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Mister slow hand must think so too, as with this album he decides to escape: what is Mr. Clapton running away from?
Surely from the banality of today's music business, crafting a gorgeous record, a whispered album, light-years away from what's out there today. Besides, Clapton can afford it: for some time now he has decided to play and sing only what he feels inside, and there is no doubt that today's Clapton is a man in love with the blues like never before, who with his guitar and voice is able to evoke a world that seems lost in the deep south of the United States.
Musically speaking, the vibes are those of the tribute album to Robert Johnson: the old blues riffs return and return without ever tiring, the sounds and atmospheres take us on a true journey through time, with Clapton's voice softly telling us forgotten stories. One is left amazed by Clapton's touch: I know, we certainly didn't discover it today, but this man’s way of playing has something miraculous. The sensitivity that flows from every single note is incredible: entire worlds hide behind a sound, allowing themselves only to be grazed without ever being fully captured. The figure of JJ Cale almost takes a back seat, in front of Clapton's masterful interpretation: once again we are faced with a declaration of love for the blues, and songs like "Sporting Life Blues", "Heads in Georgia", "Last Will And Testament", or "Ride The River" are entirely dependent on Clapton's hand.
Simple, straightforward songs, without great surprises, but made phenomenal by the voice and hand of this gentleman Englishman who decided to depart in the company of an old friend to Escondido. Ultimately, a wonderful album, absolutely recommended for those who love the blues, but also for those who want to engage with a six-string master, a man experiencing an absolute period of grace.
An album to be listened to strictly alone, while doing something else: suddenly you realize that what started as simple background music has literally captured you, preventing you from thinking about anything else. Okay, if you too fall victim to this sensation, know that there is only one thing left for you to do: set off on your Escondido...
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Other reviews
By Lesto BANG
"A project managed by two Old Glories skilled at pandering to each other in a series of exchanges, prim and cute but weak caricatures of two characters who marked an era in blues."
"A cute little album full of banality and predictable passages, just as annoying as those that come out of its grooves."
