Crossroads Guitar Festival
Although it could have been twice as long, this double-DVD set effectively captures over three hours of highlights from one of the most comprehensive and diverse collection of guitarists ever assembled for a single event. Recorded over three days in June of 2004 to benefit Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Center in Antigua (as do the sales of this set), the show is not surprisingly heavy on the rootsy blues and country that comprise Clapton’s primary inspirations. But it also includes folk (James Taylor), gospel (Robert Randolph & the Family Band), fret-shredding rockers (Steve Vai who delivers a dazzling performance), jazz (John McLaughlin), and, most interestingly, Indian classical music (a stunning piece from Vishwa Mohan Bhatt).
Most compelling are the rare and sometimes unusual collaborations. Joe Walsh and Taylor clown around on “Steamroller Blues,” and Booker T. & the M.G.’s back both Joe Walsh on a rollicking “Rocky Mountain Way” and Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo tearing into a sizzling “The Neighborhood.” Clapton and J.J. Cale share the stage as do Clapton and Carlos Santana, and a show-stopping blues summit with Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan, Hubert Sumlin, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Clapton is a treat for all involved.
There are some shortcomings. The event isn’t presented in chronological order–different stages, days, and backing bands are shuffled with Clapton’s own set scattered throughout–ZZ Top’s closing is a bit anticlimactic, and there are many omissions due to time constraints. But every act rises to the occasion, and this expertly recorded and shot DVD gives the viewer a front-row seat to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. –Hal Horowitz
Customer Review: Nice but could’ve been better
I usually try to refrain from negative reviews on musical performances but since everyone is hailing the DVD, I’ll add some brief “shoulda’s” that I would’ve like to have seen in the DVD…
A little too much footage of John Mayer but I guess the producers were hoping to snag the younger crowd.
I was also a little disappointed that despite showing Neal Schon on the side of the stage and in a brief interview segment, there is no footage of him playing!!? Would’ve also liked to have seen Jeff Beck who I understand was there but left out of the final edit. And I concur that there are many other guitarists more worthy than who did make the cut…Di Meola, Knopfler, David Lindley, Betts, Lukather, Coryell…
Oh well, maybe on the next DVD.
Customer Review: Missing Disc 1
Disc 01 is missing. The box came in with 2 Disc 02. I am still trying to figure out how this could have happened. The sealed item was delivered to my hotel address in Las Vegas. I was there on a visit when I placed the order. I opened the package when I got back to my home in Pakistan and got this surprise. I did not expect this from Amazon. “BUY NOW”