DVD Review: Crossroads - Eric Clapton Guitar Festival 2007

by Brian D. Holland.

Crossroads: Eric Clapton Guitar Festival 2007 (Rhino/WEA), the benefit concert that took place in Chicago on July 28, 2007, will be released November 20 on DVD. Similar to its predecessor (performed in Dallas, Texas, in 2004), the concert to benefit Clapton's substance abuse rehabilitation center in Antigua is jam-packed with diverse music, prominent guitar players being the primary appeal and general theme, of course.

I'm a huge fan of the previous festival DVD, so I didn’t expect this one to have the same impact on me; however, I found it to be quite interesting and wonderfully entertaining throughout. In comparison to the first one as well, the audio and video quality were top notch. The Stereo PCM and DTS 5.1 choices were more than adequate for excellent sound, and the HD video was amazing. The detailing, stage-angle shots, and all-around film capturing quality were remarkable. The backstage conversations and behind-the-scenes activities, though often just for split seconds, were wonderful additions to the film. But as before, we must take into account that in reality it was an 11-hour show, so the content is limited to highlights. Nevertheless, there are over four hours of great music on the two included DVDs.

Comedian Bill Murray co-hosted the show for Eric. The humorous manner in which he interacted with both the audience and those involved were delightfully displayed in the onstage and offstage footage.

Disc I

Murray opened the show by walking onstage with a Fender Stratocaster in hand and blowing kisses to the crowd. He then broke into a cover of Van Morrison’s "Gloria." With vocal and guitar playing abilities that were pretty comical, to say the least, the objective was certainly met. He managed to delight the crowd and spread a lighthearted atmosphere throughout Chicago’s Toyota Park Stadium almost immediately. Clapton, the actual host, jogged onstage to Murray’s rescue. After picking up his own Strat, Clapton then brought the song to a charming close.

In an additional moment of hilarity, Murray later introduced John McLaughlin as being "best known for his work with the Mahi-Mahi Orchestra." The brilliant fusion player came out and did an amazing improvisational jazz number called "Maharina." The McLaughlin set featured drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (who later tore it up in a set with Jeff Beck).

Clapton began the show by introducing Sonny Landreth, whose flashy fretwork and slide playing in "Uberesso" awed the crowd instantly. Clapton, as he often did throughout the festive event, came out to join Landreth on guitar for "Hell At Home." When not onstage, Clapton sat in the left wing appearing totally relaxed yet thrilled at the opportunity to view each performer do their thing. He often played the part of the definitive spectator, and appeared as delighted as everyone else by the array of exceptional performers filling the day’s schedule.

Doyle Bramhall II: What can anyone say to refute such a performer? Besides Clapton and Derek Trucks, and some others who held multiple onstage tasks for the day’s festivities, Bramhall’s constructive duties began with his own set, which was performed from a seated position. "Rosie" and "Outside Woman Blues" are what made it onto the DVD. The dark and bluesy "Rosie" started with the left handed performer playing Hendrix-like licks on his Strat. His wah-wah pedal usage was ideally atmospheric for the song.

Susan Tedeschi and The Derek Trucks Band got downright bluesy with a rendition of Junior Wells and Mel London’s "Little By Little." Susan stole the show with amazing licks and incredible vocal ability. Finally posing the question to her husband, "Derek, how do you feel?", he answers as only Derek Trucks would, by enthralling 28,000 viewers with a killer slide guitar solo that did all the talking for him. Next is a cover of "Anyday," the old Derek and the Dominos song from the Layla sessions. With Susan still sitting in with the Trucks Band, and sharing vocals with Mike Mattison, the song possesses an interesting Delaney and Bonnie atmosphere to it. That said, Trucks’ slide work has a modest Duane Allman ambiance, yet original as well, making the song quite varied and particularly interesting. Clapton beams with approval from the wing.

Following a short but sweet Johnny Winter interview, the Texas blues icon comes onstage with the Derek Trucks Band for a cover of Dylan’s "Highway 61 Revisited," the song he’s as known for performing as Dylan is. Though seated in a chair, Winter still slides and fingers the frets along his Gibson Firebird like no other, proving the fire still exists in his playing.

Additional highlights on the first disc include The Robert Cray Band with Hubert Sumlin and Jimmie Vaughan, doing a cover of "Sitting On Top Of The World." Add B. B. King into the mix and you get "Paying The Cost To Be The Boss" and "Rock Me Baby." Albert Lee and Vince Gill, in my opinion, two of the most gifted players at the show, rip it up in "Country Boy." Plenty of fiery licks and speed picking transpire in this one. Sheryl Crow comes onstage with the aforementioned two to make everyone extremely happy to hear a wonderful, guitar crammed version of "If It Makes You Happy." Willie Nelson closes the first disc with "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain" and "On The Road Again." Some old, vintage, beat up Stratocasters, and other guitars are displayed throughout the concert, but nothing beats the weathered look of Willie’s acoustic. Though it looks about as dated as guitars can get, it still sounds great, and it exerts that natural Willie vibe nicely.

Disc II

John Mayer opens the second disc. In an interview, he states: "It’s a lot more relaxing this time because I really feel like I belong. Whether or not I actually do [sounding quite amused], I’ll let the guys on the message boards duke that one out ..." He makes it quite clear that he’s aware of the fact that people on the internet are disputing his current guitar playing abilities, a style that seemed to develop and blossom through what began as an illustrious pop music career; the moral of the story being, you never know who’s lurking in the music forums these days. Once onstage, he performed "Belief" and "Gravity" from his latest album, Continuum, proving to guitar lovers everywhere that his fluid and creamy licks are superb, and are without a doubt on a level with the best of them.

The second disc is comparable to the first in great music, in excellent photography as well. Steve Winwood does an inspiring set following Los Lobos and Robbie Robertson. Chicago’s own Buddy Guy is phenomenal near the show’s end, performing "Mary Had A Little Lamb" and "Damn Right I’ve Got The Blues." "Sweet Home Chicago" puts an end to the festivities, of course, featuring Guy and Clapton, along with Robert Cray, John Mayer, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmie Vaughan, and Johnny Winter.

Before closing, I must mention a couple of important items. Not only was I pleased to see that Jeff Beck had finally made it onto the Crossroads 2007 footage, as they neglected to include him on the 2004 DVD, his playing was incredible on "Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers." I’m sure everyone who attended the show took notice of his band: drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, keyboardist Jason Rebello, and especially bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, whose enthusiasm and passion for the music was in no way hidden from the audience. It’s easily understood why she’s one of the most sought after and accomplished bass players on the scene today. She’s absolutely incredible.

Eric Clapton and his band followed Jeff Beck’s amazing set. As brilliant as Beck and his band were, and as exceptional as the previous performers were as well, there’s certainly sound basis for the Clapton reputation and opinions of expertise, and it isn’t hype. Though it wasn’t the end of the festival, as more great music was to occur, when Clapton, Doyle Bramhall II, Derek Trucks, and the others broke into "Tell The Truth," Toyota Park was bursting with sonic energy and showmanship. In an interesting tribute to George Harrison, Derek Trucks got a triumphant opportunity in "Isn’t It A Pity" to display his versatility as a slide guitarist. This version of the Eric Clapton Band has the ability to cover the bases of most of the eras throughout the career of the iconic guitar genius, especially when getting into material that invokes the styles of Derek and the Dominos, Blind Faith, Delaney and Bonnie, and especially his solo material. The sound and the atmosphere exerted in this Clapton performance was purely excellent.

Whatever you do, though, don’t ignore the bonus features taken from the Crossroads Village Stage. There are some spectacular performances (though incomplete) from the likes of Tab Benoit, Orianthi, Todd Wolfe, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Harvey Mandel, and Jedd Hughes. I just wish the performance by Alison Krauss and Jerry Douglas made it to the DVD. Some of the good stuff had to be left on the editing floor I suppose.

Just like the Crossroads Festival DVD set of 2004, there’s a lot of great guitar oriented music to be seen and heard on Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 From Chicago. It’s another guitar player’s dream and another music enthusiast’s much loved timepiece and desired anthology. It leaves me waiting particularly for the next Crossroads Festival and DVD set to happen. I’d love to see some more of Clapton's friends, acquaintances, and just all-around great guitar players included. There are many great players out there deserving of a spot on the Crossroad's stage. Keep them coming, Eric.

Track Listing

Disc 1
1. Introduction and MC: Bill Murray
2. Uberesso - Sonny Landreth
3. Hell At Home - Sonny Landreth with Eric Clapton
4. Maharina - John McLaughlin
5. Rosie - Doyle Bramhall II
6. Outside Woman Blues - Doyle Bramhall II
7. Little By Little - Susan Tedeschi with The Derek Trucks Band
8. Anyday - The Derek Trucks Band
9. Highway 61 Revisited - Johnny Winter with The Derek Trucks Band
10. Nobodysoul - Robert Randolph & The Family Band
11. Poor Johnny - The Robert Cray Band
12. Dirty Work At The Crossroads - Jimmie Vaughan with The Robert Cray Band
13. Sitting On Top Of The World - Hubert Sumlin with The Robert Cray Band & Jimmie Vaughan
14. Paying The Cost To Be The Boss - B.B. King with The Robert Cray Band with Jimmie Vaughan and Hubert Sumlin
15. Rock Me Baby - B.B. King with The Robert Cray Band with Jimmie Vaughan & Hubert Sumlin
16. Sweet Thing - Vince Gill
17. Country Boy - Albert Lee with Vince Gill
18. If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow with Vince Gill, and Albert Lee
19. Tulsa Time - Sheryl Crow with Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, and Albert Lee
20. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain - Willie Nelson with Vince Gill, and Albert Lee
21. On The Road Again - Willie Nelson with Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, and Albert Lee

Disc II
1. Belief - John Mayer
2. Gravity - John Mayer
3. Don’t Worry Baby - Los Lobos
4. Mas Y Mas - Los Lobos
5. Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers - Jeff Beck
6. Big Block - Jeff Beck
7. Tell The Truth - Eric Clapton
8. Isn’t It A Pity - Eric Clapton
9. Little Queen Of Spades - Eric Clapton
10. Who Do You Love - Robbie Robertson with Eric Clapton
11. Presence Of The Lord - Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton
12. Can’t Find My Way Home - Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton
13. Had To Cry Today - Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton
14. Dear Mr. Fantasy - Steve Winwood
15. Crossroads - Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood
16. Mary Had A Little Lamb - Buddy Guy
17. Damn Right I’ve Got The Blues - Buddy Guy
18. Sweet Home Chicago - Buddy Guy with Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, John Mayer, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmie Vaughan, and Johnny Winter

Related Links
Fender's Mike Eldred Talks about the Eric Clapton Crossroads Strat
Review: Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival Concert
Eric Clapton and Guitar Friends Raise Money for Crossroads Centre
Aaron Loesch Ready for Eric Clapton Crossroads Concert
Fender Creates Eric Clapton Crossroads Stratocasters and Amps
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival Announces Festival Village
John Mayer and Eric Clapton Introduce the Sun Strat Guitar
Eric Clapton Announces 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival to Be Held in Chicago
2004 Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Auction: the Auction, the Burst Brothers, and Lee Dickson
Where's Eric - Official Eric Clapton Fansite
Brian D. Holland's Column on Modern Guitars
Eric Clapton's Crossroads 2007 on Amazon

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