Concert review: Crossroads 2010
Eric Clapton performs at Crossroads Guitar Festival on Saturday. (Tribune photo by William DeShazer) View more Crossroads pictures HERE.
In the months leading up to his Crossroads Guitar Festival on Saturday at Toyota Park in south suburban Bridgeview, Eric Clapton had been saying it would be his last.
But deep into Saturday’s 11-hour showcase for some of his ax-wielding mentors, peers and disciples, a smiling Clapton changed his tune.“This was going to be the last one,” he said, “but I don’t think it will be. … We’re gonna have to do it again.”
You can guess the reaction from the sun-dazed capacity audience to that promise.
It’s not certain why Clapton changed his mind, but I’m betting it had a lot to do with the way the third incarnation of his charity concert unfolded (for key festival moments, see my Crossroads 2010 diary HERE). In each of these festivals, the British rock icon has appeared energized, affable and a good deal looser than when simply playing his own shows. His multiple appearances Saturday only affirmed the notion that Eric Clapton was placed on this Earth to play guitar with his friends. Why quit now, especially when he’s still playing at such a high level, with such obvious enthusiasm? The key to gauging Clapton’s engagement: Watch those legs twitch and bend when he solos. On Saturday, the twitch was in full effect.
Dressed like a shaggy, semi-retired hippie in his baggy shorts and jeans and professorial glasses, Clapton was a strong presence throughout the long day, beginning with a scorching duet alongside Sonny Landreth during the opening set and wrapping up while seated next to blues icon B.B. King, who led the capacity audience through a leisurely, and sometimes lascivious, “Rock Me Baby.”
Blues uncut, high on musicianship and low on theater, was the order of the day. Though Clapton’s hand-picked lineup included nods to jazz (Earl Klugh), country (Vince Gill) and folk (Bert Jansch, Stefan Grossman), it skewed heavily toward the blues tradition that gave his young life purpose. The performers tailored their sets accordingly. ZZ Top ignored its biggest MTV-era hits in favor of grunge-encrusted boogie, with Billy Gibbons adding a couple shovels full of gravel to his insinuating baritone mumble. John Mayer abandoned his pop-idol persona to jam with drummer Steve Jordan and bassist Pino Palladino; indeed, a drummer as mighty as Jordan probably wouldn’t have tolerated “Your Body is a Wonderland,” so Mayer dug into Jimi Hendrix’s “Wait Until Tomorrow” and did a respectable job.
Though performers such as Mayer and Sheryl Crow helped fill seats, it was the elder statesmen who were treated like royalty. Hubert Sumlin played with an oxygen tank at his side helping him breathe, but the late Howlin Wolf’s right-hand man was a spry presence. He offered an after-hours take on Wolf’s “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” augmented by moaning horns and a sprinkle of piano as his fingers worked spider-like patterns on the guitar strings. Bert Jansch, who canceled a 2009 tour while battling lung cancer, held the vast stage by himself with the melancholy songs and nuanced finger-picking that made the U.K. folkie one of the most influential guitarists of the ‘60s, his imprint left on artists ranging from Jimmy Page to Neil Young. And Buddy Guy, at 73, again inspired awe with his boldly dissonant guitar-playing, combined with a personality that epitomized mannish-boy mischief and potency. Veering between moments of inscrutable stillness and explosive violence, Guy turned on his mega-watt smile and the entire stadium appeared to be his for the taking. A loose take on the Rolling Stones' "Miss You" was clearly inspired by the jovial presence of one of Guy's "sidemen," the Stones' Ronnie Wood, who raked out a few nasty solos of his own.
The next generation was represented by Texan Gary Clark Jr., who impressed with a driving brand of trance-blues as part of a set with Doyle Bramhall, and the cherubic, pony-tailed Derek Trucks, who played slide guitar with an expressiveness and volatility that echoed the late Duane Allman while accompanying his equally intense wife, Susan Tedeschi.
Though there were a few slow spots – Citizen Cope appeared lost in front of the vast crowd as a solo performer, sound problems sabotaged a short set by Grossman, and a frail Johnny Winter struggled audibly as he negotiated Hendrix’s “Red House” – the day ended with a run of fine performances.
Jeff Beck, with a retooled band, made his guitar sing on “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and exult on Sly Stone’s “Higher.” In a tradition of scene-stealing bassists (who can forget Tal Wilkenfeld from Crossroads ’07?), Rhonda Smith brought a funk feel to her instrumentation and a growl to her vocals on Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ and Tumblin’.” Beck later joined Clapton with salty slide-guitar accompaniment on Elmore James’ “Shake Your Moneymaker.”
Clapton had the keeper moment, though, and not coincidentally it came with Steve Winwood accompanying him. It was Winwood who put the charge into Crossroads ’07 during Clapton’s set, and he did the same Saturday when they shared twin leads on Blind Faith’s “Had to Cry Today.” After brisk takes on Traffic’s instrumental romp “Glad” and Buddy Holly’s “Well Alright,” Clapton and Winwood delivered an epic version of “Voodoo Chile.” Winwood’s Hammond-organ swirl and Clapton's multiple guitar crescendos were accented by soaring gospel vocals. A song later, Winwood was back on guitar to trade solos on Traffic’s buzzing acid-rock plea, “Dear Mr. Fantasy.”
The crowd was jazzed, standing and cheering as Clapton and Winwood hugged their goodbyes. Clapton was visibly jazzed too. No wonder he changed his mind about the future of Crossroads.
Blues uncut, high on musicianship and low on theater, was the order of the day. Though Clapton’s hand-picked lineup included nods to jazz (Earl Klugh), country (Vince Gill) and folk (Bert Jansch, Stefan Grossman), it skewed heavily toward the blues tradition that gave his young life purpose. The performers tailored their sets accordingly. ZZ Top ignored its biggest MTV-era hits in favor of grunge-encrusted boogie, with Billy Gibbons adding a couple shovels full of gravel to his insinuating baritone mumble. John Mayer abandoned his pop-idol persona to jam with drummer Steve Jordan and bassist Pino Palladino; indeed, a drummer as mighty as Jordan probably wouldn’t have tolerated “Your Body is a Wonderland,” so Mayer dug into Jimi Hendrix’s “Wait Until Tomorrow” and did a respectable job.
Though performers such as Mayer and Sheryl Crow helped fill seats, it was the elder statesmen who were treated like royalty. Hubert Sumlin played with an oxygen tank at his side helping him breathe, but the late Howlin Wolf’s right-hand man was a spry presence. He offered an after-hours take on Wolf’s “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” augmented by moaning horns and a sprinkle of piano as his fingers worked spider-like patterns on the guitar strings. Bert Jansch, who canceled a 2009 tour while battling lung cancer, held the vast stage by himself with the melancholy songs and nuanced finger-picking that made the U.K. folkie one of the most influential guitarists of the ‘60s, his imprint left on artists ranging from Jimmy Page to Neil Young. And Buddy Guy, at 73, again inspired awe with his boldly dissonant guitar-playing, combined with a personality that epitomized mannish-boy mischief and potency. Veering between moments of inscrutable stillness and explosive violence, Guy turned on his mega-watt smile and the entire stadium appeared to be his for the taking. A loose take on the Rolling Stones' "Miss You" was clearly inspired by the jovial presence of one of Guy's "sidemen," the Stones' Ronnie Wood, who raked out a few nasty solos of his own.
The next generation was represented by Texan Gary Clark Jr., who impressed with a driving brand of trance-blues as part of a set with Doyle Bramhall, and the cherubic, pony-tailed Derek Trucks, who played slide guitar with an expressiveness and volatility that echoed the late Duane Allman while accompanying his equally intense wife, Susan Tedeschi.
Though there were a few slow spots – Citizen Cope appeared lost in front of the vast crowd as a solo performer, sound problems sabotaged a short set by Grossman, and a frail Johnny Winter struggled audibly as he negotiated Hendrix’s “Red House” – the day ended with a run of fine performances.
Jeff Beck, with a retooled band, made his guitar sing on “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and exult on Sly Stone’s “Higher.” In a tradition of scene-stealing bassists (who can forget Tal Wilkenfeld from Crossroads ’07?), Rhonda Smith brought a funk feel to her instrumentation and a growl to her vocals on Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ and Tumblin’.” Beck later joined Clapton with salty slide-guitar accompaniment on Elmore James’ “Shake Your Moneymaker.”
Clapton had the keeper moment, though, and not coincidentally it came with Steve Winwood accompanying him. It was Winwood who put the charge into Crossroads ’07 during Clapton’s set, and he did the same Saturday when they shared twin leads on Blind Faith’s “Had to Cry Today.” After brisk takes on Traffic’s instrumental romp “Glad” and Buddy Holly’s “Well Alright,” Clapton and Winwood delivered an epic version of “Voodoo Chile.” Winwood’s Hammond-organ swirl and Clapton's multiple guitar crescendos were accented by soaring gospel vocals. A song later, Winwood was back on guitar to trade solos on Traffic’s buzzing acid-rock plea, “Dear Mr. Fantasy.”
The crowd was jazzed, standing and cheering as Clapton and Winwood hugged their goodbyes. Clapton was visibly jazzed too. No wonder he changed his mind about the future of Crossroads.
greg@gregkot.com
Related:
Crossroads Guitar Festival pictures
There were so many show stopping moments. It was great to see Buddy eschew schtick and take no prisoners with Johnny Lang and Ronnie Wood. Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi, the first family of the blues were awesome. Clapton & Winwood on Voodoo Chile might have been the highlight of the show. I have seen Clapton play many times but I've never seen him play with such ferocity. Hoping for another fest, again in Chicago!
Posted by: austin | June 27, 2010 at 03:03 AM
Wondering why there was no mention of guitar legend, Ron Wood? Certainly as formidable and profound as ZZ Top...
Posted by: Stephen A. | June 27, 2010 at 03:14 AM
Phenomenal day in concert; a Fine article to complement these amazing artists. The only thing missing was the great piece on the medical crew in charge of keeping these awesome "jazzed" fans coming back for more in the blistering heat and sun that encapsulated the day. Clapton's petition, suggesting a "quiet prayer" for no rain, landed him a barrage of accolades, not to mention, a raindrop free concert
Posted by: Kim Burgans | June 27, 2010 at 03:23 AM
BB King's closing was bizarre. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Posted by: The King | June 27, 2010 at 08:49 AM
For anyone who thinks EC is aging and 'lost his edge' they should have been there for Voodoo Chile!
Ronnie Wood amazed me in the sense I believe he was instrumental in bringing Buddy Guy back to his 'snarling showman best' and breathing life into a subdued (at first) Johnny Laing! Ronnie should not be under-estimated he is a true catalyst energising others to make you stop and listen!
In my view of the three crossroads this seemed to have the highest ejoyment facters by the 'axemen' themselves.
Posted by: Cameron | June 27, 2010 at 09:05 AM
No mention of Ronnie Wood's appearance at the festival? Hmmm..
Posted by: Derek Domino | June 27, 2010 at 09:27 AM
John Mayer and Jeff Beck were the highlights. Clapton's set was dead, especially when Citizen Cope joined, until Steve Winwood came on. I have always maintained that Clapton does not perform at his peak unless he has someone to challenge him. This set proved that again.
Posted by: jeff | June 27, 2010 at 09:30 AM
Kudos to Los Lobos' David Hidalgo and Cesar Rojas for showcasing '300 Pounds of Heavenly Joy.' Tribute to Chicago's very own Big Twist & the Mellow Fellows.
Posted by: Big D | June 27, 2010 at 09:37 AM
I just have to say this. The sound I heard at the concert was one of the worst jobs of sound mixing I've been exposed to in some 40 years of going to rock concerts. When I heard the DJs from WXRT gushing about the show or read Greg Kot's glowing review I wonder where they were sitting. I moved around to several spots but the sound continued to be VERY muddy - that is, when they didn't lose tracks entirely. I asked other people at the show what they thought just in case I was completely out of touch but they would just sort of grimace and say "yea' the sounds not too good". I wonder if Clapton could take time out of being a god and hire a mixer who knows how to do their job or move to a venue that has better acoustics. Just wondering...
Posted by: Nelson | June 27, 2010 at 09:50 AM
The best of the Festsival will also be shown in movie theatres across the US on July 27th.
Posted by: Kymberli | June 27, 2010 at 09:57 AM
This was truely a great event yesterday. It was extremely well run and the musicans didn't miss a beat. Its hard to find much to complain about with the exception of BB King. I realize hes one of the god fathers of the blues, but honestly its time he pulls back and enjoys the music from the seats like the rest of us. He was difficult to hear or understand, and I felt like the finale was medicore at best. With all those great players something truly amazing could of went down.
Posted by: brian | June 27, 2010 at 10:02 AM
No mention of Ronnie Wood or Bill Murray's MC antics? Were you even there?
Posted by: Laura Forester | June 27, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Let's not forget the Vince Gill/James Burton/Albert Lee segment where they really ripped through Gram Parson's classic "Luxury Liner"! That was tremendous. And Sonny Landreth was an excellent choice to kick it off. As he or Bill Murray (forget which) said after Sonny and Eric Clapton dueted "not bad for 12:15!" And Jeff Beck with "boom chaka laka, boom chaka laka"!
Posted by: tp | June 27, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Wish Clapton would invite Joe Satriani or Steve Vai or the best of them all...Uli Jon Roth or local guitar great Chuck Sierra
Posted by: CC | June 27, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Great show! But man, what was up with BB King?!
Posted by: Barth | June 27, 2010 at 10:47 AM
A great show was brought to a screeching halt with the BB King finale. All the momentum that had been building throughout the show seemed to dissapate with Kings' hokey ramblings.
Posted by: Tom Gallagher | June 27, 2010 at 11:01 AM
What a great day!!!! Jeff Beck blew us away!!!!! It was great to see Eric Clapton playing with so many great musicians!!!! Everyone seems to enjoy the fest!!!!!
Great to see ZZ top!!!! hope this is not the last one.....
Posted by: Jean | June 27, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Greg,
The idea that you need a Sheryl Crow to fill seats at an event like this is crazy. I met people who cam from as far away as Norway just to be there. This is the taste of Chicago for the guitar crowd, a little taste of everything and something for every taste.
The surprise appearance of Ronnie Wood was great and the "Miss You" a real gem. I know Eric feels he needs to pay homage to BB but his long ramblings are a bit much as evidenced by the droves of people exiting during his set.
Even with a few miscues throughout the day and some of the worst video ever shot up on the screens, good weather and great music = memorable day.
Posted by: Marc Rocklin | June 27, 2010 at 11:10 AM
What a day it was. In the fog of the day after, it is hard to recall them all. Sonny Landreth came on and leveled the crowd to set the tone for the day. Greg didn't mention that Ron Wood sat in with Buddy Guy and Johnny Lang and they traded some great licks and did a blues tinged "Miss You." Greg mentioned it, but it is worth repeating--Buddy played with great restraint and allowed interplay with Wood and Lang to shine through. Jeff Beck was amazing yet again. I don't know where he finds these female bass players with moxie, but she was great and the short drum solo was amazing. The Coming Home with the Derek Trucks/Warren Haynes/Susan Tedeschi lineup was really good as was the last song they did. Eric was clearly in great spirits all day while playing or hanging on the side of the stage watching with family and friends. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to see two of these festivals here in Chicago--let's hope that the next one Eric puts on is back at Toyota Park. The only downside of the day were the prices of the food and water. I must have spent $50 on $5 bottles of water. It is amazing to me that there were only a couple of water fountains (with long lines all day) at a facility that probably had 40,000 people in attendance. However, the misting tents were fantastic and a real life saver. However, it was another amazing day. Thank you Eric!
Posted by: Tommy | June 27, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Thanks Eric for bringing another amazing day of music to Chicago! And a note to the Toyota Park management - it is criminal of you to charge $5 for a bottle of water on a 90 degree day!
Posted by: Attendee | June 27, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Pino PallAdino!
nice writeup - sounds like it was an equally great mix of talent and songs.
Posted by: urban h | June 27, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Ditto on Voodoo Chile, Trucks, Tedeschi, Buddy. Gotta mention Joe Bonamassa, too.
My only improvement suggestion: Sheryl, please go home to Kennett.
Posted by: SteveL. | June 27, 2010 at 12:00 PM
It was Mesmerizing and took us into another stratosphere. What a soulful experience to see the best musicians our era has to offer. To see Clapton perform the way he did was like no other performance. Had never seen Winwood perform live until yesterday-WOW! Dear Mr. Fantasy took us back to our youths revisited. Buddy Guys performance was super engaging even to include when his string broke and he incorporated into his song. Bringing us all out of our seats. HIs performance was too short lived. Robert Randolphs uplifting performance was Great! Vince Gil and band treversed the music genres and engaged us willingly, his country renditions. His extraordinary vocals reverbated throughout the stadium. If Eric does decide to do another Crossroads, we'll definitley be there.
Posted by: Marla Morris | June 27, 2010 at 12:23 PM
What was that classic that Jeff Beck finished with? It's driving me crazy trying to remember.
Greg replies: Think it was "Lilac Wine"
Posted by: JD | June 27, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Did everyone miss Robert Randolph with Joe Bonamassa and Pino Daneile?The set of the day in My world.
Posted by: Tom S. | June 27, 2010 at 12:33 PM