He did not start filming again until last September and, an assertive opponent of the vaccination obligation, only performed in rooms that do not impose any conditions on the entry of its visitors.
But, last February, Eric Clapton had to cancel the dates planned in London, at the legendary Royal Albert Hall.
Never mind, the guitarist then invited his musicians to come and play with him in an unusual setting, Cowdray House, a mansion located in the English countryside.
There, surrounded by musicians he knows well - Chris Stainton on keyboards, Nathan East on bass, Steve Gadd on drums - he delivered a mostly acoustic performance, and filmed. It is this intimate concert, delivered in front of a single spectator - who was in this case a spectator, Melia McEnery, alias Mrs. Clapton, the famous lady in the balcony of the title of this new live -, which constitutes the heart of the new opus of 'Eric Clapton. A show that will not revolutionize the record industry or that of DVD, but a good time to spend over an impressive series of hits ("Tears in Heaven", "Layla") or rock and blues standards ("Rock me Baby", "Black Magic Woman").
At 76 years old, if his voice is not as strong as in the past, the artist remains a master on the guitar, and he proves it during some brilliant solos ("Bell Bottom Blues").
No talk between the songs, or it was cut off during the editing, but a few "yeah" when a track ends, and above all, a lot of smiles exchanged between the musicians.
A few shots of the English countryside, of the castle, or of views taken from a drone, also punctuate this concert between friends, which ends with three welcome electric tracks, including a very moving “Got My Mojo Working”.
As they say, beautiful work.
EDITOR'S RATING: 4/5
Eric Clapton "The Lady In The Balcony: Lockdown Sessions",
Mercury / Universal, available on CD, vinyl, deluxe box set, DVD, Blu-ray, as well as on streaming platforms.
