Meeting Eric Clapton at the Crossroads After Midnight

One of the most talented rock and blues guitarists of our time, Eric Clapton and his music have captured imaginations for decades. Emotion and passion govern Clapton's music and this represnts a vision of "The Journeyman" and the timepieces of his life.

Through a visual biography of"Slowhand", his career and significant accomplishments, an informative perspective on the master guitarist from England based on the personal complexity that motivates the music is presented.

I became a fan of Clapton's music while living in London, England. It was his notorious performance at the 1986 Live Aid concert in Philadelphia which attracted me to his ease and mastery of the guitar. Much has been attributed to that performance as an introduction of his music to an entire generation and I consider myself among them because of his modesty and amazing guitar work in Layla, White Room and She's Waiting. It was not until the mid 1990's that Clapton received the mainstream recognition for his talent and sincere expressions he portrays through his music.

Perseverance and a struggle for legitimacy despite personal barriers define his 35 year career. To Clapton, commercial and financial success is not as important as self-fulfillment through music as the highest form of expression. He has remarkably put energy, passion and hurt into his music for the world to enjoy and share. His guitar playing is more than sound, it is a message of joy, pain and immense talent. His blues renditions seek to educate and inform the audience. Clapton plays for the pure enjoyment of the art and never before have we seen a more modest and well intentioned artist who seeks solace from the very music he creates and plays.

I have attempted to paint a very personal impression of a musician who genuinely influences his audience. This is a personal look at Clapton's music and as a fan for the past ten years, I felt that it was appropriate to share my expressions.