Product Description
Written by Chris Welch, former Melody Maker journalist and Cream confidante, this newly-researched book is the first full account of rockÕs premiere three-man supergroup: guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker. From CreamÕs formation in 1966 to their breakup in 1968, the book analyzes the groupÕs working methods and offers detailed descriptions of all their recordings. A special section explores the musical interactions of Clapton, Bruce and Baker, plus key songwriters Bruce and Pete Brown. With rare full-color photos throughout, it also includes a complete discography, studio sessionography, and diary of live shows. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

The Book of All Books aka The Definitive Cream-A History!
If there was ever a book to get on the 1960's group CREAM, this is it! Very interesting; you won't put it down! Interesting backgrounds on all 3 of these legends. Must reading, no ifs, ands or buts! Buy it!

Cream - 60's Supergroup
This book addresses exactly what I hoped for....... Specifically, what were the detailed backgrounds of each member of Cream and how did that influence their collective musical direction? Further, what internal and extraneous influences caused their rise to fame and break-up over such a short period of time? Influences of Pete Brown, Robert Stigwood, Felix Pappalardi and others are also part of the book's focus. Kudos to the author for not idolizing, nor ripping apart the main cast of characters. The writing style is more factual (but not dry) than anything else. In other words, there are no "good guys" or "bad guys" in this book, everyone is treated fairly. A good read for Cream fans and actually a pretty good book, even if you are not a Cream fan!

Strange Brew at the Crossroads
Chris Welch, a first-rate journalist and a musician himself, with the help of Tony Bacon, has produced one of the most well-informed and beautifully produced rock books that I have ever read. Those who remember Chris' writing from the old Melody Maker days will immediately recognise his lucid and impartial style.
The meteoric rise of Cream in the late sixties started a lot of balls rolling, unless you're one of those who reckon that the Jeff Beck Group got there first. As Chris points out, what is remarkable about the band is that they managed to stay together even for the short time that they did. Bruce and Baker were never the best of friends and they seemed to come from disparate backgrounds. Clapton was in his "Clapton is God" phase, besotted by Robert Johnson, Otis Rush and other great blues players, and in truth, Bruce and Baker were not so well known, despite their Graham Bond/Manfred Mann pedigrees - more from the world of jazz. But somehow they managed to create a sound that is unique. Welch manages to recapture those heady days when, from day one, Cream conquered the world, and includes a mass of quite wonderful memorabilia and photos lovingly reproduced. The narrative sparkles and Tony Bacon has sorted out a complete gig list, including one "lost" gig at London University. This is a marvellous read and anybody who saw the band will remember the frightening power and sheer ability of these three remarkable musicians. It sent me straight back to the Live "Crossroads" from the Filmore and yes, gang, they were that good. Never bettered, in fact, and even Zep did not have a musical combination like this. Chris gets behind the mass of influences and for the first time, manages to rationalise how a band of this sheer power could record Toad one minute and Wrapping Paper the next. This a fantastic book, lovely production values, about a band that showed everybody else the way - and the door.

I was very pleased to contribute to this book - you will find my recollection of my encounter with Ginger opposite the "Salisbury City Hall" gig in the gig list, plus photos of the "Sundays at the Saville" programme and the newspaper cutting of the "lost" gig at University College, London. But I had no hand at all in the editorial, which is just excellent.

Tom Thatcher, Salisbury.

Postscript: Two years ago year Cream reformed at the Albert Hall after 37 years. I was there. Chris is right. They were and are unique. Buy this book even if your first love is grouting.

My wife met Eric C at a shoot on the downs (hills) behind our house in Wiltshire. Eric signed Cream programmes 37 years apart and also a mug for my daughter - "To Izzie, Love Eric". What a gent. What a musician.

Welch's Cream: Cream de la Cream
A thorough biography of the group and a great reference in terms of concerts and discography.A must have for Cream enthusiasts.
Mark "Sparky" Heppler

Very Infromative
Lots of good, in depth information of the days leading up to the bands creation, Jack Ginger and Eric's musical influences and important happenings.Thumbs up ... Read more

Product Description

CHRIS O'DELL WASN'T FAMOUS. SHE WASN'T EVEN ALMOST FAMOUS. BUT SHE WAS THERE.

She was in the studio when the Beatles recorded The White Album, Abbey Road, and Let It Be, and when Paul recorded "Hey Jude," she sang in the chorus.

She was at Ringo's kitchen table when George Harrison said, "You know, Ringo, I'm in love with your wife." And Ringo replied, "Better you than someone we don't know."

She typed the lyrics to George Harrison's All Things Must Pass. She lived with George and Pattie Boyd at Friar Park, developed a crush on Eric Clapton, and unwittingly got involved in the famous love story between Eric and Pattie.

She's the subject of Leon Russell's "Pisces Apple Lady," a song he wrote to woo her. Other rock legends with whom she was intimate include Ringo, Mick Jagger, and Bob Dylan.

She worked with the Rolling Stones as their personal assistant on their infamous 1972 tour and did a drug run for Keith Richards.

She's "the woman down the hall" in Joni Mitchell's song "Coyote" about a love triangle on Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour. She's the "mystery woman" pictured on the back of the Rolling Stones album Exile on Main Street. She's the "Miss O'Dell" of George Harrison's song about her.

Miss O'Dell is the remarkable story of an ordinary woman who lived the dream of millions -- to be part of rock royalty's trusted inner circle. Illustrated with private photographs and jam-packed with intimate anecdotes, Miss O'Dell is a backstage pass to some of the most momentous events in rock history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (77)

Fascinating book...
I can't really add anything to the description of the basic story...others have done that well. What I can add is that the writing style is so comfortable, so familiar...it's almost as if you're having a conversation with someone rather than reading words on a page. I think that's what makes it such a quick, easy read. Anyone with an interest in rock music history from the late sixties through seventies would appreciate this book. These are stories you have probably not heard before.

Forest Gump, Indeed!
Do the people who wrote the reviews before me REALLY believe this crap? If this is not entirely made up, it is CERTAINLY embellished to no end! I started out enjoying it until about the umpteenth time of Forest, eh, Chris being in the place where all the action is AGAIN!
Yeah, she was there for every important album and tour of the late 1960's and through the 1970's. Sure. She constantly had people calling her up out of the blue to offer her a job with every act in the R&R Hall Of Fame, even when she had moved and didn't even have the same phone number. Sure.
You get the idea. Read the thing if you like Rock and Roll. And Fiction.

Please enter a title for your review.
This book allows you to go on a trip through a cool time in music.She tells a good tale without selling anyone down the river yet still telling us some great stories about herself and the persons she knew.I found her journey fascinating.If you are a Beatles' fan I think you will get to know the members just a little bit better than you did before.There are not shocking revelations but just stories to add to, and confirm, your knowledge of the group.I like the book.I'm glad she told her story.

An excellent memoir
I really enjoyed MISS O'DELL. It's a truly enjoyable book about a woman plucked out of virtual obscurity to become a part of the inner circle of many top Rocks of the 1960s and 70s. It's a compellingly written account of a very unlikely life. As someone from so-called Generation X (typically defined as the generation born during the 1970s), this book is something of a history lesson for me. I know the Stones, the Beatles, Queen, etc., are "rock gods," but I don't know much about them. So, it was great to learn about them, and to learn about them from a behind-the-scenes perspective. I just really enjoyed this book. Even if you aren't a fan of the various rock groups the author worked with, you will still enjoy this highly readable book.

A Great Trip Back In Time
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be a fly on the wall as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo went through their creative process? How about being a fly on the wall when the love triangles involving George, Ringo, and Ringo's wife when George tells Ringo "I'm in love with you wife?" Well Chris O'Dell was a fly on the wall during these very tumultuous times. She lived in the mansion with George Harrison and Pattie Boyd and saw that marriage fall as Eric Clapton openly went after and won Pattie's love. What is it about Pattie that inspired George to write "Something" and Eric to write "Layla", "Wonderful Tonight", and "Have You Ever Loved A Woman". This is the closest I've come to understanding more about Pattie than her obvious beauty as she and Chris were (and remain) very close friends.

Chris worked at Apple records at the height of it's place as an important center of the music world then, when Apple was collapsing, used her organizational skills to become a tour manager. This put her in close contact with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell and many more. She gives an accurate depiction of life in the music world, onstage and off at a time when substance abuse was at its heigth. Chris O'Dell writes with humor, and honesty which make her personal journey very interesting as well. ... Read more

Product Description
Book and CD set. A step-by-step breakdown of his playing technique through a hands-on analysis of 14 classics: After Midnight, Crossroads, Layla, Wonderful Tonight and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Make SURE yours comes with the CD!!!
This is the BEST EC book I've seen - includes lead transcriptions for the songs: vs just the chords.BUT Mine came w/o the CD.Make sure yours has it!!!I only paid $4 which they refunded and let me keep the book - BUT - I would have gladly paid more if the CD was included.FYI:the description said "CD INCLUDED" but it wasn't.Be sure to ask the seller to check.

Good taste on your playing.
I cant express the excitement I feel as I am getting to understand Eric phases in a very real with CD. If your musical goal is a good melody and you can use the best way of getting there. You can start putting together chord solos and working on finding a voice and style of Eric. I decided to learn everything about Eric in his books. Everything in his music has a useful feeling and should learn for good taste your playing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Hagiography Taken to Extremes
If you are a Clapton fan and need 300 pages of reassurance that he is a a gifted musician, then put this book at the top of your shopping list. If, however, you are looking for an objective assessment of his life, career and impact as a musician you'll need to look elsewhere.

Clapton and Coleman were close friends and this book is essentially a 300-page french kiss, as most third-party "authorized biographies" are. It's hard to imagine a book with more postive editorializing adjectives per page (briliant, superb, amazing, stunning.)

Clapton's failed marriages are glossed over in a paragraph or so and his heroin addiction is treated like a valiant and ultimately positive "adventure." The author throws out all prentense of neutrality by the end of the first chapter.

Coleman is capable of superb work, as his definitive biography of John Lennon shows. One can only hope that someday someone will do a similar treatment of Clapton's life. This isn't it by a long stretch.

If you are in the market for a first-rate biography of a great guitarist, consider Jimi Hendrix: Electric Gypsy.

one great book
This book has it all from pictures to journal writings. This book tells about EC's struggles as a young boy in art school to his marriage and even about his drug habits. This book is number one in my book and always will.It is a must read.

The definitive biography of EC as a man.
Ray Coleman was granted amazing access to Eric, his family and friends.This is the best book on the market about Eric as a person.Roberty's books are more comprehensive about his music, but the late, great MelodyMaker editor Ray Coleman knew and loved Eric for many years, and has rareinsight.

As Good As It Gets-- This book is a Bible of this God's life
This book will truly make any reader a devoted fan to the Rock world's answer to the Guitar Master. His life was more complex than the Blues stars he tried to imitate. From love triangles,addictions,careerstruggles,freindships and loyalties, Eric has gone through it all, and nowhe has finally been rewarded. After reading this book, you'll feel you'veknown him and want to know more!!!!!

Good till the last drop
Clapton! Good Till the last drop ... Read more

Product Description
In this first-ever collaboration, Slowhand meets Lucille to jam on 12 tunes. Features note-for-note transcriptions of King classics, blues standards and new songs, including: Come Rain or Come Shine * Days of Old * Help the Poor * Hold On I'm Coming * I Wanna Be * Key to the Highway * Marry You * Riding with the King * Ten Long Years * Three O'Clock Blues * When My Heart Beats like a Hammer * Worried Life Blues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Album Good Songs Good Book
It was nearly impossible to find reliable tabs for "Come Rain or Come Shine". I pretty much bought this book for that one song. It was well worth it.

You'll Learn Every Note
The Hal Leonard's "Recorded Versions Guitar" series take you through an album note-by-note. What does that do for you?

Maybe you just want to learn a song that you really like. Perhaps you're that guitarist who wants to study a particular artist or style. Maybe there is a lick or a turn-around that you just can't figure out. The accuracy of these books answers all of these scenarios. They are transcribed in notation for those who read music, as well as in guitar tablature for those who don't.

I have several of these books, and I find them to be an outstanding tool for any student of music. Their transcription of "Riding with the King" is no exception. Accurately translated and clearly displayed, this book delivers exactly what it promises!

Twice the value of a normal guitar book
When you've got Eric Clapton and B. B. King handing off songs to each other, you've got twice the value of most normal blues songs.And this book puts out double the value that way.Just flip this one open to DAYS OF OLD and watch these two six-string storytellers weave the tapestry tight on this shuffle.If you'd like to "see how it's done", then pick up this book.

To me, the only thing that could make this any better would for the album to have included my two favorite guitarists - Carlos Santana and Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys - in a four way demonstration of skill; and, of course, for this book to then have the four-way view of the action on stage!

Pick up a copy - this is a good one. ... Read more

Product Description
Clapton's tribute to his guitar hero Robert Johnson features 14 classic blues tracks, all transcribed here note for note with tab: Come On in My Kitchen * Hell Hound on My Trail * If I Had Possession over Judgment Day * Kind Hearted Woman Blues * Last Fair Deal Gone Down * Love in Vain Blues * Me and the Devil Blues * Milkcow's Calf Blues * Stop Breakin' Down Blues * They're Red Hot * When You Got a Good Friend * more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Finally, Eric Clapton has gone back to what he loves best and does best. This album is absolutely pristine, it is perfect, it is everything it should be. It is Eric Clapton performing, in his own voice and his own way, that music which first inspired him. And it's absolutely wonderful.
Okay, I have to say this, probably shouldn't but will anyway. Some songs I think Johnny Winter did better. But, you know, this is Winter's natural territory. He never had to try as hard as Eric since he was born here in Texas blues. And even despite that, and knowing all these songs and how they have been previously performed by others, I absolutely love this album, think it's Eric's best since 461 Ocean Blvd.
Chris Rea did that amazing eleven CDset of Blues Guitars, and now Eric's done Robert Johnson's work, gone back both of them, to their roots. Does this mean, (I hope, I hope!) a Blues Renaissance? We can only hope. ... Read more

Product Description
12 of his greatest, including: After Midnight * Badge * Cocaine * Crossroads * Forever Man * Have You Ever Loved a Woman * Lay Down Sally * The Sunshine of Your Love * White Room * and more. ... Read more

Product Description
1972 Double LP Compilation of Clapton's early work from Cream, Yardbirds, Mayall's Blue Explosion, and his solo work too. Includes: Layla, Blues Power, Sunshine of Your Love, Crossroads, I Want to Know, Tribute ro Elmore, Spoonful, Tell the Truth, Badge, and lots more. Some hard to find Clapton tracks. ... Read more

Product Description
Play guitar and/or sing along with this terrific pack's "sound-alike" CD backing tracks and guitar transcriptions with easy-to-read tab! The CD includes full performance demo tracks as well as backing tracks only for each of the six Slowhand hits included: Change the World * Layla * Lonely Stranger * Old Love * Signe * Tears in Heaven ... Read more

Product Description
Six of his hits fully transcribed: Can't Find My Way Home * Driftin' Blues * Further On up the Road * Have You Ever Loved a Woman * Presence of the Lord * Ramblin' on My Mind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Awsome musicianship.
This is a good collection of Eric's live concert performances. Most of the live versions of these songs are also on the "Crossroads 2(Live in the sevenities box set)" Eric plays a lot of good guitar solos and extended jamming. This is an absolute must have.

This book made me think
After reading this book, I realized just how much Eric Clapton went through in his life and still managed to be the greatest guitar player of all time. A must read for a true Clapton fan. ... Read more

Product Description
This folio matches the 1977 recording of the same title.Hit songs include ÕCocaineÕ, ÕWonderful TonightÕ, ÕLay Down SallyÕ, & ÕThe CoreÕ. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

70's Clapton
This was an album heralded as Clapton's comeback in the mid to late 70s. To those of us who listened to Eric's music he never really left the music seen as there were plenty of good recordings to listen to.
This album in particular shows his affinity for country tinged ballads with such songs as "May You Never" and "We're all the Way".
The album is smartly arranged from the subtle funky notes of the lead guitar solo on "Cocaine" to the simple yet expressive single note bends and hammer ons of the instrumental "Peaches and Diesel".
A definite must have for people who enjoy music from one of the great guitarists of our time. ... Read more

Product Description
This instructional book/CD pack will let players see why Clapton is such a legend! Examines 11 songs: Have You Ever Loved a Woman ¥ Hideaway ¥ I Feel Free ¥ IÕm So Glad ¥ SteppinÕ Out ¥ Strange Brew ¥ Sunshine of Your Love ¥ more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

should be more readily available
The Bluesman is a great compilation of music from Eric Clapton assembled by Andy Aledort.Much of the music is from his earlier days so ignores more timely titles, but is an in depth look at the early blues oriented style Clapton started with.

I can't understand why Hal Leonard discontinued this package unless there may have been a plan to convert the included CD to DVD, and the plan was abandoned before implementation. As it is, the tabs are clearly written, accurate: almost painfully so: and the CD tracks are perfect. Each title is broken into segments, with each segment played at normal speed and again at a much slower tempo. This makes it easy to follow the tab, or to play note for note with the track.

In closing: The Bluesman is a terrific product for learning the blues style of one of popular music's most influential artists.I only wish Hal Leonard Corp. would produce it with an accompanying DVD so I could purchase that as well. ... Read more

Product Description
Play guitar with Eric Clapton on eight of his greatest hits with these specially recorded 'soundalike' CD backing tracks plus matching songbook with each song with chord symbols, notes and tab, and complete lyrics. The CD includes two tracks for each song: one is a full demo with guitar and backing vocals and the second is a backing track without guitar. Songs include: I Shot the Sheriff * Layla * Tears in Heaven * and more. ... Read more

Product Description
Songs...Cold Turkey, Don't Know Which Way to Go, Help Me Up, Kristen And Jim, New Recruit, Preludin Fugue, Realization, Tears In Heaven, Tracks and Lines ... Read more

Product Description
A definitive guide to Clapton's recordings--from the Yardbirds to Cream to Clapton solo. This book contains information on unreleased songs, session documention as "fifth Beatle", known releases, Clapton's comments on individual sessions, and photos of rare memorabilia. Photos throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A must have for every fan of Eric Clapton.
This a great book. This book lets you inside the mind and world of one of the worlds greatest guitarist/songwriters of all time.
He talks about growing up without his parents, early days of his music career.Eric also talks about his time in bands:Yardbirds, Cream, John Mayall and the Blues Breakers, Blind Faith and his Seventies/Eighties solo work. You also get his opinion on other guitarists playing. This is an absolute must have if you are a guitar player or just a long time fan of Eric Clapton.There are some great black and white pictures of people Eric has worked with.

THE BOOK FOR ERIC CLAPTON FANS!
This is a great book! It's one of the best that I've ever read about EricClapton. If you're interested in the exact way he felt during the differenttimes of his life and career, then this is the book to get. ... Read more

Product Description
Clapton's 14th album of original material features 12 tracks, included here in note-for-note transcriptions with tablature: Back Home * I'm Goin' Left * One Day * One Track Mind * Run Home to Me * Say What You Will * So Tired * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

George and Clapton Live in Japan
Buying this book is about the only way to find the 2 CD set.George borrowed Eric's band (Eric returning the favor, having earlier borrowed George's wife), and the music is incredible.Clapton's band and back up singers perform spectacularly, as do Eric and yes, even George.Update renditions of George's favorite tunes, with screaming Japanese fans in the background.And the book's not bad either! ... Read more