The buzz among the classic-rock intelligentsia is that Clapton has something to prove — namely, that he can put on a show that isn’t mostly dull. The 63-year-old artist, one of the original rock guitar gods, has plowed plenty of career terrain with a satchel of stock blues licks; so have a lot of other players, but here’s the difference: In the ’60s with Cream, Clapton’s playing seethed with urgency and recklessness; in later years, it has become mannered. Which is not to say he’s incapable of turning in some fiery solos; maybe it depends on the night. Clapton apparently likes to have talented youngbloods around, and that role is filled by pedal steel monster Robert Randolph, who can make the often weepy instrument sound like a slide Strat on overdrive. This show should find Randolph sitting in with Slowhand for a few tunes, and if past scuttlebutt holds true, it’ll be the best part of the show.
Eric Clapton w/Robert Randolph and the Family Band, 7:30 p.m. Sat., May 3, Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa. $85-$125 ($29.50 lawn).
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2008.
