For years, fans craved an all-blues album from Eric Clapton; he waited until 1994 to deliver From the Cradle. The album manages to re-create the ambience of postwar electric blues, right down to the bottomless thump of the rhythm section. If it wasn't for Clapton's labored vocals, everything would be perfect. As long as he plays his guitar, he can't fail -- his solos are white-hot and evocative, original and captivating. When he sings, Clapton loses that sense of originality, choosing to mimic the vocals of the original recordings. At times, his overemotive singing is painful; he doesn't have the strength to pull off Howlin' Wolf's growl or the confidence to replicate Muddy Waters' assured phrasing. Yet, whenever he plays, it's easier to forget his vocal shortcomings. Even with its faults, From the Cradle is one of Clapton's finest moments. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Track List
(try tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12)
Saw back to back nights of this tour at the Miami Arena. Basically the same set each night. Eric was SmokeStack Lightnin'!! The whole band and especially the rhythm section was solid as a rock!(Dave Bronze-bass,Steve Gadd-drums)Eric sang & played with the conviction of a blues master. He barked out verses all the while ripping off lead runs on his guitar.(he changed guitars about 15 times during the show, playing Gibson 335's,L-5,Martin's and Stratocasters)
I've always thought this is one of Clapton's better vocals. I think he sounds more assured than he ever has. The best album he's done since 461 if you ask me.
S.T.E., is anybody good enough for you? You sing Claptons praises for his quitar work and then rake him over the coals for his voice. So what if Clapton can't hold a note like the immortals of yesteryear, but you know what? this is a damn job of Clapton paying tribute to his heros. Affterall, isn't copying (or trying to duplicate) someone's work the best form of flatery? He's just paying his respects, not re-writing history.
Eric Clapton does justice and then some to Delta Blues music. He plays the Electric guitar like he practied with the stage band at the "Dew Drop Inn", and thats a long way from Liverpol. Muddy Waters, Lighting Hopkins, and Robert Johnson would be honored by this album. I give this album 5 Stars.