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News From New Orleans: Clapton Rocks The Big Easy

24 Mar 13

Saturday night, 23 March, brought Eric Clapton and his band to the Big Easy for another powerhouse show. So far, only one person has checked in, so we’ll let Chuck C tell the whole story: “The band was in great form.  Any kind of idea that Clapton was taking a back seat with the guitar playing was instantly dismissed with “Tell The Truth”.  The outstanding solo of the night was definitely “I Shot The Sheriff”…the first time in the night that he had a standing ovation by the whole arena.  “Tears In Heaven” brought the entire house silent. We didn’t get “Layla”, .which was OK with me, but I would have liked to have heard the pedal steel playing some of Duane Allman’s licks on the 2nd half of the original version.  

Eric is NOT using the tweed Fender Twin amps for this tour. My tickets were in the 6th row and I could tell his tone was a lot brighter this time.  After fighting my way up to the front after the show, I think he’s using a Dumble!  It’s a small black amplifier placed next to the Leslie (which I don’t think he used all night).   Whatever this new amp was, it sounded fantastic! 

Not enough is being said about how incredible Steve Jordan is.  The energy and discipline that he brings to this band add a fantastic edge to the songs.   While I certainly love and appreciate the work of Steve Gadd, I prefer Jordan’s groove for Eric’s music.  The way that Jordan locks in with Willie Weeks is off the charts.  “Got To Get Better In A Little While” … We are use to some funk here in New Orleans, and that tune blew me out the water. 

An incredible show to celebrate an incredible career.  I am so glad Eric seems to like New Orleans, because he rarely skips a stop when in the area. Thank you, Where’s Eric, for all you do keeping us informed. Eric, we hope to see you back in New Orleans again!

Eric Clapton & His Band
New Orleans – 23 March 2013
1. Hello Old Friend
2. My Father’s Eyes
3. Tell The Truth
4. Gotta Get Over
5. Black Cat Bone
6. Gotta Get Better In A Little While
7. Tempted
8. I Shot The Sheriff
9. Driftin’
10. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
11. Tears In Heaven
12. Goodnight Irene
13. Wonderful Tonight
14. How Long
15. Stones In My Passway
16. Love In Vain
17. Crossroads
18. Little Queen Of Spades
19. Cocaine
20. Sunshine Of Your Love
21. High Time We Went