Rhythm & Blues

Guitar Heroes

There were things going on in London from the early 60's which did not come to the attention of the wider pop world. It was based on the blues. Early blues musicians such as Alexis Korner and John Mayall were practicing their art largely unknown to the pop world.

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton was influenced by Robert Johnson, and played in a number of little-known bands in 1963, aged 18, before joining the Yardbirds later that year. He left in 1965 because the band was becoming too commercial, and joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. He was already becoming recognised for his guitar playing and credited in the title of the album Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton.

Cream were formed in 1966, consisting of Clapton, singer and multi-instrumentalist Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker on drums. They were billed as a 'Supergroup', perhaps the first such, i.e. a group put together from people who were already accomplished recognised musicians in their field, but in reality not many people had heard of Ginger Baker or Jack Bruce at the time. They had a hit single Sunshine of Your Love with a driving guitar riff which was unusual music for the pop world. Their major albums were Disraeli Gears and the double album Wheels of Fire, the latter having a studio disc and a live disc. Cream's studio recordings were dominated by Jack Bruce who was the principal singer, and songwriter together with lyricist/poet Pete Brown. Their live material featured more of Clapton with long improvised instrumental sections within the songs. Clapton was influenced by the slightly older Jimi Hendrix when Jimi first came to Britain in the early days of Cream. Cream broke up in 1968, but had been very influential, mainly due to their live performances. The rather short Goodbye Cream was notable because it had the track Badge which was co-written by Clapton and George Harrison.

Around this time Clapton contributed to The Beatles (white album), notably playing on While My Guitar Gently Weeps. I suspect he played on Harrison's All Things Must Pass too, and although I've never seen it credited that must surely be Clapton playing that magnificent electric guitar on the hit single My Sweet Lord. There isn't another man alive can play like that.

After Cream, Clapton and Baker got together with Steve Winwood (formerly of Spencer Davis Group and Traffic) and Rick Grech (formerly of Family) to form Blind Faith. This was again in the mould of a Supergroup, and this time the name was more justified. They had great success in their live performances, and had just one album of the same name. Here Clapton's contribution was mainly his guitar and Winwood was the principal vocalist.

In 1970 Clapton formed the band Derek and the Dominoes and released the double album Layla featuring a memorable hit single of the same name. This album was somewhat bitter-sweet with unfamiliar vocal harmonies bordering on the discordant, but did include some magnificent tour de force guitar epics with an interplay between Clapton and slide guitar virtuoso Duane Allman (who died soon after). Key to the Highway was one such track. Bell Bottom Blues was also on the album. I was fortunate to see them live and Clapton, uncharacteristically fulfilled the role of front man with the exuberance and charisma of a true pop star!  In 1973 there was a little known double live album.

Clapton went into some obscurity for a few years but in the mid 70's became more commercial. He was now singing more, and writing some songs. It was about now that he began to be recognised more widely in the rock and pop world as a superstar. It is an unfortunate thing that it is only really singers who can become truly recognized as big stars by the wider public. He had a number of solo albums which were successful, but now partially departed from blues, and were typically a collection of separate and varied songs. There were still a few great bluesy tracks dotted around these albums, notably Cocaine on Slowhand. Backless was notable because it was mixed with unusually loud instrumental parts compared to a lower vocal level (how it should be!). It also previewed a number of songs later to appear in improved form on Just One Night.

Sometime in the 70's Clapton had an affair with George Harrison's wife, the former model Patti Boyd, and later married her. Perhaps it was around this time he was singing "Have you ever loved a woman" including the lyric "when she belongs to your very best friend".

In May 1980 the best Eric Clapton album was released, the magnificent Just One Night, a generous double album recorded live in Japan. This was an extravaganza of powerful, driving, lively rhythm-n-blues packed with long guitar solos. Sound quality is excellent, as good as studio quality, showing vast improvements in both technology and know-how compared to the traditional live album which had existed so far.

Another notable album soon followed, Another Ticket, perhaps the best of Clapton's studio solo albums, and with a good blues content and including more of the traditional blues style (i.e. slower blues featuring depression and misery). It is emotional and contains a certain magic which is difficult to define and impossible to replicate.

Throughout much of the 70's, 80's and beyond, Eric Clapton became THE MAN to appear at those all-star live concerts such as charity events. He was indispensable to add credibility and respect to such concerts. Any such event without Eric Clapton was not to be taken seriously, but don't worry he usually was there, and given proper honour in the billing. The earliest of these that I know of was George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh in the early 70's. Another was The Band's all star farewell concert The Last Waltz in 1976. Both of these were filmed at the time and now available on DVD.

Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix first set foot in Britain on Saturday 24th September 1966. He had been an unknown backing musician in the USA, including playing for Little Richard. He was clearly an accomplished guitarist with a strong blues background and was spotted by ex Animals Chas Chandler and invited to Britain. On one occasion he attended a Cream concert and joined the band on stage. His playing influenced Eric Clapton.

Hendrix formed the band The Jimi Hendrix Experience with Noel Redding (bass) and Mitch Mitchell (drums). Their debut single Hey Joe was released in Dec. 66 and made the top 10. It was followed up by equally successful singles written by Hendrix, Purple Haze and The Wind Cries Mary, and their first album Are You Experienced. Great powerul raw electric blues. Hendrix proved to be a good songwriter and singer as well as an exceptional guitarist.

The second album Axis Bold as Love seems to be Hendrix's attempt to live up to his other-worldly reputation, but is not so good. However it did feature the strange song Little Wing.

The next album was Electric Ladyland. A double album with a great blend of electric blues, original songs, and abstract innovation. Several guest musicians appeared on it partially replacing Redding and Mitchell. Buddy Miles did some of the drumming, Jack Cassidy played bass on the epic Voodoo Chile, with Steve Winwood on organ. Al Kooper played some piano. It still stands as Hendrix's best recording.

The Experience split up and Hendrix went back to the USA, now having achieved proper recognition there. He formed a new trio, Band of Gypsies, with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. They recorded a live album of the same name on the last day of 1969, significantly different from his earlier work. It was released in June 1970 and was the last recording to be released before his death on 18th September 1970.

Other albums were released posthumously, some using unreleased, but original material, and of course there have been many compilations.

Other notable guitarists

Jimmy Page

Like Clapton, he also came to prominence with the Yardbirds, and one time a session guitarist, but later better known as the guitarist with Led Zeppelin. Powerful riff and chord playing.

Jeff Beck

Yet another guitarist who was once with the Yardbirds.

Peter Green

The front man of Fleetwood Mac, and their principal songwriter. He had previously played in one of John Mayall's numerous line-ups having replaced Eric Clapton. Famously gave up music for many years, but later returned at a more modest level.

Peter Frampton

Formerly with Humble Pie and later achieved success under his own name.

Robin Trower

Originally with Procol Harum, but later had his own band named after himself, most active in the later part of the 70's. Unusual that the principal member of the band was not the singer, but in fact was the main songwriter. He followed the style of Hendrix particularly with his atmospheric guitar playing.

Mick Taylor

Had previously played with John Mayall. Joined the Rolling Stones after departure and death of Brian Jones, and transformed their music. When allowed to play in his preferred style he introduced a much more modern guitar style to the Stones music with flowing guitar solos. His work is particularly evident on Get Yer Ya-Yas Out. There seemed to be some sort of incompatibility which led to his departure from the Stones.

Gary Moore

First became known with Colosseum II, but achieved greater commercial success when he bacame the guitarist with Thin Lizzy after a number of predecessors. His contribution helped lift Thin Lizzy to a much higher level and he was with them for their best, and most successful album Black Rose. Great guitar solo on Waiting for an Alibi. He did some solo work during and after his time with Thin Lizzy and did some songwriting.