Eric Clapton – I Still Do (via Bushbranch Records/Surfdog Records)
British guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and general legend; Eric Clapton releases his 23rd solo studio album through his own label. And it sees Clapton reunited with producer Glyn Johns, who has worked with many luminaries (The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones), and famously on Clapton’s mid 70s classic Slowhand.
Famously a graduate of the Yardbirds, Clapton has been heavily influenced by many a blues guitarist, including Robert Johnson, BB King, Muddy Waters, Albert King and Buddy Guy. Along the way there’s also been influence of the gentler side of JJ Cale and the reggae of Bob Marley. Went on to work with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, before forming Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Recording too under the name Derek & The Dominos, Clapton has since released a
string of immensely successful solo albums, and is also notable for his lengthy sold out runs at the Royal Albert Hall.
With many a collaboration and live album along the way, and even a film soundtrack, this is Eric’s 23rd studio solo outing and lovely it is too.
For a while now, it’s not been about the guitar; don’t get me wrong, the guitar work here is brilliant, but the emphasis for a long time now has been about the groove, about the songs.
‘Alabama Blues Woman’ (a Leroy Carr song) kicks off in a whiskey soaked gentle blues style, some slide touches to the guitar and some neat honky tonk piano. A slow to mid paced number, it’s a catchy number and very very pleasant. Can’t Let You Do It picks up a little, a funky edge, and already a radio regular (I’ve certainly heard it several times on Radio 2). ‘I Will Be There’ is toned down, more atmospheric. It’s a gentler pop/rock song, you can hear the influence of keyboard player Paul Carrack, who appears on the album.
‘Spiral’ is another guitar led track, an excellent feel, and further proof that it’s the guitar supporting the groove, not the other way round.
‘Catch The Blues’ sadly doesn’t, well not a great deal anyway. Like much of the album, it is a gentle track, some rich organ sounds, but it’s more balladic.
Skip James’ ‘Cyprus Grove’ has a solid blues groove that wants to break free; enjoyable as much as it
is, it sadly fails to do so. ‘Little Man You’ve Had A Busy Day’ is more acoustic lullaby – sounds a little out of place. Dirk Powell’s accordion is again prominent on ‘Stones In My Passway’, here the guitar sound stands out and grabs you.
The album is a mix of covers (Robert Johnson, Dylan, Cale and others), and features the likes of Simon Climie, Paul Carrack, Andy Fairweather Low, Henry Spinetti, and showcases Clapton well. His guitar solos are short and to the point, his playing as heartfelt as ever.
The songs, and to an extent the guitar playing and groove are excellent, but the overall sound is a little too middle of the road for my liking. 7/10
Joe Gessin