Boy, oh boy, did I have a great weekend.
Saturday, I went to a Ladies Luncheon and Tea at Swan House in Loveland with a dozen other ladies of my extended family. It included two aunts, one sister, one sister-in-law, one honorary sister, two first cousins, two cousin-in-laws, and three first cousins-once-removed. All are strong and intelligent women. (Any attempt at organizing us was met with resistance.) Several were freshly returned from traveling (New York and England) and one was visiting from Pennsylvania. The ages varied from 81 to 15. Half of us got the luncheon and half the high tea. We talked about all manner of subjects and laughed a lot. As usual, the "leave-taking" portion of the event took quite a while.
It was extremely enjoyable to spend time with these lovely and lively women.
(The carpooling to and from the event also allowed some great time for catching up.)
Then, on Sunday, I went to the Clapton/Winwood Concert with Janiece, SmartMan, and SmartFriend. Janiece has already documented her feeling and her enjoyment of the drummer's enjoyment. It was, indeed, an awesome time. I can say without reserve that I always enjoy their company. (SmartMan, I figured out where I went wrong: The actor who plays Ed is Nick Frost. My subconscious pulled the wrong name.) We enjoyed a nice meal at Brooklyn's and then went to one of the most amazing concerts I've ever been to. I haven't been to enough concerts to have favorites -- they all still feel like each one is special in its own way -- so this one is special because the music was SO good. Eric Clapton really is a virtuoso guitarist and listening to him live was AMAZING! Steve Winwood brought a lot of balance and roundedness to the performance. He is an excellent musician in his own right.
One thing that became clear during the evening is that I need to be listening to more Clapton blues. I love me some rock and roll, but there are some times (and I've had a few) that are made for the blues.
Thank you, SM and J, you guys (literally) rock.
Here, for the folks who weren't able to make it out there:
Bluesy Acoustic Version of Layla (with Mark Knopfler)
and
Rock and Roll Version of Layla
(Last night, they played an acoustic version, which is Janiece's favorite, but both versions are fabulous.)
7 comments:
I think we can hook you up with some fabulous blues, both with Eric and without.
Glad you had fun!
[sigh] OK, if you insist. ;)
It's funny -- I first heard of Clapton b/c Dad was talking about how he went to a concert and slept through the whole thing. I've never been inclined to really give him a listen, but maybe I could take a few suggestions. (Just not Layla... I don't know why but I do not like that song.) :)
Well, you've probably already heard Clapton and just never paid attention. ("You Look Wonderful Tonight," "Tears in Heaven" (not my fave), "Cocaine," "I Shot the Sheriff," etc.) It's hard to tell whether you'd like him at all without knowing why you don't like Leyla (it's pretty standard Clapton). Which version don't you like? Both?
For me, it's mainly about the guitar playing and rhythm, not the lyrics or singing.
BTW, it's perfectly OK to not like him. I don't like Dave Matthews Band and I've managed to live a pretty happy life without it.
For anyone who's not familiar with Clapton, I really suggest starting at the beginning with Blind Faith. Really haunting stuff.
And I didn't study Brooklyns' menu too carefully but I can attest that there is NOTHING authentic about this place! The prices are at least 25% too cheap! :D
Um, Nathan?
First was the Yardbirds, then John Mayall and the Blues Breakers, then Cream, then Blind Faith, and then Derek and the Dominos. Followed by his solo career. I think.
:-)
I'm so jealous you got to go! Laura saw Clapton a few years ago and became a huge fan. And for those of you who don't know, anytime you hear the Beatles (George Harrison's) "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" its Clapton playing the solos.
Post a Comment