Derek And The Dominos

[_Imagine_]

So I've been through this forum and haven't seen a whole lot of talk about Blues Rock, which I'm sure many of you appreciate. Eric Clapton is without a doubt, one of the greatest guitar players that ever lived. And he has been in a alot of bands. Alot. Maybe most famously, Cream. But in 1970, he released an album titled, "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs", with his new band, Derek And The Dominos. Eric Clapton was the lead singer and lead guitarist for the band. Jim Gorden was the drummer. Carl Radle, the bassist. Bobby Whitlock shared lead vocals, played keyboard and was also a songwriter for the group. And the heart and soul, the slide guitarist for the band, Duane Allman. "Layla" is the band's most recognized song. The amazing coda was written by Jim Gorden. In My personal opinion, this album was the highlight of Clapton's career and is among one of the greatest albums of all time. Beautiful Blues Rock. "Key To The Highway", a 9 and half minute blues jam with amazing guitar solos from Clapton and Allman. The band was extremly short lived. One album. Its even considered as a fantasy band. Songs by Clapton, writtin about a woman he was in love with. A Man's wife. His best friend, George Harrison's wife. The aftermath the band faced was tragic. First, Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident. Jim Gordon, who was an undiagnosed schizophrenic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenic), killed his mother with a hammer some years later during a psychotic episode. He was confined to a mental institution in 1984, where he remains today. Carl Radle would die of alcohol poisoning (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_poisoning) in 1980. The split of the band left a bitter fued between Whitlock and Clapton. After the death of Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman Clapton accelerated his spiral into drug addiction and depression. After the dissolution, Clapton turned away from touring and recording to nurse an intense heroin addiction. In 1973, Pete Townshend of the Who arranged the "Rainbow Concert" to help Clapton to kick the drug and build momentum for a Clapton return. The band was such a... Fantasy. Its almost as if, with all the aftermath, it had never happened. But it did. And the proof lies within that significant album they released. If you've never had the pleasure in expierencing the album, I highly reccomend it.

[Mudcrutch]

Interesting, never heard some of those tidbits. Paul Simon and Clapton were some of my first musical loves. :)

[_Imagine_]

Paul Simons really great. Such a nice voice.

[Echosoftom]

Thanks, Imagine! I'd never quite heard the full story of Derek and The Dominos. Very interesting. By the way, welcome to the farm! :cool:

[_Imagine_]

Thanks for the welcome! You can call me Andrew.

[wild1forever]

Andrew, that was a very interesting read! Layla is a longtime favorite song for sentimental reasons...

Welcome to the Farm. :)

[_Imagine_]

Ofcourse, Layla holds as sentimental value for me as well. That coda is classic song itself. Thanks for the welcome.

[WildflowerNJ]

Welcome to the Farm, Imagine.....I have seen Eric a few times solo..and then with Cream at MSG in 2005. A master at his guitar......I just love him!....thanks for posting that..

[agirl]

Very interesting, Andrew. Thanks and "Welcome to the Farm!"

[KansasPettyFan]

Thanks, Andrew! And welcome to the Farm!

[_Imagine_]

Thanks everyone. Thats so awsome you got to see the Cream performance at MSG WildflowersNJ. Was it amazing?

[WildflowerNJ]

Hey, Andrew....it sure was!! That was such an amazing night.....to see those three great musicians and hear these songs I have played over and over....but now hearing live......one of the best concerts of my life.....

Here is one picture I took, I did have others posted at the old Fram...I should upload all those again...

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/540/medium/img205.jpg

[_Imagine_]

wow thats awsome you got a picture. were you that close?

[WildflowerNJ]

Yes, I was, Andrew.....in the section right behind the stage....I hope these guys get together again for another round of shows...I am so there!!

[_Imagine_]

Wow that is so awsome. My favorite song from them has to be "Tales of Great Ulysses". Their rendition of "Lawdy Mama" is good too. And I've always loved "Anyone For Tennis" haha.

[AndreaM]

I love 'Anyone for Tennis', too:

"And the elephants are dancing on the graves of squealing mice
Anyone for tennis,
Now wouldn't that be nice"

I love oddball shit like that!