Eric Clapton/England,UK 12.31.1999 Complete Upgrade

This is the first time we've released a high-quality master recording of a special performance not available to the general public! Also, we're releasing a rare and special charity concert recording from the original master recordings of Taper, a veteran British artist known for his treasured recordings of Eric Clapton! This is a complete stereo audience recording of a charity concert held on December 31, 1999, at a community center in Clapton's hometown of Woking, Surrey. This concert was a charity event entitled "New Year's Eve Dance" for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which has been held annually since 1993. It originally began in 1982 when Clapton, who attended a "year-end live show" hosted by then-band member Gary Brooker at a local pub, took a liking to the idea. It continued to be held intermittently at the end of the year, but in 1993, Clapton organized it as a regular event, hosting two live performances: one on New Year's Eve and one on New Year's morning after a break. This concert was supposedly a free event for members of Alcoholics Anonymous, of which Clapton is a member, and their families, and was not open to the general public. However, there's a catch to everything. The veteran taper used his usual connections to successfully infiltrate the venue and record it in stereo with premium sound quality using high-end equipment. While we've released numerous recordings of the same event each year from masters provided by the veteran taper, this 1999 edition is a rare, first-time release. The master also boasts undeniable high-quality sound in terms of stereo and directness. This event was renowned for its unique lineup and setlist, which differed from the regular tour. The simple five-piece band this year was also a valuable addition. Moreover, as this concert was closed to the general public, it was a coveted treat for enthusiasts. Please enjoy this first-time release of this high-quality master. A one-of-a-kind live performance featuring a luxurious and rare lineup that perfectly captured the fulfillment of this year. This year, Clapton continued to promote the album "PILGRIM," released the previous year. The previous year saw an extensive worldwide tour covering the United States and Europe. What significance did the "Pilgrim Tour" and these two years from 1998 to 1999 have for Clapton's career? Let's take a look back at Clapton's career history from 1998 onwards. 1998 - March 10, 1998 (Worldwide release of the album "PILGRIM") - March 30 - April 26, 1998: First leg of the American tour - May 11 - June 6, 1998: Second leg of the American tour - September 5 - September 18, 1998: Short-term US and Canadian tour - October 13 - December 11, 1998: European tour including the UK and Scandinavia 1999 - February 14, 1999: Performed "Rock Me Baby" with B.B. King and George Benson at the NAACP Image Awards held at the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. - February 24, 1999: Performed "Rock Me Baby" with B.B. King at the Grammy Awards ceremony held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. February 25, 1999: Performed at the Blues Festival in Culver City, California, USA, performing with John Lee Hooker. March 15, 1999: Performed with D'Angelo at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony in New York, USA, celebrating Curtis Mayfield's induction. May 20, 1999: Appeared on The Frank Skinner Show in London, performing a rare performance of "Rock Island June 12, 1999: Performed with the Jimmie Vaughan Band at the Giorgio Armani Gala in West Hollywood, California. June 30, 1999: Performed at his own Crossroads Benefit Concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. September 14, 1999: Performed at Sheryl Crow's Central Park Concert in New York City. October 23, 1999: Performed at The Concert of the Century at the White House in Washington, D.C., alongside Lenny Kravitz. November 2, 1999: Performed at the Phoenix House and M.A.P. Allegro Awards in Universal City, California.・November 4th 1999: Rehearsed for the upcoming Japan tour at a studio in Los Angeles, USA ・November 9th - 30th 1999: Japan tour ・December 31st 1999: Held his own "New Year's Eve Dance" in Woking, Surrey, UK ←★Here★ As you can see, in 1998 he released his album simultaneously worldwide, started a tour on his 53rd birthday, and continued for a long period until the end of the year. The following year he made an appearance in Japan, which he had not been able to tour the previous year, but it was a busy two years, with him appearing at many spot events. Considering it took two years to complete, you can see that the "Pilgrim Tour" was a very ambitious one. After successfully completing all those dates, they took a breather and wrapped up the year with this "New Year's Eve Dance." Notable features of this lineup, unlike their tour, included local session bassist Dave Bronze on bass (Nathan East was on tour), and Steve Gadd on drums, rather than the British drummer Henry Spinetti who usually played on this event. Keyboards were also played by co-producer Simon Climie, rather than Chris Stinton, who always played on this event. Most unusually, Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Clapton's ally and key figure who initiated this event, was absent. If Brooker had been present, we would likely have seen more standards, traditional songs, and his hit, "A Whiter Shade of Pale." This unconventional lineup is invaluable in its own right, and the performance alone makes it a must-listen. (Brooker's performance can be enjoyed under the title "Woking" from other years.) As always, the show was divided into two parts, each with a completely different setlist, making it a fascinating event. The first part took place late on New Year's Eve, and the second part immediately after the New Year. Each part delighted the audience with a wide variety of songs, including Clapton's hits, old blues, soul numbers, and rock & roll. During the first part, Clapton dedicated the concert to musician Curtis Mayfield, who passed away the previous week (December 26th). He cited Mayfield as someone he respected and who continued to inspire him. The first half of the first part featured blues, while the second half featured Clapton's signature songs. Andy Fairweather Low also featured on "If Paradise (Was Half As Nice)." He also played the entire chorus of "Blue Moon" during the middle solo of the final number, "Sunshine of Your Love." What's interesting about the second part is that the Beatles' "Twist and Shout" plays as pre-concert music, and the audience is already singing along to the song, building to a roaring excitement, before the band takes to the stage. As the new year begins, the audience joins in on the British tradition of "Auld Lang Syne" and "Serenity Prayer," the latter a prayer that has been recited by Clapton since 1941 in the American Association of Blues. The second part featured more songs than the first, primarily blues, but "Stormy Monday" is a particularly valuable track, as it wasn't even included on the "Nothing But the Blues Tour." Andy Fairweather Low also features on "Gin House," as he did on this year's tour. (Clapton begins with a thrilling slide in the middle, then unleashes a smashing solo with rapid-fire riffs! Listen!) Andy also features in the middle solo of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door." Little Queenie is a staple of this event, and while Gary Brooker usually sings it, this year Clapton takes the lead vocals. This is the first time since 1974 that this has happened, making it extremely rare. The solo in the middle is also excellent, making it a classic Clapton song. Considering the number of songs performed in the second part of the tour, the band seemed particularly energized. The same can be said for the content of the performance. Clapton's incredible playing on "Five Long Years" rivals that of the "Nothing But the Blues Tour." The electric version of "Layla" is also a rare find for this lineup and this event. Unusually, Clapton himself sings the first chorus (usually Nathan and the female chorus sing it, so Clapton doesn't). However, from the second chorus onward, Simon Climie is the only one providing the vocals (which is unreliable and amusing, perhaps even admirable). Hearing this kind of Layla is perhaps unique to this event. This purpose, however, sets it apart from a friendly, family-friendly concert. This is a wonderful recording that demonstrates Clapton's incredible talent. The high notes unique to the master of the veteran taper. While the veteran taper has provided numerous masters of Clapton's rare recordings, this master is a rare and precious sound source, making it the first-ever release. Moreover, the sound quality is high. In addition to using high-end equipment and high-performance microphones for the recording, it was a good opportunity to capture the sound reverberating in a small, rural community center-level space. After all, a concert in his hometown in the UK would have been a source of pride for the veteran taper. I'm grateful to the veteran taper for delivering such a realistic performance to a concert that we, as Japanese people, couldn't attend. Woking Leisure Center, Surrey, UK 31st December 1999 ULTIMATE SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc:1 (42:58) 1. Intro. 2. Knock On Wood 3. Reconsider Baby 4. Tore Down 5. Have You Ever Loved A Woman 6. If Paradise (Was Half As Nice) 7.Lay Down Sally 8. Wonderful Tonight 9. Sunshine Of Your Love ★In the middle solo, Clapton plays the entire chorus of Blue Moon. Disc 2 (74:15) 1. Intro. / Auld Lang Syne 2. Serenity Prayer 3. In The Midnight Hour 4. Hoochie Coochie Man 5. Before You Accuse Me 6. Knockin' On Heaven's Door 7. Stormy Monday 8. Cocaine 9. Gin House 10. Little Queenie ★Clapton actually sings on this track. This is the first time since 1974 that he has done so, making it extremely rare. The middle solo is also excellent, making this a Clapton signature song. 11. Five Long Years ★Clapton's incredible playing is as passionate as his performance on the "Nothing But the Blues Tour." 12. Layla ★Electric Version. This is an extremely rare take, with Clapton himself singing the first chorus. From the second chorus onward, Simon Climie contributes a subtle chorus. Hearing this version of Layla is something you'll only find at this event. 13. Every Day I Have The Blues Eric Clapton - guitar / vocals Andy Fairweather Low - guitar / vocals Dave Bronze - bass Steve Gadd - drums Simon Climie - piano ★Gary Brooker's Absence This year was unusual in that Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Clapton's close friend and key figure who initiated this event, was absent. If Brooker had been present, we would likely have seen more standards, traditional songs, and his hit "A Whiter Shade of Pale." However, this unconventional lineup is extremely valuable in its own right, and this performance alone makes it worth listening to.