Clapton's Intimate Performance Sans Audience Still Gives Chills

Flashback to February of this year and an all-time music icon can't wait to return to the stage for three, sure to be triumphant, shows in London's legendary Royal Albert Hall. Then the pandemic causes the shows to be unceremoniously cancelled. What's a guitar legend to do?

If you're Eric Clapton, you slow (hand) down, regroup and envision a special, very intimate (even without an audience) project in which you perform an acoustic set of favorites, blues covers and rarities at an English countryside estate with your favorite collaborators.

Such is the scene for the new Clapton CD/DVD, "The Lady In The Balcony: Lockdown Sessions,"out now. The performance is sublime. You simply can't take your headphones phones off or turn your eyes away from the screen as Clapton performs a near 90-minute set. The performance spaces' reddish hues give warmth to the proceedings.

The set kicks off with the beautiful "Golden Ring," featuring Clapton on the 12-string for this ode to unrequited love no more. Clapton's longtime band, consisting of bassist Nathan East, keyboardist Chris Stainton and drummer Steve Gadd, immediately make clear that they're more than a mere backup band but rather a singular group of musicians that augment Clapton's guitar and vocal work.

The performance proceeds with a tribute to Clapton's longtime friend, the late, original Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green. Here Clapton delivers inspired takes on "Black Magic Woman" and the lonely tale of the "Man of the World." The acoustic vibe gives "Kerry" an airy soundscape while rocker "After Midnight" translates wonderfully even without stacks of amps.

"Bell Bottom Blues" benefits from harmonizing between Clapton and East, a duet that's a highlight throughout the performance. The band switches to a piano blues for Big Bill Bronzy's "Key to the Highway," in which Clapton yields the spotlight to Stainton. The keyboardist is the unsung hero of the show. Check out his epic solo with on "Layla."

"River of Tears" brings emotional heft, "Rock Me Baby" is both playful and plaintive and "Believe In Life" makes a strong statement of Clapton's mindset. The performance is affirming and a standout piece. He's clearly inspired on the song by his wife, Melia. She's the lady in the balcony, watching the show from above the grand room performance space. "Tears in Heaven" closes out the acoustic part of the show, still retaining the power to make a listener well up. Clapton then straps on an electric guitar for the final three numbers: Muddy Waters' "Long Distance Call," in which Clapton plays blue like only he can; his own 12-bar inspired "Bad Boy" and the upbeat Preston Foster tune, "Got My Mojo Working."

The video intersperses gorgeous scenes of Clapton walking amongst the towering trees of the palatial estate and scenic photos of awe-inspiring sunsets, tracing the recording session through the hours.

"The Lady in the Balcony" is a triumph that proves Clapton is one of the very few musicians that, after nearly 60 years in the business, can still give listeners chills, even while listening to or watching a pre-recorded broadcast with no audience. Here's to slowhand continuing to keep up the pace.