The guitarist Eric Clapton characterized as a “genius”
During the 1960s, Eric Clapton apprenticed in rock ‘n’ roll, studying from the finest to become one of the most highly respected technicians in the competitive London market. Although The Yardbirds were Clapton’s first notable band, it was after leaving the group and being mentored by John Mayall that he learned how to be a great craftsman.
Because of the age difference between Mayall and Clapton, the elder statesman of the duo was able to impart his wisdom to his younger bandmate, who worshipped at the shrine of The Bluesbreakers’ leader’s record collection. Following Mayall’s death, Clapton stated, “I learned everything I really have to draw on today in terms of technique and desire to play the type of music I enjoy playing.” I conducted all of my research at his home, in his record collection.
Before meeting Mayall, he was on the verge of leaving the music industry for good. Their connection caused him to become obsessed with the blues, and he now has an encyclopedic understanding of it.
Over the course of several decades, Clapton has stayed open to new discoveries, whether it’s a young guitarist or an underappreciated talent from the 1950s. Clapton’s perspective on the subject is highly valued due to his enormous understanding of the guitar, and when he speaks, music enthusiasts cannot help but listen. Clapton, who has worked with some of the world’s most famous musicians, like as Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon, knows how to spot talent.
Clapton rose to prominence in London during the 1960s with compelling performances before becoming a member of Cream and achieving international acclaim. Although Cream was short-lived, Clapton had more success with Blind Faith before embarking on a hugely successful solo career, cementing his reputation as a great guitarist.
When Clapton, a passionate guitar player, uses the epithet “genius,” it carries a lot of weight. Clapton only gives such high praise to performers he admires, and the great Kurt Rosenwinkel is undoubtedly one among them. Rosenwinkel may not be a household name, but he is widely respected in the jazz community and regarded as a great virtuoso among guitarists.
Rosenwinkel established himself in the early 1990s and has subsequently worked with Clapton on several occasions. Throughout his illustrious career, the jazz legend has also worked with a diverse spectrum of performers, including Joel Frahm and Q-Tips. Rosenwinkel stays committed to keeping the essence of jazz alive and thriving.
Clapton initially performed with Rosenwinkel at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2013, which marked the beginning of a great collaboration. While most guitarists would be embarrassed to have Clapton appear on one of their albums, Rosenwinkel is too confident to be afraid. Their different styles compliment each other beautifully, as evidenced by their collaboration on ‘Little Dream’, which appeared on Rosenwinkel’s album, Caipi.
Eric Clapton
“Oh, yes! God, yes. Kurt Russell is one of my personal heroes. [Laughs] What!? “Not Kurt Russell, but Kurt Rosenwinkel,” Clapton told Uncut in 2015. “He is a jazz guitar musician. Very smooth. He’s a genius, and a wonderful man. He has the capacity to play exactly what he hears in his thoughts. “I can’t do it.”
Clapton continued to compliment the Philadelphian, saying, “I use the same old phraseology, or I have to plan things ahead of time. He’s a true jazz musician, and I’m impressed by that. He’s gotten up to play with me a couple of times; we’ve performed a blues or ‘Cocaine’, and he just flies like a bird. I think that is a fantastic thing to be able to achieve.”
As far as praise goes, it doesn’t get much higher than that, especially from someone as respected as Clapton. Unsurprisingly, Rosenwinkel admires Clapton, and their connection brings him immense joy.
“We have a beautiful relationship,” Rosenwinkel told Hyper Locrian about Clapton in 2021. “Eric is a fantastic buddy who has helped us a lot. He has helped me with Caipi and has been incredibly supportive of what we are doing with Heartcore Records. He’s a very approachable individual. We’re always in touch, texting and emailing songs back and forth.
Aside from Clapton’s technical abilities, Rosenwinkel admires him on a personal level, stating, “He has a terrific creative spirit. A really kind and generous man. We’re seeing what we can accomplish together. We’re discussing about doing a duo album together. There is significant opportunity for collaboration. He’s interested in the same thing I am: fostering creative production wherever it can be found.
While the collaboration record has yet to be released, both musicians appear keen to make it happen and reignite the creative flame that shines brightly when they work together.
