Although both Eric Clapton and Wynton Marsalis have been known to play with the best of the best, such epic combinations are a rare privilege in the world of popular music. These combinations, despite their seminal qualities, are generally short lived; extending for only an all too short performance. Even the less ephemeral ones, such as Clapton's combination with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, last for only a few recorded albums.
When one gets wind of such a combination of bastions of performance, certain expectations begin to materialise. Reviewing the material in the conventional sense almost seems inappropriate, even offensive to the artists involved. Even if Clapton and Marsalis were capable of producing mediocre material on their own, surely the combination of the two could only result in brilliance beyond comparison. At the risk of sounding trite, I must confirm this is in fact the case.
It would indeed be prosaic if I stood here, even if metaphorically, and tried to convince you that “Slowhand” is a guitarist par excellence. Long ago, sage London graffiti artists declared “Clapton is God” and it has been accepted ever since. Any man or woman who attempts to challenge this notion is clearly on some kind of foul medication and it would be advisable to desist immediately before other possibly despotic notions enter the imagination.
As for Marsalis’ detractors, and there are several, they are clearly on crack or have confused turpentine for sipping whisky. Otherwise they must clearly be bitter about some incident that occurred long ago and are determined to crucify him for it. When a man attains the level Marsalis has achieved, surely he is permitted to have his own views; no matter how much they may grate on the sensibilities of other equally talented artists.
I would like to point out however, that I am not here to convince anyone. The fact is the music will convince you, and if not, it is indeed a sad fact and perhaps an indictment of your earwax build up. Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton - Play The Blues: Live from Jazz at Lincoln Centre is a blessing in a world of banality, and music fans should be grateful for it.
Review Score: 10/10
