Delaney Bonnie and Friends DVD
Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock, Jim Gordon, Bobby Keys, Jim Price, Rita Coolidge
Beat Club Bremin Germany & Copenhagen 1969
Recorded at the Falkoner Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark on Dec 12th, 1969 for the Danish TV show Beat 69.
Bonus Video : Derek & the Dominoes on the Johnny Cash Show performing "It's too Late" 

not sure of the Lineage
Picture quality is a B- but Very watchable.

Enjoy,

Gripweed

"Poor Elijah" (Tribute to Robert Johnson)
          --Copenhagen TV

"Poor Elijah" (Tribute to Robert Johnson)
"I Don't Know Why"
"Where There's a Will (There's a Way)"
"Specializin'"
"I Don't Want To Discuss It"
"That's What My Man Is For"
"I'm Coming Home (To Your Love)"
          --Beat Club TV show

"It's Too Late (She's Gone)" [Derek & the Dominos]
Johnny Cash intro ->
"Matchbox" [Derek & the Dominos with Johnnie Cash and Carl Perkins]
          --Johnny Cash TV show


EC/Delaney Bramlett (Guitar, Vocals)
Bonnie Bramlett (Vocals)
Dave Mason (Guitar)
George Harrison (Guitar)
Bobby Whitlock (Organ, Vocals)
Carl Radle (Bass)
Jim Gordon (Drums)
Jim Price (Trumpet)
Bobby Keys (Sax)
Rita Coolidge (Vocals)
Tex Johnson (Percussion)

If you, like me, are an older rock fan [I'm nearing 50], and are not familiar with this material, or if you are a younger fan who suffers from rock radio's lack of historical perspective, let me hasten to reassure you, you will LOVE this DVD. It is an extraordinarily rare document, representing one of the most critical 'moments' in rock music history.

Delaney & Bonnie [along with the much less-remembered Mylon LeFevre] introduced the then-VERY alien spirit of revivalist ministries to white rock -- a fusion which had been achieved on the black side by Little Richard in the 50's and Aretha in the 60's, but had not, at least as of 1969, crossed over into the mainstream white audience.  Hearing Delaney & Bonnie and friends on the radio a year after this video was shot [and the subsequent Atlantic album was released] was a REVELATION to this white boy!

EC, having survived the fiasco of Blind Faith, hooked up with this extraordinary live band fronted by Delaney & Bonnie [all of these players went on to sterling careers - but here is a chance to see them all as KIDS -- even poor Jim Gordon], as did his friends George Harrison & Dave Mason, both of whom had recently released what, in retrospect, were the finest releases of THEIR careers. They were also both alums of Jimi's sessions and 'secret recording dates'; That ought to give you an idea of how important these D&B sessions were!

Soul singers in the finest of traditions, D&B gave EC an anchor for his American tastes [recently thwarted by his rejection as a potential Band member]. DB produced Eric's first [and arguably finest] solo LP.  Eric was very generous in crediting Delaney Bramlett as his vocal 'coach' and inspiration.  Bonnie Bramlett -- mother of recent Fleetwood Mac alum Becca -- will be a REVELATION to those who have never seen her, or might only know her from her rare appeareances on the Roseanne TV show. Back in the day, Bonnie was in the same private club as Aretha, Janis and that's about it.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that D&B&F was the first group I ever went to see perform live [Seals & Crofts opened and I was not yet cynical enough to decide that they sucked, so I enjoyed them], and I have been a fan for nearly 35 years now!

Any way - I'm rambling and just wanted to finish off by saying: before 1970 was out, EC had poached the best part of this band, D&B got too big for their britches, and the moment passed. But all of that is unimportant now. This is a document of unforgettable -- if naïve -- brilliance.  But please - don't take MY word for it: jump directly to Chapter 7 ["That's What My Man Is For"] and see the proof for yourself.

This critical influence on Clapton's playing -- indeed his entire 'persona' -- is manifested in its raw glory on the Johnny Cash TV clips which conclude the DVD. Eric has abandoned Gibson for Fender forever and has irrevocably passed through the crossroads to what was to become his life's work. Amazing and revelatory video if you are a Clapton fan of any stripe.

Jumping up & down,

--Nick in Fort Lauderdale