Eric Clapton - Me and Mr. Johnson

In the early part of the 20th century the southern USA was a hotbed for blues music. You simply cannot even begin to talk about the blues without mentioning one of the true masters of the genre - Robert Johnson. If you listen to legend, there are some that will tell you that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil for his music, whatever the case Robert Johnson will be remembered for giving us some of the very best blues songs in history. If you listen to the original compositions of Robert Johnson you will be astounded, recorded alone with one guitar there are times in Johnson's music you wonder how one person can play this music, it sounds as if there are at least 2 guitars playing at times.

If you were going to pick one artist to record the music of Robert Johnson and put it all on one CD, I am thankful this task was taken on by Eric Clapton. On Me and Mr. Johnson, Eric Clapton remains true to the originals, all that has changed is the tracks are electric and more instruments are added. Eric Clapton has always acknowledged the music of Robert Johnson as being one of the biggest influences in his life. The songs of Robert Johnson have been recorded by some of the biggest names in rock and roll, Led Zeppelin's version of "Traveling Riverside Blues" and Eric Clapton while with Cream in the 60s did one of the best versions of "Crossroad Blues" ever recorded.

Eric Clapton pays tribute to the blues legend here by performing the songs with honesty and heart, the passion of Eric Clapton is obvious, it shows the music in an honest light. There may never be a single entity that has so profoundly influenced the life and music of so many as with Robert Johnson, that may be true but in influencing Clapton, he has passed the music on to a new generation that may not otherwise have heard the songs, music and Lyrics of Robert Johnson. Finally a REAL blues recording that has the soul, intensity and passion it is supposed to have.

Don't pass this CD up, Me and Mr. Johnson is not only for blues music fans and artists, but can also be respected by all music lovers, this is one of the best CDs of the year. Included in this set are some tremendous tracks, 14 in fact, all are good, but the performances by Eric Clapton on "They're Red Hot", "Love In Vain", and "Hellhound On My Trail" are especially notable. Finally, a simple Thank You to both the originator Robert Johnson and to Eric Clapton for giving us some of the best damn music ever.

  (6 Stars out of 6 - Amazing)

          Play MP3 clip of "They're Red Hot"

Buy "Me and Mr. Johnson" @ Amazon.com for $13.49 (USD)

Buy Me and Mr. Johnson @ TowerRecords.com $14.24 (USD)

Buy "Me and Mr Johnson" @ Amazon.ca for $15.99 (CDN)

Recommended Listening :

Get the Robert Johnson Box Set - The Complete Recordings

B uy the Complete Recordings of Robert Johnson for just over 20 bucks @ Amazon.com