Eric Clapton, 'Back Home'

Press release
Source: Warner Bros. Records Publicity

"Back Home," Eric Clapton's first album of new original material in nearly five years, will be released on Reprise/Duck Records on August 30th.

Featuring twelve songs, five of which were penned by Clapton with creative collaborator Simon Climie, "Back Home" also includes "Love Comes To Everyone" by George Harrison, the Spinners' "Love Don't Love Nobody," a rendition of Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright's "I'm Going Left," and compositions by Vince Gill, Doyle Bramhall II and others. See below for a complete song listing and writing credits.

Produced by Eric Clapton and Simon Climie, who together also wrote the album's debut single "Revolution," "Back Home" additionally spotlights an all-star backing band, many of whose members have worked extensively with Clapton over the years. Included are drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Nathan East, guitarists Andy Fairweather Low and Doyle Bramhall II, and keyboardists Billy Preston and Simon Climie.

Among the special guests appearing on "Back Home" are Steve Winwood (synthesizer), John Mayer (guitar), Robert Randolph (dobro), Chris Stainton (Fender Rhodes), Stephen Marley (percussion), Abraham Laboriel, Jr. (drums), Pino Paladino (bass) and Toby Baker (keyboards). The album also highlights string arrangements by Nick Ingman and performances by the Kick Horns.

"I wanted to make a studio album without quite knowing what it was going to be," remarks Clapton on the creative impetus behind "Back Home." Working closely with Climie, Clapton began recording over a year ago, working around his touring schedule and family commitments. "We kind of resigned ourselves to the fact that it was going to take a long time," the multi Grammy® Award-winning artist continues, "but when we got stuck or if it wasn't moving fast enough we'd stop and do a Robert Johnson song. That would clear the air and we'd go back and carry on for the new album. As a result, we ended up with a complete Robert Johnson album first, which was released last year as 'Me And Mr. Johnson.'"

It was through the writing and recording process, Clapton explains, that the theme of "Back Home" emerged. "One of the earliest statements I made about myself," he reveals, "was back in the late '80s, with 'Journeyman.' This album completes that cycle in terms of talking about my whole journey as an itinerant musician and where I find myself now, starting a new family. That's why I chose the title. It's about coming home and staying home. Even though," he adds with a laugh, "I'll be out on the road again next year, playing this music."

"Back Home" song selections and writing credits are as follows:

1) "So Tired" (Eric Clapton, Simon Climie)
2) "Say What You Will" (Eric Clapton, Simon Climie)
3) "I'm Going Left" (Stevie Wonder, Syreeta Wright)
4) "Love Don't Love Nobody" (Joseph Jefferson, Charles Simmons)
5) "Revolution" (Eric Clapton, Simon Climie)
6) "Lost And Found" (Doyle Bramhall II, Eric Clapton, Jeremy Stacey)
7) "Heaven" (Doyle Bramhall II, Suzanna Melvoin, Mike Elizondo)
8) "Love Comes To Everyone" (George Harrison)
9) "One Day" (Vince Gill, Beverley Darnell)
10) "One Track Mind" (Eric Clapton, Simon Climie)
11) "Run Home To Me" (Eric Clapton, Simon Climie)
12) "Back Home" (Eric Clapton)