String ’em up

You may have noticed violent swellings under high-end denims among 40-plus rock music-loving menfolks whenever they hear Eric Clapton playing his instrument.

Crossroads: Eric Clapton Guitar Festival 2010

HT Image

Rhino/Virgin, Rs 695
Rating:***1/2

You may have noticed violent swellings under high-end denims among 40-plus rock music-loving menfolks whenever they hear Eric Clapton playing his instrument. Imagine the excitement when they get to witness choice pickings (nearly five hours) from the 11 hour-long third Crossroads: Eric Clapton Guitar Festival that was hosted in June 26, 2010 from the guitar Mecca of Chicago.

The spread on this two-DVD set, to be honest, is rich. It's not every fest that has the likes of slide guitarist extraordinaire Sonny Landreth, Robert Cray, Ron Wood, Buddy Guy, BB King, Jeff Beck and, of course, Eric 'Slowhand' Clapton share the same fretting space.

It's good to see John Mayer play in his blues playhouse (away from his silly emo stuff) with his eponymous trio. Top moment on this DVD? Definitely the Delta Blues bust-up with Vince Gill singing 'Mystery train' while James Burton, Albert Lee, Keb' Month' and Earl Klugh dicing their guitar strings to dish up a sonic and visual froth.

And if you're a 40-plus guy in denim, don't miss the behind-the-scene footages and interviews.