As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.

November 1977 saw the release of Clapton's "Slowhand" record. Those that were not enamored with the material joked the title is the problem." The other side finding no humor with the statement quickly pointed out "Slowhand" is a nickname. The grizzled Clapton veteran fan always longs for the guitar hero sound however found strong contentment with "461 Ocean Boulevard" because of the varied musical styles, flashes of the past, and lyrical content. "Slowhand" offered them diversification but a smaller percentage of the flashback to yesterday. If Clapton failed to bring along the old crew for the ride, the bus was overflowed with a new era of fan. You didn't have to travel too far in any city to hear the tunes coming from the fifth floor, the teenagers boom box, or the cassette player in the car. The album was exceptionally friendly for FM radio. How so?

While riding high on the charts five of the LP's tunes (The first four in succession and The Core) saw constant Album Rock airplay-Cocaine, Wonderful Tonight, Lay Down Sally, Next Time You See Her, and The Core.

J.J. Cale's "Cocaine" starts the festivities. Clapton covers the song well and the memorable riff has never left the play list of FM radio. "Wonderful Tonight" at the time paid homage to his then wife Pattie Boyd Harrison Clapton. The lyrics are stunning for the beauty. The criticism E.C. received was for making it more of a singer-songwriter tune than a Clapton composition. "Lay Down Sally" was not only penned by Clapton but Marcy Levy, and George Terry (Guitar). A middle of the road result gave this an opportunity to be heard on many non Album Rockers. "Next Time You See Her" is a hybrid of folk and country. There is a tremendous line in the tune that would foreshadow the eventual divorce "She got everything including my old car." The Don Williams song "We're All The Way" is the most overlooked of the albums contents. Mellow in construction, it gives the listener a superlative Clapton vocal. "The Core" has some interesting background. It was actually co-written by Marcy Levy and is the one tune that even the harshest critic of "Slowhand" never faulted. Clocking in at almost nine minutes it opened the eyes wide when the old rocker checked out the material. It would never harm inclusion on any Clapton solo record. The up-tempo rocker has Clapton and band holding our attention through every second. John Martyn (Opened for Clapton on one of the 1970's tours) penned the next tune "May You Never." It blends country and folk for a pleasing result. Arthur Crudup is credited for the blues based "Mean Old Frisco." Mid-tempo with E.C. playing the blues for four minutes plus. The ride ends with "Peaches And Diesel." Next time you have this on the CD Player listen to some of the instrumental portions similarity to "Wonderful Tonight."

If you keep an open ear as the last note is finalized, there is a good chance you can find enough material to digest. The newcomer may like this solo effort by Clapton the most of any. The older crowd hasn't tired of "Cocaine", The Core" and Mean Old Frisco."

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"