Clapton - The Autobiography

Felt it was time to read a biography (I like to mix it up a little).  Better still, an autobiography.  Can't say I'm a bona fide "fan" of Eric Clapton (someone I'd go and see in concert), but an interesting read nonetheless.  Autobiographies are cool -  like the-author-is-sitting-right-there-with-you-in-the-airport, coffee shop, comfy-couch at home, or wherever-cool.

In the process, a couple of records have piqued my interest. The first is Road To Escondido whereby Mr.Clapton moved in with J.J. Cale for a week at his house in the hills of Escondido, CA and hashed out the direction for their upcoming recording - "getting ready to play" as Clapton called it.  I thought it was somewhat noteworthy as I get down that way in North County, San Diego quite often to visit my parents, having even done a gig there.

The other sample of musical coolness is Eric's Me and Mr. Johnson.  This tribute album of Robert Johnson tunes was never meant to be released, but was originally just a way to "release the tension and just have some fun" in the studio while coming up with enough material for a "normal" commercial release.

Anything you'd like to say in closing, E.C.?

"The music scene as I look at it today is a little different from where I was growing up.  The percentages are roughly the same - 95 percent rubbish, 5 percent pure...Music survives everything, and like God, it is always present.  It needs no help, and suffers no hindrance.  It has always found me, and with God's blessing and permission, it always will" ~ Eric Clapton

Clapton - The Autobiography

Feeding The Muse

If I know I'm going to be standing in line anywhere, I'll bring along a copy of Recording Magazine to feast my idle mind on quick tidbits of recording or songwriting tips. Happened to have a March 2009 issue today.

Taxi Music always has great articles inside and I finished my way through an interview with legendary songwriter, Lamont Dozier ("Baby I Need Your Loving," "Stop! In The Name Of Love,""It's the Same Old Song," "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Standing In the Shadows of Love," "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)."

Here are a couple of quotes that stood out for me:

"First of all, if you're really serious about being a songwriter/composer, you just have to be serious about it, apply yourself, and be relentless in your pursuit.  That's the only way you're going to win.  You can't be thin-skinned and expect to achieve big things in this business.  Think big, you get big.  Think small, you get nothing.  Always keep reaching, because that will make you have the success that you want to have."

"You have to be very aware and sensitive to what you're doing, because if you don't feel it and like it, nobody else is gonna like it, let me tell you."

Feeding The Muse