The annual Clapton residency at the Albert Hall saw me heading down for a couple of gigs as well as the Clapton/Winwood gig that followed.
The two gigs were pretty similar although the second gig edged it for energy and engagement from the whole band. The support of Andy Fairweather-Low and the Low Riders also moved up a notch (and were even better at the Winwood/Clapton gig a few days later).
The band was mostly old favourites, Willie Weekes and Steve Gadd as the rhythm section, Michelle John and Sharon White on backing vocals and the superb Chris Stainton on keyboards and the excellent Tim Carmon on hammond organ. Chris Stainton actually seems to get better as the decades go by or maybe he just gets more lead time these days.
The set was largely pretty standard Clapton tunes - he kicked off with 'Key to the Highway' and included 'I Shot the Sherrif' and 'Going Down Slow' and 'Hoochie Coochie Man' early on. There was a brilliant acoustic set which started with 'Driftin'' which is a master class in acoustic guitar playing and included perhaps the most memorable track for me as it is not a standard Clapton track - 'Same Old Blues' . Layla was also in there. The full band then powered to the end of the gig with standards such as 'Badge', 'Little Queen of Spades, 'Cocaine' and for an encore 'Crossroads'.
Clapton was assured, relaxed and at times stunning, Chris Stainton was outstanding throughout and Tim Carmon did the business when required to. Calpton may not vary the setlist greatly but he always delivers.
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