News
Sunshine of Your Love: Pre-Order Now
25 Apr 18
Eric Clapton’s official, hand-crafted, signed limited edition book documenting the Crossroads Guitar Festivals 1999-2013 will be published in June. It is available for pre-order at www.claptonbook.com. Proceeds benefit Crossroads Centre.
The musicians who performed at the festivals tell the story in Sunshine of Your Love: Eric Clapton & Friends. They take the reader through their musical influences, experiences at the festivals, and their appreciation of each other’s music. The original manuscript draws on previously unpublished interviews with Eric Clapton, B.B. King, J.J. Cale, Buddy Guy, Vince Gill, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Carlos Santana, James Taylor, Steve Winwood, Ronnie Wood, Robert Cray and many, many more.
“What a great opportunity to have all my favourite musicians play together in a festival. No baggage, no filler, just the best people I could think of.” – Eric Clapton
“I call it world music and it’s a brotherhood. Guitar players do not compete with each other. In sports it’s competition. Music is about complementing.” – Carlos Santana
“I’ll tell you what happens when you go out and play with Eric Clapton and B.B. King and all these guys, you better not start thinking about it, you better have a good time.” – Jimmie Vaughan
“It was really special playing Madison Square Garden. It was amazing to be in New York City with all those cats and all that music.” – Gary Clark Jr.
“Coming to Crossroads is like being able to speak fluently with people who speak the same language.” – John Mayer
Sunshine of Your Love: Eric Clapton & Friends’ 36,000-word manuscript extends to over 200 pages and documents the historic series of Crossroads concerts but also tells the wider story of guitar music. Multi-generational voices from blues legends such as B.B King, Johnny Winter and Buddy Guy to the newer guard of guitar virtuosos, such as John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr. and Derek Trucks, tell the story of the rich history of guitar music and of the many genres it encompasses, from blues to country, from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll.
There are over 350 archival photos of the musicians who were hand-picked by Eric Clapton to perform at the festivals. Featured artists include Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Keith Richards, Doyle Bramhall II, Jimmie Vaughan, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Joe Walsh, Buddy Guy and B.B. King. Interspersed throughout the book are also vintage photographs that illustrate the rich tapestry of musical influences and collaborations that can be traced through the history of guitar music. Eric Clapton’s work in the Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and Cream is documented and pages are dedicated to subjects such as the history of the slide guitar – from Elmore James to Duane Allman – and to the continuing significance of the Chicago bluesmen.
Handcrafted in Milan, Italy, the 1,650 collector copies (numbered 351 to 2,000) are quarter bound in leather with foil blocking and silver page edging. Each book is individually signed by at least three Crossroads musicians, including Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Neal Schon, Andy Fairweather Low, Sonny Landreth, Taj Mahal, Derek Trucsk, Susan Tedeschi, John McLaughlin, Robbie Robertson, David Sanborn, Carlos Santana, Alison Krauss, Nathan East, Steve Vai and Joe Walsh. The collector copies come with an exclusive 7″ vinyl picture disc includes two Crossroads performances by Eric Clapton: ‘Wonderful Tonight’ at the first benefit concert in 1999 and ‘Got To Get Better In A Little While’ performed at the final Crossroads in 2013, both recorded at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Proceeds from the book benefit Crossroads Centre, founded by Eric Clapton to provide a supportive and safe environment for those seeking recovery from addiction. Sunshine Of Your Love Collector Copies (numbered 351-2000) are £325. Pre-order at www.claptonbook.com.
The Deluxe Edition of Sunshine Of Your Love (numbered 1-350 / £595) is fully subscribed.
Genesis Publications has been issuing fine limited edition art books since 1974 and is dedicated to the arts of printing and craftsmanship. The books are works of art in themselves and much sought after by collectors. Genesis editions feature in the collections of the world’s finest libraries, including the New York Public Library’s Rare and Fine Printed Book Department.