A Review of Eric Clapton’s new record The Lady in the Balcony
In a word—pureness. That’s the sentiment I absorbed listening to the 2021 Eric Clapton record The Lady in the Balcony. Eric Clapton has such a wide range in his approach to music and there are so many styles and eras reflected on these recordings. Yet, all of the performances seemed to be guided by a purity that elevates the songs above the pursuit of image or style.
Due to the lockdowns, Clapton’s live shows at the Royal Albert Hall were eliminated. An artist can’t simply turn off that impulse to produce his art. This was the inspiration for Eric Clapton to assemble his band, producer, and crew to record The Lady in the Balcony.
There’s a purity to the approach on this live album, where Clapton and the producer seemed to want to first and foremost celebrate the songs. This record isn’t flashy but instead succeeds at an understated sonic experience. With virtually no live audience, absent from this recording are the sounds of any applause or cheers. An artist like Eric Clapton will sing and play whether or not there is anyone to clap.
Russ Titelman is producer of the record
Producing this record is the Grammy award-winning Russ Titelman, who produced Clapton’s revered Unplugged album. Clapton’s working relationship with the Grammy award-winning record producer goes back even further, more than 30 years. His work with Clapton started with the Journeyman record, a very cool record.
Russ Titelman has definitely made his mark in music, making some of the greatest albums in history: James Taylor’s October Road, Steve Winwood’s Back in the High Life, and those great early albums from Randy Newman.
The record features world-class musicians
The musicians are world-class. On upright bass and backing vocals is the accomplished Nathan East and the legendary Steve Gadd is on drums. An exceptional keyboardist, Chris Stainton, adds just the right touch.
Eric’s vocals have never sounded better. I’m always impressed by what an adaptable voice Clapton has. What so many singers want is to be identifiable. Clapton has that.
Certainly perennial favorites like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven” are presented with great sensitivity here. These are songs that will endure.
The songs span across genres
Here are some of the other captivating song destinations on The Lady in the Balcony. I gain a greater appreciation for songs by listening to original recordings. In many cases the different interpretations by artists are in multiple genres. It can be fascinating listening to all of them.
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
The opening song is Jimmie Cox’s “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” a tune that is now approaching 100 years old. Eric’s infatuation with the song goes back at least 50 years when it was originally recorded on the Derek and the Dominos record. It’s a song so many great singers have identified with: Bessie Smith, Dave Von Ronk, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, and Liza Minnelli just to name a few. Eric Clapton’s take is true to the sentiment of the song, the fleeting nature of attainment and prestige. It’s a song that is both simple and profound and a wonderful start to this live record.
Kerry is the lone instrumental track
The song “Kerry” is an invigorating instrumental jig. I had never heard a record of this tune, composed by Clapton. It’s a nice interlude and tribute to one of Eric’s late friends.
Key to the Highway
“Key to the Highway,” is a song by Big Bill Broonzy, one of the most fascinating musicians ever. “Key to the Highway” is a blues standard. Eric’s rendition here is a rollicking blues shuffle. Listening is pure enjoyment.
River of Tears
“River of Tears” is the most emotionally stirring performance found here. I also think it’s Eric’s greatest vocal on the record. It’s a stunning performance by Eric and the band.
Going Down Slow
Then there’s “Going Down Slow,” a song you could include in the “Great Blues Songbook.” Jimmie Vaughan suggested in an interview that we did that there should be a term that encompasses the cannon of blues classics.
“Going Down Slow,” by St. Louis Jimmy, goes back 80 years and has been done by Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Peter Frampton Band, and a great harder to find version by Howlin’ Wolf with Clapton supplying the guitar. This version is one of the most musically interesting moments on The Lady in the Balcony.
Album ends in a triplicate of blues songs
The album fittingly ends with a lively triplicate of blues tunes, beginning with this version of the Muddy Waters tune “Long Distance Call.” As far as I know, this is Eric Clapton’s first solo recording of the song. Muddy Waters was once asked in Living Blues Magazine if he had a favorite song. He remarked: “…I like a lot of ‘em that I do, but you know ‘Long Distance Call’ is one of my real things…”
The next to the last performance is “Bad Boy,” a blues song he co-wrote with Bonnie Bramlett. The band sounds great on this track. It’s followed by the closing song: “Got My Mojo Working,” which has become somewhat of a standard. Written by Preston “Red” Foster, it was first recorded by Ann Cole but was made famous by Muddy Waters.
The purpose of the blues is to feel good
Although the blues are frequently associated with a depressed mood, the times and this record called for some much-needed revelry. The album leaves you in a good spirit. “The blues as such are synonymous with low spirits,” the late, celebrated music critic Albert Murray said. “Not only is its express purpose to make people feel good, which is to say in high spirits,” he added. “But in the process of doing so, it is actually expected to generate a disposition that is both elegantly playful and heroic in its nonchalance.”
The songs are timeless
The breadth of Eric Clapton’s performing and recording has few peers, and this live album increases my appreciation and gratitude for those who write and perform songs. These songs have been categorized as blues, jazz, and even pop, but whatever you call it, The Lady in the Balcony is a testament to Clapton’s boundless respect for the great songwriters and musicians. You can feel that his dedication is to timeless songs, both those he wrote and those birthed by the greats in music history. It is they who continue to perpetuate and document the chronicles of the human experience.
SONG TITLES AND WRITERS
1. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (Jimmie Cox)
2. Golden Ring (Eric Clapton)
3. Black Magic Woman (Peter Green)
4. Man of the World (Peter Green)
5. Kerry (Eric Clapton)
6. After Midnight (J.J. Cale)
7. Bell Bottom Blues (Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock)
8. Key to the Highway (Big Bill Broonzy, Charles Segar)
9. River of Tears (Eric Clapton, Simon Climie)
10. Rock Me Baby (Melvin “Lil’ Son” Jackson)
11. Believe in Life (Eric Clapton)
12. Going Down Slow (St. Louis Jimmy Oden)
13. Layla (Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon)
14. Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton, Will Jennings)
15. Long Distance Call (Muddy Waters)
16. Bad Boy (Eric Clapton, Bonnie Bramlet)
17. Got My Mojo Working (Preston “Red” Foster)
