Sessions for Robert J (CD+DVD) [Enhanced]

With the carefully structured interview, it's like watching a documentary on why and how Clapton took up the blues (also an insight on his admiration for Robert Johnson), and how well he understands and plays the blues. His playing is immaculate with fluidity and intensity (I'd want to see more of his extended solos but I think Clapton's approach to this project was the understated, yet very sophisticated playing which is how Johnson played) and the singing is his finest charged with despair and emotions.

The DVD demonstrates how Clapton has improved (!) with his playing and is at his best. In my opinion, his acoustic playing has taken another level of excellence, even compared to the fantastic "Unplugged" concert. Evidently, Clapton practised and improved himself yet again. The sessions with his virtuous band are equally entertaining to watch and enjoy. First of all, his tone is just so perfect and he plays with such ease, yet his authority takes you aback to make you realize and marvel at what he is doing. As Nathan East states on DVD, the Sessions are definitely better than the record. As he did with his phenomenal "From the Cradle" album, all takes are live, most of them being cut at the first try. Clapton's prowess in performing is proven again, as well the band is just equally great (Doyle does a admirable job backing up Clapton). If you enjoy the blues and want to see how Clapton plays it, this will be the best thing you can buy to treat yourself.

Session I
Hook End Manor
Checkendon, England
Awesome, Clapton shows up to work in his Porsche Carrera 911 S; Very relaxed atmosphere; The band (Steve Gadd, Nathan East, Chris Stainton, Billy Preston & Doyle Bramhall II) plays effortlessly in sync.; Kind Hearted Woman Blues is just amazing.

Session II
Studios at Las Colinas
Irving, Texas
Kinda looks like a movie set with what could be a custom '30s Buick in the background; Flawless set

Session III
508 Park Ave
Dallas, Texas
Intimate setting- you can even hear a door creaking open during recording, I wonder if that was intentional to heighten the intimate feeling.

Session IV
Hotel Casa Del Mar
Santa Monica, California
Mr. Clapton and just his Martin acoustics; His finest acoustic solo performance captured on video. Whether it's intentional or by mixing error which I doubt, you hear some "rambling (noises)" on the track while he performs Ramblin' On My Mind, I thought that was cool.