clapton fresh from treatment at hazeldine in late 1984 developing his musical relationship with phil collins showing his chops at the small venue montreaux. Clapton had huge success with behind the sun (1985) produced by collins & ted templeton which gave him new confidence & direction. This 1986 show was performed shortly before the release of august (1986 album produced by collins) & showed how musically proficient clapton could be when free of a drug/alcohol induced haze. Collins also gave clapton a new edge rhythmically & vocally by introducing clapton to a very structured work-ethic. Clapton's vocals here are better then ever. The other interesting point is that the band is only 4 members (clapton/collins/phillinganes/east) & gives the music a balanced space. Collins is behind the set except for in the air tonight & doesn't overshadow clapton's celebrity or ego one bit. There are many good standards here including sheriff, white room, layla, & crossroads. Newer notable tunes are same old blues, miss you, & holy mother. I think collins really gave the older tunes a rhymic edge that hadn't existed before. His drumming is so aggressive and creates a mood that the music gathers around to a point that each note & chord change hinges on it. phillinganes & east are great too. The show is incredible & raw.
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