Rarely has any single record album induced such a shift in popular music.
Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton not only catapulted
Clapton to the helm of the burgeoning
British blues-rock scene, it likewise made significant noise on the other side of the Atlantic -- where the
blues had literally been born, bred, and buttered. This remastered and revisited edition boasts significantly upgraded sound quality for not only the dozen sides that comprise the original program, but also the bonus tracks. These two additional performances include the A- and B-sides of a rare 45 that
Mayall and
Clapton cut for producer
Mike Vernon's
Purdah label nearly a year before recording this disc. Taking a page from the mid-'50s
Miles Davis Quintet, it became obvious for those involved that the best way to approach making a studio recording was to document the same material that was concurrently being performed by the band night after night in various London area clubs. In addition to
Mayall (guitar/vocals) and
Clapton (guitar/vocals), this incarnation of
the Bluesbreakers utilizes the talents of
John McVie (bass) and
Hughie Flint (drums). As a combo, this band was able to reinvent the
American blues for a fresh audience whose ultimate response would give rise to subgenres such as
heavy metal and other roots-related
rock. While their contributions prove immeasurable, they are likewise sadly eclipsed by that of
Clapton. In retrospect -- unlike many of the other revolutionary changes occurring in
pop music circa the mid-'60s --
the Bluesbreakers are infinitely more subtle in their attack. Their most obvious weapon is the advantage of documenting in-the-studio material from their live performance set.
The Bluesbreakers were able to incorporate originals such as
"Double Crossing Time" and
"Key to Love" with revered
blues standards, including
Freddie King's
"Hideaway" and
Robert Johnson's
"Ramblin' on My Mind" -- which features
Clapton's very first lead vocal.
Clapton needed precious little time to gestate the
blues. His ability to express himself is uncanny, as if he were a man twice -- if not three times -- his age. The passionate inflections and unforgettable impressions
Clapton makes upon these grooves swiftly catapulted him into both international exposure as well as legendary guitar
rock idol status.
Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton is an invaluable touchstone into primordial pre-
metal rock & roll. ~ Lindsay Planer
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