Eric Clapton and Friends

Rating:
Summary: A nice performance
Review: Eric Clapton has found something of a revitalization in the DVD format. Old VHS offerings remastered and new DVD offerings seem to be springing up regularly. And why not? He is one of the true masters of the guitar of the late 20th century, and shows no signs of stopping in the 21st. This present offering is one of the old, but it sounds as fresh and vibrant as any of the recent releases. But it also has the unique grace of providing the viewer with sight and sound of Clapton playing in the format that in the 60s made him a legend: the small ensemble. About the ensemble . . . After Disney, we are reminded of just what an extraordinary drummer Phil Collins is, adding some spectacular rounds that are simply jaw dropping. Nathan East--a fabulous bass player (also featured on Clapton's 1999 benefit DVD, "Eric Clapton and Friends in Concert") whose complex bass runs add something great to every song. Greg Phillinganes not only plays perfect on the keyboards, but sings a perfect counterpoint on "White Room." As for Clapton himself, he's at the top of his game, but then when isn't he? It is his authentic voice and guitar, through classics such as "Layla" and "Sunshine of Your Love," and what, then, were the newer songs, such as "Holy Mother," a marvelous tribute to his friend Richard Manuel of The Band. Not as much here as on other DVDs, but there's plenty to delight.

Rating:
Summary: A nice performance
Review: Eric Clapton has found something of a revitalization in the DVD format. Old VHS offerings remastered and new DVD offerings seem to be springing up regularly. And why not? He is one of the true masters of the guitar of the late 20th century, and shows no signs of stopping in the 21st. This present offering is one of the old, but it sounds as fresh and vibrant as any of the recent releases. But it also has the unique grace of providing the viewer with sight and sound of Clapton playing in the format that in the 60s made him a legend: the small ensemble. About the ensemble . . . After Disney, we are reminded of just what an extraordinary drummer Phil Collins is, adding some spectacular rounds that are simply jaw dropping. Nathan East--a fabulous bass player (also featured on Clapton's 1999 benefit DVD, "Eric Clapton and Friends in Concert") whose complex bass runs add something great to every song. Greg Phillinganes not only plays perfect on the keyboards, but sings a perfect counterpoint on "White Room." As for Clapton himself, he's at the top of his game, but then when isn't he? It is his authentic voice and guitar, through classics such as "Layla" and "Sunshine of Your Love," and what, then, were the newer songs, such as "Holy Mother," a marvelous tribute to his friend Richard Manuel of The Band. Not as much here as on other DVDs, but there's plenty to delight.

Rating:
Summary: A great performance, a regular DVD
Review: First, let me tell you that, being a Clapton fan I try to get hold of everything he releases, whether official or not, and of my modest collection, this is, along with the Hyde Park concert of 1996, one of the best performances caught on video.
As part of the small tour of 1986 he did, this England unique date of a 2-day leg, features Phil Collins on drums, Greg Phillinganes on Keyboards and bassist extraordinaire Nathan East. The tight sound is amazing and as other reviewer mentioned, for a 4 piece, the sound is great, like a steam roller downhill!
As for the Dvd release, this concert had been out in VHS form and now the DVD makes justice to the sound with DTS and 5.1 features. Video quality does not improve much upon the original tape, but I guess just there's so much you can do with a 1986 videotape. As far as extras, this release has none but the simples menu and intro animation with a small 3D guitar spinning around.
I love this concert so much I'd like to see a few more tracks, or some commetary by one of the performers. Anyway, it is a great document in Clapton's career and "comeback" of the mid 80's. Recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Magic time
Review: I have two mint copies of this show on VHS tape, and now the DVD- my original tapes are excellent, so the DVD isnt really much better, but its good to have the indestructibility factor, and the randon access to the 9 tracks. Clapton and the band are hot here- probably his best video, though the Hyde Park 1996 DVD/VHS show is decent. Id stay clear of any new material that Clapton puts out since 1994 though- Clapton had to kick a major habit only to watch his original Derek and the Dominos band be destroyed by prison sentences (drummer Jim Gordon for murder, and his bassist and producer Carl Radle died of an overdose in 1980), watched his manager along with SRV die in a helicoptor crash, then only to lose his son in a freak accident in New York (fell from a window). After the loss of his son he was veritable damaged goods.

Rating:
Summary: This is why Dvd's should be made
Review: This disc not only captures Eric Clapton ing great form, he's having fun and it shows. Nathan East on bass,Greg Phillinganes on keyboards and Phil Collins on drums. These four together seem to have been playing together for years The crowd reactions add to the excitment of the music and vocal by all four. If you enjoy watching live shows while enjoying great music then this disc won't disappoint you. I had this show from 1986 on vhs I wore out my copy I've been looking for a new copy ever since. This disc is a must own for anyone who buys music dvds.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great
Review: This must be the cheesiest Eric Clapton performance ever recorded. From the guitar-shaped Yamaha keyboard to the primitive video production and editing, there is little visually appealing about this. The audio is good, but then again several songs were performed much, much better on the "24 Nights" set. The songs from "August" are heavy on the synths (who wasn't in 1986?). If you are a huge Clapton fan you will want this for completeness, but if you had to choose one live set, go with "24 Nights" or "One More Rider".

Rating:
Summary: amazing........
Review: this was one of my most amazing in-home experiences! such energy was displayed by all the guys! ever wondered if Layla could be done successfully with one guitar? wonder no more, they pulled it off with grace. if you're a guitarist, you understand how difficult it is to to reach that hook in correct timing. i must also mention Phil Collins' performance of "in the air tonight".....BLEW ME AWAY!! i'd never seen him like that! the end was a humorous one with a comical farewell from the band and eric's bad note on the encore of "sunshine of your love". a fantastic show all-around!

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Amazing
Review: What a treat! This is a fantastic DVD that will leave you speechless. A must for any Clapton fan. Good thing DVD's don't wear out. You will watch it over and over again.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: What more could be said that hasn't already been said. This is a fantastic
jam session with one of the best Eric Clapton. This is a must buy for Eric Clapton fans.