I was always wondering what this 1973 concert sounded like. This album was always featured in the discount racks, but the old cover and skimpy song selection (only six tracks on the first release) made me skip over on buying this. In 1995, this all-star show was rematestered and released with new photos, liner notes, and a total of fourteen tracks. The most appealing fact about this concert is the amazing line up. Besides Clapton on guitar and vocals, Pete Townshend and future Stone Ronnie Wood add their guitar talents. Other notables include Jim Capaldi and Steve Winwood from Traffic, and Rick Grech on bass. Legend has it that Townshend had to coax Clapton to do this benefit conert. Eric Clapton spent the majority of the early 1970's in his mansion drinking and shooting heroin. Clapton has been quoted saying that Townshend "saved his life", and Eric Claptons recording career was kicked back into gear again (though his drinking and drug problem turned out to be a much longer battle to cure). Regardless of some other reviews that are out there, I found the "Rainbow Concert" to be a great performance from this classic guitarist and his talented backing band.
The bulk of the musical selections on this release focuses on Clapton's first solo album and Derek and the Dominoes "Layla". In fact, "Layla" kicks the cd off. There's been many live versions of this classic Clapton tune, but this rendition is easily my favorite. Staying very true to the original, the performance here is precise and tight. Steve Winwood adds inspired piano to the mellow ending of the song. Clapton's voice shines on "Blues Power". This particular song also features the best guitar solo that Clapton has to offer on the cd. Of all the tracks that weren't previously released on the first pressing of this album, "Bottle of Red Wine" is one of the more memorable ones. Having the backing vocal talents of Rick Gretch and Pete Townshend really gives this song a boost. Not a very well-known track of his, this bluesy and danceable number is a great addition to this set. Steve Winwood handles vocals duties on "Presence of the Lord" and Traffic's "Pearly Queen". "Presence of the Lord" is know for it's inclusion on Blind Faith's first (and only) album that featured Clapton and Winwood. The version featured here is a bit too subdued compared to the original, but Winwood and Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi really play their hearts out on "Pearly Queen". With all of these stars in one place, you think that Townshend would have been allowed to add a track to this release! The cd finishes off in great fashion with a loose version of "Crossroads". Some of the performers here struggle early with getting the right key of the song down, but it gives the performance a bit of character! It actually reminds me of the Grateful Dead. I assure you I'm not complaining, since every live Clapton release should contain this signature track!
For any Clapton fan (like me) who is unfamiliar with this particular release, this was a very nice surprise for me! There have been plenty of live Clapton releases that are out there, and this could easily rank as one of the best. Make sure to look for the 1995 remastered version if your are interested in finding this release. I found my copy at the used cd store, if you can believe that someone would have the nerve to sell this!
