[.ca] Eric Clapton & Friends - In Concert: A Benefit For The ... (ISBN 6305610460)

From Amazon.com:
It's been quite a road for Eric Clapton: from blues purist to rock guitar god, from country-pop balladeer to classic rock icon, and on to his current status as all-around legend, playing everything from straight blues to neo-soul. Those different aspects are all on display in this concert, taped at New York's Madison Square Garden to raise funds for the guitarist's drug and alcohol rehab center in the Caribbean. Of course, we get a healthy dose of Clapton the frontman during the nearly two-hour show, from the predictable "Layla" and "Tears in Heaven" to "River of Tears," perhaps the best song from his 1998 Pilgrim album (heard here in a more gospel-tinged arrangement). But it is as a collaborator or accompanist that he really shines, whether he's adding some tasty slide guitar to Sheryl Crow's "Different Kind," generating some real heat with saxophonist David Sanborn during a fiery "Little Wing," or harmonizing and trading guitar licks with Bob Dylan during a good-timey "Crossroads." Sure, Eric Clapton backing up Mary J. Blige may seem a little strange, but by the time he encores with a rousing "Sunshine of Your Love," it's clear that a good time was had by all. --Sam Graham

Uncommon Presentation:
I adore Clapton, and own all of his DVD's. I have to rate this one at the bottom of the list, though it is worth the purchase just to get the rare "Little Wing" performance. He uses the same arrangement/approach that the Dominos used, and it is good. After that, I have to agree with the other reviews here that critise the choices of selections from the concert that ended up on the DVD. I would really enjoy seeing the songs that were deleted, rather than the great, but oft repeated warhorses like "Sunshine of Your Love", and yet another "Tears in Heaven." There are just so many wonderful choices in his past repetoire that he NEVER performs now like "Strange Brew", "Forever Man", or "I Am Yours" that would be precious to many of his fans! But to avoid misunderstanding, I must say that what is here is predominantly great. (The only blatant exception being the horror of what is done to the usually poignant "Old Love" by a keyboardist that I have never seen with him before. I "skip" over that song always!) The guests are somewhat unusual, though mostly pleasing. Sheryl Crow is fine, Bob Dylan is excellent, Dave Sanborn is probably good, (I rarely take note of horns), but the Mary Blige section is, ...well, ...unexpected!. Clapton's backing band is mostly the same folks that are usually with him; Andy Fairweather-Low, Steve Gadd, and Nathan East with Katie Kissoon & Tessa Niles. They are always enjoyable to hear. (He later dropped the girls from his 2002 tour, and I missed them on "One More Car"/Rider). I have read that he sometimes determines his song selections according to the capabilities of his backing group. If that is so, then I would appreciate a little variety in the players he recruits - time is moving on, and I would love to hear/see him do some of the afformentioned tunes before he hangs up his new, graphic strat forever!

duet with dylan is ultimate:
the duet with dylan on don't think twice is worth the price of admission ! just great interplay between the two .

Will someone please give Mary J. Blige a mirror?:
If you were there you know it was a magical night. If you were not, then this concert is an acceptable substitute. Every minute with Clapton is a gem throughout this performance. The down spots: the aforementioned, in the title, Mary J. Blige (could not wait for her to finish, what makes her a "friend"?), and Cheryl Crow. Cheryl needs a chrome pole and a garter so folks of that kind can place dollar bills in it. She repulses me because she refuses to take singing lessons. Well, if it makes you happy!!! Edit out Mary and Cheryl and you have a great show. At least Eric had the good sense to include Tessa Niles and Katie Kissoon, unlike the 2001 tour! ("Drowning in a)River of Tears" is a high point of the show, as was the appearance of Bob Dylan who performed more than made it on this video. I guess Mary and Cheryl used up his space on the disk!

Spectacular:
Well, I loved this DVD. From "Layla" (which, might I add, is not predictable, seeing as how it's the first time he's played the Derek and the Dominos version of the song in who knows how long) to "River of Tears", this is a great concert. The guest artists are excellent. Sheryl Crow and Clapton sound wonderful together, and I was glad to see her there. Mary J. Blige... I don't know, if it suits your fancy... and Bob Dylan was excellent if you like Bob Dylan, as I do. David Sanborn, one of the best rock saxophone players today, is an excellent addition to the house band, which includes standards like Nathan East, Steve Gadd, Andy Fairweather-Low, Tessa Niles, and Katie Kissoon, plus Tim Carmon, a great keyboard player who makes his keyboard solo sound like a guitar solo in "Old Love", and Dave Delhomme, who just sits and plays keyboards. Great companion to "Live in Hyde Park".

Some Good Performances:
There are excellent performances by Clapton, Sanborn & Crow. The Blige and Dylan performances were not so good. A mixed bag. The other Clapton dvd's are probably better. Not a keeper but a good 1 off rental.