Eric Clapton

Straight up one of the Best Videos (if not the best!) one could own for a superb presentation of Eric Clapton's outstanding ability to play the guitar and entertain! I have worn out two CDs and one DVD listening to it over the years.

The only other album or video I have listened to more over the years has been Roy Orbison and Friends: Black & White Night (1988.) They really don't make music like this anymore! If you play the guitar or attempt to like a few of us, there are some great close shots for watching how the Master does it! If you enjoy Clapton, and you do not have a copy of this Video or a CD of the track, I whole heartedly suggest you get one.

This video is a great capture of the MTV unplugged concert. The audio makes you feel as if you were sitting in the front row of the studio - I just wish the video were in Widescreen instead of standard TV format. Clapton is an excellent artist, and this video shows it all: well known ballads such as "Tears in Heaven" as well as my personal favorite: the accoustic version of "Layla". If you like Eric Clapton this is a must have.

I remember seeing this when it was televised on MTV - the only time I ever watched a complete show on that network. It was a pleasure to get it on DVD later in the '90s and watching it on tape for several years. It's always enjoyable to watch and listen to, even though I've viewed it many times almost over 15 years. The more you watch this, the better it gets. With some good speakers, you can hear all the instruments which is a big advantage to the DVD format. The sound made some low-key songs really come alive.

This is a nice mellow-sounding concert and most of the songs grow on you. It's presented in such a classy form that it provides something different: blues/rock 'n roll in a quieter format. This was so successful that other performers copied it with their "unplugged" concerts.

There are many familiar faces with Clapton here and I particularly enjoyed Chuck Leavell on keyboard. On "Old Love," he gives one of the better piano solos I've ever heard. Leavell is best-known as the keyboard man for the Rolling Stones. Meanwhile, percussionist Ray Cooper is the most fun guy to watch. It's doubtful a drummer ever had as much fun as he does in concerts, especially when he's showing off with the tambourine.

All the band members from Clapton on down look like nice guys who are thoroughly enjoying themselves in this concert.....and it shows in the music. One of Clapton's best!