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I decided to talk about a studio album by Eric Clapton and I already know many of you are thinking "Eric Clapton"? "studio"? "crap!" It may be, but let me continue, because this is not the usual studio album by Mr. Slowhand, but it is the second tribute he makes in the same year (2004) to his idol, as well as the idol of many blues enthusiasts. Of course, I'm talking about the legend Robert Johnson. I am also aware that the most skeptical and snobbish will think: "how does this bourgeois Clapton dare to touch such pieces?" But let me say, he does it really well and with his style, without imitating the original pieces.
In reality, this would be a unique package comprising both a CD and a DVD, but the latter is not in my possession, so I will limit myself to talking about the audio support.
The purpose of the album is as obvious as ever, aiming to give new life to old and rural songs, probably hard to digest for newcomers to the world of blues, making them, as much as possible, enjoyable and listenable even to less experienced ears and, why not, giving a bit more popularity to the legend if ever needed. But was it really necessary? I don't know. The fact is that yours truly discovered Robert Johnson thanks to Eric (8 years ago), so I suppose it could be useful. Sure, if a person wants to get closer to the world of blues, sooner or later they will have to deal with R.J., willing or not, but this can be a small help, and then how many hundreds of more or less famous singers have made covers of his? Many, but in my opinion, this is one of the best tributes.
Among the main musicians who support Eric in this work, we find, Billy Preston on keyboards, Steve Gadd on drums, Nathan East on bass, and Doyle Bramhall II on second guitar. The latter is fundamental because, by E.C.'s own admission, the things that young black man did about 80 years ago with the acoustic guitar, he wouldn't be able to reproduce on his own, which speaks volumes about the immense skill and technique Johnson was gifted with. Who knows, maybe if Eric had also sold his soul to the devil perhaps...
It seems pointless to say that all the tracks are Johnson covers, all short pieces and obviously lacking the usual Clapton virtuosity. Now that you know what it's about, you can decide whether to listen to it or not, bearing in mind that, for lovers of original recordings, it will be hard to digest because here the recording is immaculate but at least, now we have modern versions thanks to an excellent reinterpretation!
Tracklist and Lyrics
04 If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day (03:25)
(Robert Johnson)
If I had possession over judgement day,
If I had possession over judgement day,
Lord, the little woman I'm lovin' wouldn't have no right to pray.
And I went to the mountain, lookin' far as my eyes could see.
And I went to the mountain, lookin' far as my eyes could see.
Some other man got my woman and the 'a lonesome blues got me.
And I rolled and I tumbled and I cried the whole night long.
And I rolled and I tumbled and I cried the whole night long.
Boy, I woke up this mornin', my biscuit roller gone.
Had to fold my armes and I slowly walked away.
[Spoken:] 'I didn't like the way she done.'
Had to fold my armes and I slowly walked away.
I said in my mind, Yo' trouble gon' come someday.
Now run here, baby, set down on my knee.
Now run here, baby, set down on my knee.
I wanna tell you all about the way they treated me.
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