Strange Brew

Strange Brew (Compiled by Eric Clapton)

Strange Brew is a fascinating musical journey through the blues, jazz and wider musical traditions that have influenced generations of guitarists and songwriters. Compiled by Eric Clapton for the May 2004 issue of Uncut magazine, this 15-track CD brings together an eclectic selection of recordings that reflects the breadth of Clapton's musical interests, extending well beyond electric blues and blues-rock.

At the heart of the collection is the blues in its many forms. Freddy King, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Bukka White, Elmore James, Blind Willie McTell, Leroy Carr, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Mississippi John Hurt represent different strands of the music, from the raw intimacy of early country and Delta blues to the electrifying guitar work that helped shape modern blues-rock. Robert Johnson's “Kindhearted Woman Blues” and Blind Willie McTell's “Statesboro Blues” are particularly revealing choices, connecting the collection to the deep roots of American popular music.

The selection also highlights the musical conversation between blues and jazz. Wes Montgomery's “For Heaven's Sake” brings the warmth and sophistication of his distinctive jazz guitar playing, while Thelonious Monk's “Crepuscule With Nellie” offers a very different perspective through Monk's unmistakable compositional voice. Louis Armstrong & The Hot Five add the infectious swing of early jazz with “Struttin' With Some Barbecue”, illustrating the importance of rhythmic invention and improvisation across these musical traditions.

The compilation takes some unexpected turns, too. Luciano Pavarotti's “Che Gelida Manina” introduces the world of opera, while “Pavane, Op 50”, performed by Choeur De L'Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal, brings a classical choral dimension. The Pat Metheny Group's “Another Life” adds a contemporary jazz-fusion perspective, broadening the musical scope beyond the historical roots of the blues.

What makes Strange Brew especially interesting is the way these contrasting recordings sit together. Rather than following a single genre or era, the compilation encourages listeners to hear connections between guitar styles, melodic phrasing, rhythmic feel and expressive performance across different musical worlds. It offers a glimpse into the listening habits of one of Britain's most influential blues guitarists and provides an engaging introduction to many of the artists whose work helped shape his musical outlook.

For blues enthusiasts, jazz listeners and fans of Eric Clapton, this is a rewarding collection of influential performances and unexpected discoveries. It also makes an appealing addition to a CD collection devoted to classic American blues, early jazz, guitar music and the wider history of twentieth-century popular music.

Tracklist

1. Freddy King – I Love The Woman

2. Robert Johnson – Kindhearted Woman Blues

3. John Lee Hooker – Hobo Blues

4. Bukka White – Special Stream Line

5. Elmore James – Hand In Hand

6. Wes Montgomery – For Heaven's Sake

7. Blind Willie McTell – Statesboro Blues

8. Thelonious Monk – Crepuscule With Nellie

9. Leroy Carr – Alabama Woman Blues

10. Luciano Pavarotti – Che Gelida Manina

11. Blind Lemon Jefferson – Chock House Blues

12. Louis Armstrong & The Hot Five – Struttin' With Some Barbecue

13. Choeur De L'Orchestre Symphonique De Montréal – Pavane, Op 50

14. Pat Metheny Group – Another Life

15. Mississippi John Hurt – Frankie & Albert