Eric Clapton – We’re All The Way (Tricone 065/066)

We’re All The Way (Tricone 065/066)

Budokan, Tokyo, Japan – October 7th, 1977

Disc 1: Opening, The Core, I Shot The Sheriff, Double Trouble, Badge, Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out, Mama Told Me, We’re All The Way, Sign Language, Alberta, Cocaine, Bottle Of Red Wine

Disc 2:  Stormy Monday, Layla, announcements, Tell The Truth

Eric Clapton & his Band – the same lineup used since his comeback tour of 1974; excepting the replacement of Yvonne Elliman with Marcy Levy.

This Show opens up with some fine interplay between Eric and George Terry on “The Core” followed by the standard version of “I Shot The Sheriff” followed by a superb “Double Trouble.”

Next is a blustering hot version of “Badge” with exquisite  fire power between Eric and George Terry. The classic “Nobody Knows When You’re Down And Out” with Marcy handling the vocals; Marcy politely thanks the crowd and gets into a rarely played tune titled mama told me; pleasant but nothing over the top striking about this track.

“Sign Language” is a highlight with Clapton and Marcy sharing vocals.  The old Ledbetter standard “Alberta” with a nice feel and harmony with Marcy and Eric.

“Cocaine” steps the pace up again with excellent riffing between Eric and George. A  very uptempo version of bottle of Red Wine ends disc one.

“Stormy Monday” is quite intense here with some masterful licks from Eric.  “Layla” follows and the guitar interplay between Eric and George us quite passionate; the show ends with an upbeat rocker version of “Tell The Truth.”

All in all a superb audience recording and hot performance.  It appears Mr. Clapton was sober on this night as his fluidity is sublime.

Pick this one up as Tricone did quite well.