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| Deluxe Edition of Eric Clapton's First Solo Album Eric Clapton's first solo album was released in 1970. Revisiting Eric Clapton's debut album, Eric Clapton - Deluxe Edition (Polydor/UMe), to be released May 23, 2006, explores the landmark recording by expanding the album to two CDs with a remastered version of the original, a previously unreleased mix of the entire album, session outtakes, and related singles recordings. The guitarist became a genuinely well-rounded recording artist with Eric Clapton. Yet he was reticent to launch a solo career and so he surrounded himself with the artists he had been touring with, notably Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett and Friends, including keyboardist Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle, drummer Jim Gordon, percussionist Tex Johnson, backup singer Rita Coolidge and horn players Jim Price and Bobby Keys as well as Leon Russell and Sonny Curtis. Embracing an organic rock/country/R&B/gospel rootsy vibe, the album set a tone that has distinguished Clapton ever since. Eric Clapton was mixed by renowned producer/engineer Tom Dowd, who had previously worked on the Cream classics Disraeli Gears and Wheels Of Fire. The album hit #13 on the charts and featured Clapton's Top 20 pop cover of J.J. Cale's "After Midnight" plus "Let It Rain, " which guested Stephen Stills, and favorites "I've Told You For The Last Time" and "Don't Know Why." The Deluxe Edition adds "Blues In 'A, '" "Teasin'" and a previously unreleased early version of "Let It Rain", entitled "She Rides." But there was also a second, distinctive mix of the album, prepared by album producer/co-writer/arranger Delaney Bramlett -- a mix preferred by many who have heard both. On Disc Two of Eric Clapton - Deluxe Edition that mix is issued for the first time. Also making debuts are previously unreleased studio takes on "Don't Know Why" and "I've Told You For The Last Time." Added too are singles "Comin' Home" and "Groupie (Superstar), " both from Delaney & Bonnie and Friends featuring Eric Clapton. Even before the album was released, Clapton exited the solo spotlight to form Derek and the Dominos with Whitlock, Radle and Gordon. But a few years later he would return to continue one of rock's most enduring careers. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |