Eric Clapton
October 15, 2006
RBC Center
Raleigh, N.C.

Eric Clapton hit the RBC Center in Raleigh on Oct. 15, bringing his band - including Derek Trucks - and opener Robert Cray.

Many in the crowd missed Cray and part of Clapton's set thanks to parking malfunctions - the North Carolina State Fair was being held next door, causing overflow parking.

While I was on the Center grounds at showtime, I sat in the parking lot for nearly an hour until spots in a dirt area were found.

By that time, I had missed Cray's set and the two opening songs from Clapton "Pretending" and "I Shot the Sheriff."

However, by the time I got to my seat, I was instantly impressed by the playing of both Clapton and guitarist Derek Trucks, who is touring with Clapton this year, on "Got to Get Better in a Little While."

The two traded riffs and licks for the duration of the two-hour set.

Cray was also present during two songs, "Old Love" and "Crossroads."

The concert was divided by a brief acoustic sit-down set of four songs.

While Clapton appeared to be enjoying the set, as did Cray, there was little banter for the crowd aside from the ocassional "thank you."

Watching "Slow hand" perform wasn't about a performance as much as it was about musicianship. It was truly awe-inspiring to watch Clapton and Trucks play guitars with the greatest of ease.

It was no surprise that "Layla" got the crowd on their feet from the opening riff and that "Cocaine" ended the night with the crowd's singing.

A majority of the night's songs turned to improvisation as Trucks, Clapton and Doyle Bromhall ignited the stage.

The biggest disappointment - aside from the parking - was the audio quality.

It was difficult to understand much of what was said or sung all night.

Most of it didn't matter, though. I'm sure many in attendance were there for the sounds of Clapton as much as the words, and he didn't disappoint.

Set list
Pretending
I Shot The Sheriff
Got To Get Better In A Little While
Old Love (with Robert Cray)
Anyday
Motherless Children

Acoustic set
Back Home
I Am Yours
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
Running On Faith

After Midnight
Little Queen Of Spades
Further On Up The Road
Wonderful Tonight
Layla
Cocaine

Encore
Crossroads (with Robert Cray)

Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at October 15, 2006 11:28 PM