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Stuart Ferguson's Collection

Eric Clapton   05/03/2015

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Source Audience master recording by Scooter123
Media CDR   2 discs
Notes lineage: Schoeps mk4 > Actives > NBox Platinum > Tascam DR2d. Transfer: Goldwave (Volume Boost, Compression > Dither to 16b) > Media Monkey (Flac Transfer L8). Recorded by Scooter123. Location: Center E Section
J-Card Comment Tapers Notes:

It was Eric Clapton's birthday celebration, but it was the sold-out crowd at
Madison Square Garden that got a gift as the guitar god put on a two hour set
that included some of his biggest hits and guest stars. Never the most talkative
of rock stars, Clapton let the music speak for itself, but toward the end he let
on that the night was just as magical to him as it was to the audience.

"I want to thank you for helping me celebrate," he said. "This is the best
birthday I ever had."

While some aging acts expand their bands over time, adding players to do the heavy
lifting, Clapton has stripped his down. The evening may have found its peak when
Clapton had the strongest accompaniment during ìLet It Rain.î Clapton traded solos
with both Trucks and Bramhall, grinning ear to ear.

That said, I was amazed at his choice of sidemen, including one of the best drummers
in the world, jazz drummer Steve Gadd and jazz bassist Nathan East. Paul Carrack
(Mike & The Mechanics) made his Hammond B-3 sing, and even had twin Leslies.
Chris Stainton emulated strings and steel guitar on his Kurzwiel piano and Nord
synthesizer.

I had a pair of talkers next to me with a guy who had to explain the intricies
of Eric Clapton's life throughout the better part of the show. Thankfully he
was only noticeable at the end of every track. Concequently, the volume (gain)
at the end of each track was zero'ed out where possible. This also
enabled better volume adjustment for the tracks as well.

This recording should be nearly identical to Daspyknows recording using nearly
the identical equipment. His recording uses MK41 mikes and a standard NBox. I would
think that the two recordings are indistinguishable except he may have had
different talking jackasses or clappers next to him.
Trades Allowed Yes
Owned by Stuart Ferguson · Last Updated May 23, 2023