By way of an introduction to our August 16 tribute to Eric Clapton for which we (The Glasshouse Musos) are providing sound, I thought it might be worthwhile to consider his impressive songwriting prowess. As far as rock guitarists go, there are very few finer than Clapton, but it is his songwriting that has probably touched more people.
At heart, he is a bluesman and the Blues is not a joyful music. It is a music for expressing hurt, and many of Clapton’s songs are (lyrically) depressing or just plain heartbreaking. Think of ‘Tears In Heaven’, written when his son died so tragically – a song borne of despair. However, he has written joyous love songs too, not mourning a love having gone, or missing someone. Think of the spiritually uplifting ‘Let it Grow’, or ‘Wonderful Tonight’ – a paean to the pleasure that is found in spending a perfect night with the one you love.
The woman who provided the 1977 model for his ‘Wonderful Tonight’ – Patti Boyd, had seven years earlier also inspired him to create the classic ‘Layla’, an unrequited love song written to her while she was married to George Harrison. Clapton wrote to her in a love letter at the time: “If you want me, take me, I am yours… if you don’t want me, please break the spell that binds me. To cage a wild animal is a sin, to tame him is divine. My love is yours.”
He had originally written “Layla” as a ballad, but the song became a “rocker” when, according to Clapton, guitarist Duane Allman composed the song’s signature riff. It is one of “the” classic rock riffs, and the listener can’t imagine ‘Layla’ without it, yet in 1992 Clapton released an unplugged (acoustic) version of ‘Layla’ and yes, it doesn’t include that riff, and yet to me, with its lilting country swing feel, the song is none the lesser for it!
As a side note, Patti Boyd also inspired George Harrison to write one of his most loved songs – ‘Something’, which Frank Sinatra considered “the greatest love song of the past 50 years.” Patti inspired other songwriters too, including a few from Rolling Stones and Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood. Patti may not have “wielded an axe” (i.e. played guitar) but she has certainly played an important role in the history of popular music!
One more love song of Clapton’s to finish, and yes, Patti was once more at the centre of it. When they divorced in 1989, Clapton wrote to her saying he was working on an album with her “other ex-hubby” and had penned another track for her. “I think it will be the best one on the album,” he said. “It’s called ‘Old Love,’ don’t be offended, it’s not about you being old, it’s about love getting old, and it’s great, well, you’ll see it when you hear it.”
So, where are you going to hear a whole night of Eric Clapton’s music – not just the love songs…? At the Maleny RSL on Saturday August 16 at 7pm, with the Claptomaniacs featuring guitarist David Zuric providing all of those exquisite Eric Clapton signature lines on guitar.
And a note for enthusiasts, the concert presentation is a dedicated tribute to the genius that is Clapton. With accompanying commentary, for those interested in the back story, the program journeys through the songs, following a more or less chronological approach.
Tickets are $25. Get in early and book yourself and guests a table. There is a bar but meals aren’t being served, however there is an intermission so you are welcome to bring a dinner hamper! Trybooking link www//www.trybooking.com/DDIDP
