…he did a beautiful job of re-inventing himself or finding himself again…thanks for this awesome article…take care…

Gloria Poirier
Gloria Poirier
13 years ago

Wow…now I have the combo of one of my all time favorite singers AND songs together .. a match made in heaven…Eric Clapton singing Autumn Leaves..even better than good ol’ Willie Nelson I dare say.

ron
ron
13 years ago

a particular song is hard . . . beatles, cream, clapton . . . and then, yes.

the first time, i saw him was during the money and ciggarettes tour. our friend johnny was able to go because tulsa time was on the jukebox at the bar his dad hung out at. i liked that the band’s lineup was what i call the traditional clapton lineup. including stainton, dunn, etc.

i also, saw clapton at the ritz in nyc, but the guy standing in front of me kinda made the show suck a bit, but clapton tried some different things that others did but not to the excess they did.

sunshine of your love maybe wasn’t the soundtrack to my teen years, but my favorite song . . . more the white room. the record would be the beatles red and blue vinyl greatest hits . . . with revolution as my soundtrack and cream’s wheels of fire in there too.

crossroads and a lot of creedence would be there too.

Chip Schutzman
Chip Schutzman
13 years ago

Being a major Clapton fan, I felt compelled to answer. You got me!

The tune that sticks out most for me is Layla. Epic classic and representation of early 70s rock.

Songs that stand out from youth: Cocaine – When I was 12 years old, I was at my friends house whose parents were throwing a party and this song came on and everybody cheered. I wondered why. The song stuck with me ever since.

Jason E.R. Jamerson
Jason E.R. Jamerson
13 years ago

My favorite EC tune that plays in my mind from the past is a live version of,”I’m So Glad,” that included Slowhand riffin’ on some of Tchaikovsky’s,”1812 Overture.” The power blues war trio version is a world away from the eerie, haunting Skip James original, but I could hear Cream’s respect and love for the ol’ Delta blues. And I really, really dig the 1812 riffin’–it’s so bombastic, powerful, climactic, epic, and true!! From Bentonia to Brittania to the defeat of Napoleon in 1812….. .I’m so tired of a-moanin’ / I’m so tired of groanin’ for you!!…

“…A blues is a feelin’ and when you get blues, it’ll make some people wear out their shoes and they got the blues when they wear out their shoes and blues is a sad news. The Bo’ Weevil, I tell you a little story about it, which is a little bug who long years ago robbed people of their homes and ever since the Bo’ Weevil been gone, the people been singin’ this song…”–Lead Belly

“No great battles are ever won on the defensive.”–Napoleon Bonoparte

“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”–Plutarch

“No, I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.”–Zora Neale Hurston

“I intend to make Georgia howl.”–General William Tecumseh Sherman

“A strong imagination begetteth opportunity.”–Michel de Montaigne, writer

“Gospel music is the purest thing there is on this earth.”–Elvis

“SHUCHU RYOKU – Focus all your energy to one point.”–Shioda Gozo

“There’s only one king…and that’s Jesus Christ.”–Elvis

“Audacity, audacity, always audacity!”–Frederick The Great

Three simple words…Believe and succeed!!…

Janelle Morarie
Janelle Morarie
13 years ago

I am a Deadhead from the beginning(the ’60’s and beyond)–and as far as bluesmasters–who could leave out the late,great PIGPEN and his live blues rants with the Dead–just one that makes me think of my youth-out of MANY – “Lovelight” preferably a live version if you can get it-legit or “taper” version!!

Music for Songwriters
13 years ago

wow i did no know that eric clapton was getting another album out! cant wait to get my hands on those bad boys!…

mike
13 years ago

very cool site you’ve got here. i’ll be checking in again.

Janice Wright
Janice Wright
13 years ago

I saw Eric Clapton in concert several years ago, maybe 10 years ago or so. He was great, he’s the greatest guitarist ever!

Johns guitar lesson reviews

I can still remember the first time I heard “Wonderful Tonight”. Clapton painted such a vivid and emotional picture. I’d never been as emotionally drawn into a song before. It still gets to me when I hear it.

bluesemotion
13 years ago

I am a great fan of Clapton..his voice and guitar really emotions me. Thank you Blues blogger for the great articles you share with us

Daniel M
Daniel M
13 years ago

remember listening to tears in heaven way back, still makes me sad

Ed Nemmers
Ed Nemmers
13 years ago

I love the late seventies Eric Clapton song “Promises”!

Jason Silvia
Jason Silvia
13 years ago

Layla. Enough said.

Rosey
Rosey
13 years ago

Malted Milk was an Eric Clapton tune that I LOVED when I was young, and I feel just like I did in my youth when I hear it! ‘I shot the sheriff’ is of course a classic that takes me back too. We were at a bonfire once when it came on and everyone threw their arms up in a collective cheer.

Tim
Tim
13 years ago

I’m an active subscriber. And for me, it’s Layla.

Chuck Anderson
Chuck Anderson
13 years ago

My earliest memory of Eric Clapton (and the beginning of a lifelong appreciation of his enormous talent) began in the late’60’s when he was playing back-up guitar on a fabulous Jesse Davis album – the sensational “Belladonna” (kind of like a Layla of it’s day.)

I have many Clapton favorites – but two that still truly haunt me are “Tears in Heaven” and “Wonderful Tonight.”.

susitravl
susitravl
13 years ago

I’ve Got A Rock & Roll Heart plays in my head constantly – I love the melody!

susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com

Kathy S
Kathy S
13 years ago

The Clapton song that lives on in my heart is “Tears In Heaven.” I remember seeing him perform the song live on tv, and though it was difficult to watch him relive the pain while performing the song that he wrote laying bare his soul about the loss of his little boy, I know that pain. I’ve lost my only sibling, and both of my parents and the void can never be filled, but this song gives anyone living through this pain, hope that they will be reunited with their loved ones spirits again.

Gianna
Gianna
13 years ago

I’m So Glad

karla
karla
13 years ago

Love Eric Clapton!!

K.D. Owens
K.D. Owens
13 years ago

“Tears in Heaven” isn’t from my youth, even though there are 2 other songs that I identify with, but this song was finally released the year my brother died. My little sister and I dedicated it to him and played it at his funeral. It’s the hardest song in the world to listen to. You can actually hear Eric Claptons’ pain in his voice as he sings it.

Annette D
Annette D
13 years ago

I am a huge Eric Clapton fan! I saw him a couple of years ago in concert in Houston and he was awesome! For me it is Layla!

Betty C
Betty C
13 years ago

Songs evoke memories of a different time and place. Each one is special – some are sad memories and some are gloriously happy. Layla, Tears in Heaven and After Midnight are my EC favorites.

Charlene Kuser
Charlene Kuser
13 years ago

I remember like it was yesterday,the first time I
heard Eric Clapton play.It was White Room by
Cream and I thought he was amazing and so
was the band.Ever since I have followed Clapton
through his career and I feel he only gets better
as time goes on,He has like a good wine that improves with age

Acoustic Guitar Lessons

Nice to hear Eric Clapton speak about musical choices.

Acoustic Guitar Lessons

Nice interview!

Guillermo
13 years ago

I really dig Clapton. I think Bonamassa hopefully will get to his level one day. I like his Christmas song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-m4xUve294