Eric Clapton Plays Jazz in New York City

Guitar legend Eric Clapton is certainly known for work in rock and blues, but he recently showed that he could tackle jazz.

On Thursday, Slowhand participated in an annual gala benefit at New York’s Lincoln Center Orchestra, The Associated Press reported, where he performed with famed jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

At the concert, Clapton told the crowd: "I wanted to be in a jazz band as a kid, but the guitar took me away.”

The guitarist played jazz standards, among them “Corrina, Corrina” and “Joe Turner’s Blues.” He and the orchestra performed a jazzy version of Clapton’s signature song “Layla.”

Also joining the ensemble in a guest turn was another famous bluesman, Taj Mahal.
Wynton Marsalis lavished praised on Clapton: ""The depth of respect I have for this man...So much is not what it's said to be. This man is for real."

According to The Associated Press, the gala raised $3.6 million.

Here is the set list from the show, as documented on the Eric Clapton fan site Where's Eric:
 

“Ice Cream”
"Forty-Four”
“Joe Turners Blues,
The Last Time”
“Careless Love”
“Kidman Blues”
“Layla”
“Joliet Bound,”
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
encore: “Corrina Corrina”

Selected Readings: The Associated Press, Whereseric.com

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