Eric Clapton – The Definitive 24 Nights – CD Review

Before I start this review I HAVE to let it be known that I’m not a fan of Eric Clapton as a solo artist, however, I jumped at the chance to review this lavish box set. With its gorgeous hardback book 6CDs and 3 Blu Rays which totals in excess of 6 hours of rock and blues. I thought this would be a good jumping-off point to see if I could appreciate him.

Straight off the bat, the Blu Rays are incredible. Stereo or Dolby Atmos sound choices are made available on the menu. Of course, I went for the Dolby Atmos and that put me as the listener straight in the center of the Royal Albert Hall. 

The footage is lovely but presented in its original pan and scan format (square box) which is fine, considering the age of the concerts. 

I’ve got to say that the orchestra, conducted by Michael Kamen Discs, (who did the Metallica score as well as the film scores for Highlander, Tales From The Crypt, and Mr. Hollands Opus to name a few.) are the highlights of this stupendous box. I was blown away by the tracks Wonderful Tonight,  I Shot The Sheriff, and White Room was augmented beautifully.

The rock show and the blues show sound epic. The backing musicians are insanely talented and the backing vocal harmonies are just majestic in nature.

In total, there are 39 previously unreleased tracks splattered across the 6CDs. So you’re getting a lot more bang for your buck and more of an experience. 

It’s well worth noting that although the vinyl version of this box has 8 LPs, there are a couple of tracks missing from the orchestral setlist. Most notably  Sunshine Of Your Love, which would take up a side of a record on it’s own (roughly 17 minutes).

All 3 CDs have excellent sound. Everything is correct in the mix so it sounds incendiary. 

The hardback book is full of glossy photos from the 24 Nights along with an extensive essay by David Fricke that makes for interesting reading. 

Across the rock and blues shows, there are a number of special guests that include blues players Buddy Guy and Albert King as well as drummer Phil Collins. 

I’m still not a fan of Eric, but I am a fan of this box set and it will be getting a regular outing. It’s well worth a purchase. It’s beautifully packaged, the numbered lithograph looks great and it would look amazing framed and hanging on the wall.

Score 9/10

The Definitive 24 Nights Track Listing

24 Nights: Rock

1.       “Pretending”
2.       “Running On Faith”
3.       “Breaking Point” *
4.       “I Shot The Sheriff” *
5.       “White Room”
6.       “Can’t Find My Way Home” * (Feat. Nathan East on lead vocals)
7.       “Bad Love”
8.       “Before You Accuse Me” *
9.       “Lay Down Sally” *
10.   “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” *
11.   “Old Love” *
12.   “No Alibis” *
13.   “Tearing Us Apart” *
14.   “Cocaine” *
15.   “Wonderful Tonight”
16.   “Layla” *
17.   “Crossroads” *
18.   “Sunshine Of Your Love” *

 

24 Nights: Blues

1.     “Key To The Highway” *
2.       “Worried Life Blues”
3.       “You Better Watch Yourself”
4.       “Have You Ever Loved A Woman”
5.       “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” *
6.       “Something On Your Mind” *
7.       “All Your Love (I Miss Loving)” *
8.       “It’s My Life Baby” *
9.       “Johnnie’s Boogie” *
10.   “Black Cat Bone” *
11.   “Reconsider Baby” *
12.   “My Time After A While” *
13.   “Sweet Home Chicago” *
14.   “You Better Watch Yourself” (Reprise) *

(Note: “Sweet Home Chicago” segues into “You Better Watch Yourself (Reprise)” and is listed as one track on the Blues vinyl.)

 

24 Nights: Orchestral

1.       “Crossroads” *
2.       “Bell Bottom Blues”
3.       “Lay Down Sally” *
4.       “Holy Mother” *
5.       “I Shot The Sheriff” *
6.       “Hard Times”
7.       “Can’t Find My Way Home” * (Feat. Nathan East on lead vocals)
8.       “Edge Of Darkness”
9.       “Old Love” *
10.   “Wonderful Tonight” *
11.   “White Room” *
12.   “Concerto For Electric Guitar” * (composed by Michael Kamen)
13.   “A Remark You Made” *^ (A tribute to Jaco Pastorius)
14. 14.   “Layla” *
15.   “Sunshine Of Your Love” *^

*Previously Unreleased

^Not on vinyl
Label – Reprise
Release – 23rd June 2023

For all things Eric Clapton, click HERE, and to purchase this incredible box set, click HERE