The Clapton Thread

[Nelskie]

After a bit of enjoyable Clapton-related discussion with the Voodooman this afternoon, I thought it was about time our guitar forum had a thread somewhere that paid tribute to a man who not only is a legendary player in his own right, but whose body of work is basically a resume' of some of rock music's most assertive & esteemed accomplishments. As a matter of fact, it is my firm belief that it's only a matter of time before Webster's puts a short footnote under the definition of guitar: *see also - Eric Clapton.

Oh yes, there are many colossal figures in the world of guitar, some of whom are every bit as deserving when considering their accomplishments. However, one would be hard-pressed to find a guitarist with as diverse a style, or one who has been part of as much of rock history as Clapton has.

My recent foray into the world of Clapton has uncovered many jewels. Being an avid fan of the blues, it is hard to overlook some of EC's landmark work in the early to mid 60's. As the lead guitarist for the Yardbirds, Eric set the UK on its ear with his scorching blues style. Shortly thereafter, he parlayed his phenomenal style into England's premier blues group, The Bluesbreakers, who were fronted by the multi-talented John Mayall. Although Eric's stint with the band was brief, the material that evolved from that union shook the very foundations of the rock music. The songs. The tone. The feel. All unmistakably driven by the genius of Clapton's guitar mastery. But there were more lands to be conquered.

After his departure from The Bluesbreakers, Clapton, along with drummer Ginger Baker, and bassist Jack Bruce, formed Cream, and once again set the rock world on fire with their unique blues-meets-psychedelia style. Clapton's Cream-era tone would eventually evolve into the modern rock style, its roots noticeably evident in the music of bands such as Led Zeppelin, Free, and the Allman Brothers to name a few.

Although the aforementioned is but a blip in a monumentally successful career, I didn't want to have this thread start out, or continue as a Clapton biography. If you're interested in that, Wikipedia has the perscribed vital stats:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Cl...ie_and_Friends

Although the waters of the Nelskie guitar style run very deeply along the ZZ Top & Led Zeppelin tributaries, I cannot deny that my recent "re-discovery" of Eric Clapton has led me to some very fertile lands as far as playing goes. And perhaps that's what I have found to be so interesting during this particular "go-round". What I mean is that each of us, as guitarists, may be only too familiar with the music from some of our favorite artists and players. Often times, if we dig deeper, we can find new treasures - maybe even ones that we didn't even think existed. For me, this is one of the most satisfying parts of playing guitar - when the old becomes the new. And by that same process, we are once again as players re-connected to where we came from.

But where it really gets interesting is when you take that re-discovery one step further, i.e. roll it into something entirely new, and wholly different. Yeah, it's cool to have a sound just like Clapton, or SRV, or whomever. But how cool would it be to have your own tone, and have it be "Clapton-esque", or "Cream-ish", or something along those same lines - you know - tap into the mojo, but put your own stamp on it?

Such are the things I am wrestling with today. And what a glorious predicament it is turning out to be!!

[marnold***]

I love the afro

For those who are interested in whetting their appetite for Cream, check out "Strange Brew: The Very Best of Cream." It has the classics like "White Room" and "Sunshine of Your Love" as well as things like "Anyone for Tennis?" and the more psychadelic "Tales of Brave Ulysees." The first real bass line that I learned back in the day was the one to "Badge." Very cool stuff.

I just read something recently where Clapton said that he hates most of his old stuff, particularly "Crossroads."

[warren0728]

I love the afro

hey that hair doo reminds me of the robert "the shredder" renman look!

ww

[Tim]

Two "Master Shreaders" on the same forum! What more could we ask for?

[duhvoodooman***]

Not that it has much do with his music (or maybe it does....), but I was always amazed by what a chameleon old EC was, always changing his physical appearance, often in quite radical ways, mostly though the adjustment of hair placement, length and style. Do a Google Images search on "Eric Clapton" and look at what comes up! Geez, you can't even tell it's the same guy in many of the photos. And I'm talking about when he was a young man, and age wasn't a factor in his appearance. I've got to believe that's another manifestation of an innate tendency toward risk-taking, which is also reflected in the broad range of musical styles he has explored over the years. Or not....

BTW, I think that the Beano album is an absolutely essential part of any semi-serious EC collection. To my mind, that's when Clapton became Clapton. I have it in vinyl, purchased around '67, but I'm going to have to pick up one of the reissue CD's....

[Nelskie]

The Beano album rules. Period.

[duhvoodooman***]

This may be common knowledge, but just in case anyone reading this has no idea what the heck "the Beano album" is, we're referring to EC's one and only album with John Mayall's Blues Breakers. It's commonly referred to as the Beano album because of the comic book that EC is pictured reading on the cover. To wit:

Attachment 149

And it's great. Clapton left to form Cream a few months later.

[Nelskie]

Not that it has much do with his music (or maybe it does....), but I was always amazed by what a chameleon old EC was, always changing his physical appearance, often in quite radical ways, mostly though the adjustment of hair placement, length and style. ....

Indeed, Clapton had many "looks". His best one was always holding a guitar.

I've got to believe that's another manifestation of an innate tendency toward risk-taking, which is also reflected in the broad range of musical styles he has explored over the years. Or not.... ....

Very astute observation, Voodoo, and I would wholeheartedly concur with it.

BTW, I think that the Beano album is an absolutely essential part of any semi-serious EC collection. To my mind, that's when Clapton became Clapton. I have it in vinyl, purchased around '67, but I'm going to have to pick up one of the reissue CD's....

The Beano album will provide more than ample inspiration for you and that new Delta Blues amp of yours. Why not have the friendly folks at Amazon.com deliver a fine used copy to your doorstep, and spend that valuable time coaxing smooth tones out of your new rig? Here's a link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...Fencoding=UTF8

[tot_Ou_tard]

I just heard the entire Beano album for the first time--good stuff. I did already have some Mayall compilations that had a number of cuts off of that album, but I hadn't played those in a few years.

Thanks for the thread.

[warren0728]

The Beano album rules. Period.

absolutely....i love claptons sound....took it out today and played it again because of all the discussion of it....it's back in my rotation again!

I also dug out Fleetwood Mac Live In London '68....man Peter Green can play too. Another cd i would recommend (maybe we should start a crazy old peter green thread!)

ww

[duhvoodooman***]

The Beano album will provide more than ample inspiration for you and that new Delta Blues amp of yours. Why not have the friendly folks at Amazon.com deliver a fine used copy to your doorstep, and spend that valuable time coaxing smooth tones out of your new rig?

Capital idea, Nelsk! Placed the order 2 minutes ago!

[Tone2TheBone]

Two words bro - The Beano Album.

...ok three words.

ps - thanks!

[duhvoodooman***]

Had to throw this up, too--photo of my original Beano album, purchased '67, I'm pretty sure. Early '68 at the latest. Geez, this thing is almost 40 years old! Kinda worn on the cover, due to sliding it in an out of the record cabinet (remember those??) so many times. Clapton looks like a kid. Clapton was a kid. And already had tone I'll never achieve in my lifetime!! And look at the baby-face on John McVie next to him!

[tot_Ou_tard]

Love the photo VoooDoo. Has anyone read Beano? I've never heard of it, actually.

BTW about 20 years ago I went on a hunt to get those boots that EC is wearing (Beatle Boots) but they didn't make them anymore. I still think that they look soft and comfortable.

What geetar is EC playing on this album. I seem to recall a thread that discussed this. Nelskie, was that you?

[duhvoodooman***]

What geetar is EC playing on this album. I seem to recall a thread that discussed this. Nelskie, was that you?

A gorgeous old Les Paul Standard that was later stolen. Thought to be a '60 model.

Clapton's Blues Breakers LP

BTW, The Beano was a popular kid's comic book in the UK at the time. EC was doubtless holding it as a goof.

[tot_Ou_tard]

A gorgeous old Les Paul Standard that was later stolen. Thought to be a '60 model.

Clapton's Blues Breakers LP

BTW, The Beano was a popular kid's comic book in the UK at the time. EC was doubtless holding it as a goof.

Ah, yes I remember now.

[tot_Ou_tard]

A gorgeous old Les Paul Standard that was later stolen. Thought to be a '60 model.

Clapton's Blues Breakers LP

BTW, The Beano was a popular kid's comic book in the UK at the time. EC was doubtless holding it as a goof.

Beano was a kid's comic book? I assumed it was an underground comic. Nelskie weren't you waxing poetic about the Fabulous Furry Freak Bros? Do you know anything about Beano?

[tot_Ou_tard]

Beano was a kid's comic book? I assumed it was an underground comic. Nelskie weren't you waxing poetic about the Fabulous Furry Freak Bros? Do you know anything about Beano?

Here's a good link...

http://www.comicsuk.co.uk/ComicInfor...noHomePage.asp

[tot_Ou_tard]

Here's a good link...

http://www.comicsuk.co.uk/ComicInfor...noHomePage.asp

From that page...

During WW2 the Beano did its bit to boost morale amongst its readers. Lord Snooty and Pansy Potter were often seen giving the enemy a kick up the backside. While there were also special war time stories created by artist Sam Fair, Winken & Blinken and Musso The Wop, which made sure that the enemy were made to look foolish.

...Lord Snooty & Pansy Potter?!?....hooo boy!