Eric Clapton – Life in 12 Bars
Eagle Rock Entertainment
http://www.eagle-rock.com/eric-clapton

Rating A

Eagle Rock Entertainment has released another documentary that demands We’re not worthy bows. This time it is CLAPTON IS GOD, himself, the story is about. 

Eric Clapton has won 18 Grammy’s. 

I am usually not one for awards but damn…18….that’s two baseball teams starting lineups!  

This film is an in-depth look as Clapton’s life. In addition to telling an incredible tale, the amazing guest interviews, the amazing Clapton interviews and the killer camera work, there is also archival footage and interviews. There is also a 32-song soundtrack that features his solo career as well as The Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith and Derek & the Dominos. 

Are you sitting down? 

Because there is more…

There are five previously unreleased tracks by Cream and some from Derek & the Dominos. There is a 17-minute rendition of “Spoonful” from a 1968 performance in Los Angeles at The Forum. Derek & the Dominos have two tracks….a 1971 studio outtake of  “High” and a 1970 live cover of “Little Wing” at the Fillmore East. There are two Clapton solo tracks, including the full version of his 1974 single “I Shot the Sheriff” and a 1974 live cover of “Little Queenie.”

The music is matched by the riveting story that is Eric Clapton’s life. He speaks openly about the death of his 4-year old son Conor that inspired the massive hit “Tears in Heaven.” He also opens up about his own suffering from addiction as well as every other dark aspect his addicted era brought him—including the drunken racist slurs he said during a 1976 gig. 

The film is directed by Clapton’s friend Lili Fini Zanuck. It is obvious Clapton trusts her by the way he opens up to her in this film. This is a musical story…but also a very human story. One leaves this film feeling they know a lot about what kind of man Eric Clapton really is.   

It is amazing…It is a must-see. 

Eric Clapton “Life in 12 Bars” track listing:
Big Bill Broonzy, "Backwater Blues"
Muddy Waters, "My Life Is Ruined"
Muddy Waters, "I Got Mojo Working"
The Yardbirds, "I Wish You Would"
The Yardbirds, "For Your Love"
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, "Steppin' Out"
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, "All Your Love"
Cream, "I Feel Free"
Cream, "Strange Brew"
Cream, "Sunshine of Your Love"
Aretha Franklin, "Good to Me As I Am To You"
Cream, "Crossroads" (live)
The Beatles, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
Cream, "Badge"
Cream, "White Room" (live)
Cream, "Spoonful" (live, previously unreleased)
Blind Faith, "Presence of the Lord"
Delaney & Bonnie & Friends featuring Eric Clapton, "Comin' Home" (live)
Eric Clapton, "After Midnight" (alternate mix)
Eric Clapton, "Let It Rain" (alternate mix)
Derek and the Dominos, "High" (previously unreleased)
George Harrison, "My Sweet Lord"
Derek and the Dominos, "Thorn Tree in the Garden"
Derek and the Dominos, "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out"
Derek and the Dominos, "Bell Bottom Blues"
Derek and the Dominos, "Layla"
Derek and the Dominos, "Little Wing" (live)
Derek and the Dominos, "Got to Get Better in a Little While"
Eric Clapton, "I Shot The Sheriff" (previously unreleased full length version)
Eric Clapton, "Little Queenie" (live, previously unreleased)
Eric Clapton, "Mainline Florida"
Eric Clapton, "Tears in Heaven"

By Jeb “I Didn’t Shoot Anyone” Wright