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Eric Clapton (born Eric Patrick Clapp) was a stained glass window designer before he took on a career as a blues guitarist. Clapton was influenced by artists such as Muddy Waters, B.B King, Albert King and Elmore James. Eric’s real break came in 1963 when he joined The Yardbirds just in time for the first British invasion on the American rock and roll scene. Clapton only last 12 months claiming the band had become far too commercial.
Three years later in 1966 Robert Stigwood met jazz drummer Ginger Baker (Peter Baker) who was working with Alexis Korner and Scottish bass player, Jack Bruce who was working with Manfred Mann and matched them up with Clapton. The three agreed to work together under the name ‘Cream’, and Stigwood produced their first single Wrapping Paper.
In 1967 Cream debuted in the USA with the release of their first album Fresh Cream which turned Gold and a hit single I Feel Free. By the end of 1968 Cream was the top new band in the USA with hits like White Room written by Bruce/Baker, Crossroads, Badge, Strange Brew, Sunshine of Your Love and I Feel Free.
Next month, Shock Entertainment will release the DVD Planes, Trains and Eric by Eric Clapton on Blu-ray.
This is an intimate film documenting life on the road during part of his 2014 tour intercut with superb full length performances. The film features many classic tracks including: Layla, Cocaine, Tears in Heaven, Crossroads, Wonderful Tonight, I Shot the Sherriff and more. Planes, Trains and Eric follow Eric Clapton and his band on the Far and Middle Eastern leg of his 2014 World Tour.
The film features 13 full length performances from the tour intercut with interviews with Eric Clapton and the band members, rehearsal and sound-check footage and many aspects of being on the road with Eric Clapton.
The line-up of the band featured on the film is Eric Clapton (guitar-vocals), Steve Gadd (drums), Paul Carrack (organ & vocals), Nathan East (bass & vocals), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Michelle John (backing vocals), Shar White (backing vocals).
Our good friends at Shock have given us some copies of this DVD to give away. Together with your name and address send your entry to Eric Clapton DVD, C/O MP Newspapers, P.O Box 588, Hastings 3915.
HORSE STAMPS
Australia Post customers will be racing toward a photo-finish to collect a new stamp issue featuring major metropolitan horseracing courses. Eagle Farm (Queensland), Royal Randwick (New South Wales), Morphettville (South Australia) and Flemington (Victoria) feature on the stamps.
Eagle Farm, Queensland was established in 1863, Royal Randwick, New South Wales is Australia’s oldest major racing venue, established in 1833, although between 1838 and 1860 it moved to Homebush. Morphettville, South Australia, hosted its first race meeting in 1875 and is home to the South Australian Jockey Club. Flemington, Victoria, is the oldest continuing metropolitan racecourse in the country, with races run annually since 1840.
The Melbourne Cup, the richest and most famous Australian horse race, was first run on the course in 1861. Flemington is also home to the Victoria Racing Club, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
The stamp issue’s associated products include a first day cover, stamp pack, maxicard set of four, booklet of 10 x 70c self-adhesive stamps and a designed gutter strip of 10 x 70c stamps. Now available at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps.
JOHN WILLIAMSON
Clouds over Tamworth is the 2nd single from John Williamson's 50th album release ‘Honest People’, produced by Matt Fell.
John has had a busy year with a new album, release of his biography Hey True Blue, and the commencement of a major tour. About his new single ‘Clouds over Tamworth’, John said “It occurred to me that I had not heard a song about Tamworth that described its beautiful clouds and the flooding Peel River. I nearly called the song ‘The Tower of Legends’ which is my imaginary tower that is made up of Australian song that have built our Country Music legacy”. www.johnwilliamson.com.au
Doug Bruce
pic - nucountry.com.au
Hot on the heels of the continuing chart success of the very well received new song, Broke Down Heart, Victorian country singer, Doug Bruce has released his latest album offering, Somewhere Better to Be. The album was officially launched at the Gympie Music Muster.
Doug wrote ten tracks on the new 13 track album, which includes three co-writes. This is Doug’s fourth, self-produced
album, delivered from his recording facility, Shoo Fly Studios.
www.dougbruce.com.au
TOP TEN ALBUMS
1. The Complete Collection – Ross D.Wylie (Aztec)
2. Family Life – Adam Harvey (Sony)
3. Sing You Up – Luke O’Shea
4. Remasters – The Best of Taste – Taste.
5. Melody Road – Neil Diamond (Capitol)
6. Somewhere Better To Be – Doug Bruce
7. Greetings from California – The Madden Brothers (EMI)
8. Honest People – John Williamson (Warner)
9. Nothin’ But Trouble – The Wolfe Brothers (ABC)
10. Sometimes When You Lose You Win – Allan Caswell