Customer Reviews

Eric Clapton - Live in Hyde Park

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 1996 live concert by Clapton is indeed a treasure for all Clapton fans to own - in fact, you do not have to be a Clapton fan in order to greatly appreciate the gifted talent of this man.

The 14 titles on this DVD include variations on all of his standard concert numbers such as Layla (acoustic version), Badge, I Shot the Sheriff, etc. there is not a bad track on this DVD. Two numbers in particular, Five Long Years and Old Love are a bonus for me - I have only heard these numbers on CDs, but to finally see Clapton's rendition from the Hyde Park Concert is amazing, so amazing that I had to view each of these numbers several times.

Currently owning a dozen different Clapton concerts on DVD, and this one, like the others, will not be collecting dust in my DVD collection, as it will be played (viewed) repeatedly.

Also, I found that the DVD captured Clapton's enthusiasm and his enthusiasm is indeed contagious.

Purchase your own copy and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.....and you will not regret the ownership of this DVD - you will want to share the experience with close friends.

Honda John

Love it,you wont regret this DVD!! Picture and sound quality is superb.Lots of close up shots colors are vivid!His an great guitar player!

This one is a keeper. EC and his band are at their best, whether it's a blues tune or a rocker. The 5.1 audio mix is outstanding and the video is second to none. This is one great performance to be enjoyed over and over. Can't say enough about this DVD, it's my favourite to date. A must for any music/guitar fan.

With the exception of the dvd not being in wide screen format, This is a great DVD. Music is tight and song selections are wonderful. Buy it!! Eric is at the top of his game at this concert.

I only view this one when I arise on Saturdays, and holidays. It is a glorious, outdoor concert that opens with the acoustic version of "Layla", and finds him predominantly accompanied by players that are not regularly part of his usual touring ensemble. He has a horn section, and a marvelous harmonica player in tow. It all comes together immediately with a great show of Clapton classics that include the only version of "I Shot the Sheriff" that he has yet released on DVD. Eric grins as he glances back to Steve Gadd's drum kit during his impressive improvisational solo during this number.

I have all his releases to date, but this one just seems to be the perfect way to start a weekend, or any day with Clapton's always professionally presented sampling of his many hits, and blues standards. It never gets better than this!

If, like me, your favorite Clapton album is "From The Cradle", than this is most definitely the dvd for you!! In fact, he plays about four songs from that album. Demonstrating his ability to jazz-up a classic number, EC starts the concert wih an acoustic version of "Layla". But wait! Suddenly, there's a horn section that kicks in. (In fact, they're called "The Kick Horns" - Simon C. Clarke, Tim Sanders, Roddy Lorimer, Jim Keltner) They add a real classy element to the concert. I love Roddy's trumpet solo on "Layla". Than there's "Hoochie Coochie Man", a rockin' tune which EC adds his well-seasoned, angst-driven voice to, quite nicely. Later, Clapton switches out "Old Blackie" (his signature, Stratocaster guitar), and really get's into "It Hurts Me Too". Moving on to my favorite performance, "Five Long Years"... Eric and his band go deep into the blues. - "Lord, I finally learned my lesson. Should've a long time ago. Next woman that I marry, she's gonna work and bring me the dough." (What lyrics!!) One thing I have to say about EC, is that he doesn't try to hog the spotlight by completely out-shining his fellow bandmates; even though, he very easily could. No, everyone in the band is given equal opportunity to showcase their talents. It's great to see EC's former keyboard player, Chris Stainton back and playing his heart out. And, Jerry Portnoy's outstanding harmonica playing makes you feel like your sitting at some hole-in-the-wall bar in N'awlins (New Orleans), just taking it all in. Almost a tie for my favorite track is definitely "Everyday I Have The Blues", in which, again, the whole band just blows it wide open - Horns, Harmonica, Drums (Steve Gadd), Backing Guitar (Andy Fairweather Low) and of course the man himself!! Another great performance, is a duet with Katie Kissoon on "Tearing Us Apart". I enjoyed this much more than the original EC recorded with Tina Turner, because Katie's style is much more energetic and her vocal range far exceeds Tina's. I think I've mentioned everyone in the band, except for Tessa Niles, who had obviously lost some weight and was lookin' oh, so great! This is definitely a dvd that won't collect dust in your cabinet. As far as the audio is concerned, I would highly recommend opting for DTS. Simply put, DTS is uncompressed audio, thereby giving the listener a fuller, richer sound that Dolby Digital can't compare to because of the lossy (Yes, that's spelled correctly.), digital compression the latter format employs.

I am totally gobsmacked to hear some people say that Clappers is'nt as good a guitarist as he used to be. He has clearly became more fluid than ever and some really sophisticated slides and moves.I sit in awe at his abillity and each time I play this dvd I think of who is actually better,considering different styles as well. I think "Five long years" is my favourite track. I really enjoy Son Seals and many other pluckers but Clapton will always be the greatest for me. Too bad he does'nt find time to get down here very often,what.

I was just able to pick up this DVD and it is incredible! The sound and picture quality are A-1 (I play it through stereo equipment instead of the TV speakers) Clapton's playing is STILL the best even after 30 years (he even makes a reference to it being the first time he was back in Hyde Park to perform in 30 years). I felt like I was there too (I wish!!!) If you are a Clapton fan grab this one - it won't disappoint!

A masterpiece of a concert video/DVD. Eric plays his heart out on a rainy day during an outdoor concert. The camera work is excellent, especially for those who appreciate seeing Eric's fretwork and picking techniques. The sound quality is also excellent, especially if you will play this DVD through home theatre. This is the best "Slowhand" live video. The outstanding camerawork puts you in the front row. In addition, anyone learning guitar will appreciate and understand Eric's legandary status when they see this video.

Nice songs, beautifull performance. When I bought it, I knew Cocaine was not part of the show. After playing it, believe me, I missed Cocaine.