Eric Clapton & Friends Live 1986

Eric Clapton, circa 1986, playing "Crossroads," "White Room," "Sunshine of Your Love," and "Layla"? Automatic purchase, right? Boasting a kick-butt opening (first two mentioned songs) and closing (last two songs), this hour-shy concert filmed in Birmingham, AL finds the slowhand master performing a rather skimpy nine tunes backed by Nathan East on bass, Greg Phillinganes on keyboards, and Phil Collins on drums (the band also plays Collins' hit "In the Air Tonight"). Unfortunately, the middle four tunes are drawn from Clapton's less-than-sterling August album (which spawned the semi-hit "It's in the Way That You Use It"--not one of the four here), with only the haunting "Holy Mother" making much of an impression. Still, this is Clapton, circa 1986, playing "Crossroads," etc.… Presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and stereo, this otherwise extra-less disc is recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)