Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment EVBRD 33319-9
Video: 1.78:1 widescreen for 16:9, 1080p HD
Audio: DTS HD Master Audio 5.1, English DD 5.1, PCM Stereo
Subtitles: None
Length: 107 minutes
Rating: ****
Eric Clapton, despite his place in the pantheon as one of rock’s reigning guitar gods, has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight; he just seems like such a really down-to-earth person who wants to place his love of the music ahead of any personal attention and accolades. So it comes as no surprise that he agreed to participate in the 1997 Legends tour, which also featured Marcus Miller on bass and bass clarinet, saxophone wizard David Sanborn, former Crusader Joe Sample on keyboards and session drummer par excellence Steve Gadd. Each of these superstar musicians shed their ego for this nearly two hour jam session, which combines the genres of jazz, funk, blues and rock into a nearly irresistible mixture of mind-blowing improvisation. Clapton’s playing is particularly restrained throughout, and although many would have preferred his guitar solos to occupy a more prominent place in the overall mix, he’s obviously satisfied with just being one of the band!
The songs are culled from each individual member’s backgrounds, but the group’s improv efforts on each makes hearing these often familiar tunes pretty much like hearing them for the first time. David Sanborn and Clapton trade sumptuously fiery licks on the opener, “Full House,” and the entire group just cooks on Joe Sample’s “Put It Where You Want It.” Joe Sample also offers a superb keyboard solo on “Shreveport Stomp;” his work on this tune alone should dispel any of the ‘smooth jazz’ notions that a host of uninformed listeners might have formulated regarding his playing. The true highlight of the entire show is the medley “In A Sentimental Mood/Layla,” in which Marcus Miller’s incredible solo on bass clarinet of “In A Sentimental Mood” transitions into Clapton’s now trademarked jazzy reworking of “Layla.” And even though we’ve heard it a thousand times, it’s still as effective as ever and captures a simply spellbinding moment in time.
Technically, this disc is first class, and the high-def presentation really shines and is remarkably good for a ten-year-old concert film. The image quality is clear and crisp, with plenty of detail and superb color representation. The DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is equally magnificent, and offers a truly immersive home theater experience. There are no extras on the Blu-ray disc, but as with most concert recordings, the performance is all that really needs to be at center stage, and trust me – this one will keep your full attention. Very highly recommended!
TrackList: Full House; Groovin’; Ruthie; Snakes; Going Down Slow; The Peeper; In Case You Hadn’t Noticed; Third Degree; First Song / Tango Blues; Put It Where You Want It; Shreveport Stomp; In A Sentimental Mood / Layla; Every Day I Have The Blues.
— Tom Gibbs
