Here's something for the Clapton fan who enjoys hearing him play in all manner of contexts. On this two-CD set, recorded over a 24-night stand at London's Albert Hall, Clapton performs with a stripped-down four-piece band; a more lushly arranged nonet, an all-star blues lineup featuring stellar guitarists Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, and Jimmie Vaughan as well as legendary pianist Johnnie Johnson; and a full orchestra conducted by Michael Kamen. Most fans will find the blues segment the most endearing, but the album proves that Clapton is a blues-rock master who can excel in almost any setting. --Daniel Durchholz As revered elder rock statesman Clapton has edged towards the pop mainstream, his superlative guitar work has become increasingly less prominent on his albums. So, it's nice to have a solid showcase for his instrumental brilliance on the live 2 CD 24 Nights, which captures the highlights of an extended 1990-1991 run at London's Royal Albert Hall. The album finds Clapton performing Cream classics, solo hits, and blues standards in a variety of different band formats: with a stripped-down quartet, an expanded nine-piece, a stellar blues ensemble (including fellow axe heroes Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, and Jimmie Vaughan), and a full orchestra. The result is a fine showcase for the dazzling instrumental skills of one of rock's essential guitarists. --Scott Schinder Eric Clapton 24 Nights French 4-CD set
