Blues Breakers

by Eric Clapton, John Mayall, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers

Overview

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

Product Details

Release Date:	06/05/2001
Label:	Polydor / Universal / Uptown/Universal
UPC:	0042288296720

Tracks

1. All Your Love
2. Hideaway
3. Little Girl
4. Another Man
5. Double Crossing Time
6. What'd I Say
7. Key to Love
8. Parchman Farm
9. Have You Heard
10. Ramblin' on My Mind
11. Steppin' Out
12. It Ain't Right
13. Lonely Years
14. Bernard Jenkins

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers   Primary Artist
Eric Clapton   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Featured Artist
John Mayall   Primary Artist,Organ,Piano,Vocals,Harmonica
Hughie Flint   Primary Artist,Drums
Jack Bruce   Primary Artist
John McVie   Bass
Johnny Almond   Sax (Baritone)
John Almond   Sax (Baritone)
Alan Skidmore   Sax (Tenor)
Dennis Healey   Trumpet

Technical Credits

T-Bone Walker   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Stephanie Kennedy   Production Coordination
Sonny Boy Williamson II   Composer
Ray Charles   Composer
Bob Irwin   Mastering,Remastering Engineer
Jacobs   Composer
James C. Bracken   Composer
Freddie King   Composer
Eric Clapton   Arranger,Composer
Walter Jacobs   Composer
John Mayall   Arranger,Composer
Julius Edward Dixon   Composer
Rudy Toombs   Composer
Michael Pinder   Composer
Mike Vernon   Producer
Sonny Thompson   Composer
Billy Myles   Composer
L.C. Frazier   Composer
John Lee Hooker   Composer
Little Walter   Composer
Robert Johnson   Arranger,Composer,Composer
Samuel Maghett   Composer
Neil Slaven   Liner Notes
Otis Rush   Composer
Mose Allison   Composer
Gus Dudgeon   Engineer
Willie Dixon   Composer
Randy Cierley   Composer
Tim Livingston   Project Manager
Bill Dhalle   Design
Julius Dixon   Composer
Ernie Campagna   Production Coordination
Brendan Ford   Project Manager
James Bracken   Composer
Freddy King   Composer
Stefan Mihalache   Composer