Crossroads Festival | 07.28 | Chicago

Words and Images by: Rod Snyder

Crossroads Festival :: 07.28.07 :: Toyota Center :: Bridgeview, IL

Crossroads Festival :: 07.28

There are moments when one suddenly realizes “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” This was not one of them. What happened on July 28 in Bridgeview, IL has happened once before in Texas in 2004.

I’m referring to Eric Clapton‘s Crossroads Guitar Festival. The Crossroads Center is a rehabilitation center located in Antigua for substance abuse, something Clapton knows a little bit about. The proceeds from the festival go towards the funding of the center.

In June of 2004, the first Crossroads Festival was held over a couple days at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX and featured many of the greatest guitarists from the past and present. This year’s festival was only one day but featured many of the same artists from the 2004 festival. It all got going promptly at 11:50 a.m. with special guest and emcee, Bill Murray. He started off by telling the crowd how we were in store for some great music, for a great cause. Then, with a Strat hanging by his side, he launched into “the only song I know how to play on guitar,” Van Morrison‘s “Gloria.” Murray was far from the caliber of say Clapton, Jeff Beck or Mr. Buddy Guy, but he gave it his all and pulled through, but then again, this wasn’t meant to be taken seriously; he is a comedian after all. As he was nearing the end of the song he got a little help from one of his friends, Eric Clapton. They finished the song and Clapton talked about what was in store for the day.

John McLaughlin :: Crossroads :: 07.28

Sonny Landreth arrived to a sold out crowd at Toyota Park. He launched into his set and the crowd devoured it, eager to get the day underway. John McLaughlin came on next. His special blend of jazz-fusion complimented Landreth’s set perfectly and set the stage for more big names.

Balancing the jazz rock with some bluegrass, Alison Krauss & Union Station took the stage as guitarist Jerry Douglas soothed what wounds were caused by the two preceding bands. Doyle Bramhall II was up next. The Texan guitarist’s set was satisfying but could have been a bit more upbeat. He played seated in a chair, and while a chair may be standard during his regular shows, it may be wise to save the sitting down for playing an acoustic set, especially in this setting. However, Bramhall did redeem himself later in the day when he played with Clapton’s band.

Trucks & Tedeschi :: Crossroads :: 07.28

In between sets Bill Murray arrived on stage dressed in period Eric Clapton wardrobe to introduce the bands. When he introduced Derek Trucks he described him as “an American success story.” Nephew of Butch Trucks, longtime drummer for The Allman Brothers Band, Derek has come into his own right and is well established as an incredible musician. His set was well received by the crowd but got a little extra help from his wife and musical partner Susan Tedeschi. At one point she tore into a solo that left Trucks looking like Murray during “Gloria” (sorry Bill). All jokes aside, Trucks and Tedeschi were perfectly matched. Just when you thought they were done, the legendary Johnny Winter made an appearance. Legally blind, the 63 year old made it to his chair with some assistance where he played a raucous version of Dylan’s “Highway 61.” Backed by Trucks and his band, Winter simply rode “Highway 61” into the sunset.

Jimmie Vaughan :: Crossroads :: 07.28

Following Trucks was another jam staple, Robert Randolph & the Family Band. Randolph is an incredible pedal steel player and he always puts on an energetic performance. Problem is, sometimes it becomes predictable and almost sterile in its delivery. While not disappointing, his set at Crossroads left something to be desired.

Robert Cray, the first of many blues masters of the day, came out firing. Cray has been around for upwards of 25 years and shows no signs of slowing down. His set was soulful, heartfelt and it was fitting that Cray was here for his second Crossroads appearance. Jimmie Vaughan, former Fabulous Thunderbird and older brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan, came out to play a few numbers with Cray’s band backing him. Mention the name Vaughan and images of younger brother Stevie come flashing to the mind, however Jimmie is very underrated and has the family chops when it comes to guitar.

B.B. King :: Crossroads :: 07.28

Following Vaughan and Cray was Hubert Sumlin, the great guitarist for the legendary Howlin’ Wolf. After a song or two by Sumlin, the master and living legend B.B. King joined the fray. He got a standing ovation as he graciously waved and bowed to the crowd, who continued to cheer. Finally people settled down and King picked up “Lucille” – one of the only guitars many know by name – and played “Rock Me Baby.”

Before the last song, King gave a very sincere toast to his dear friend Eric Clapton, who was watching King’s set from stage left. With the band playing softly in the background, King said, “May I live forever, but may you live forever and a day, because I’d hate to be here when you pass away.” He added, “And when they lay me out to rest, may the last voices I hear be yours!” It was a sobering appreciation of a dear friend and the 81-year-old King stated he was no spring chicken anymore. He then told the band to play louder and ripped into his trademark song, “The Thrill Is Gone.”

John Mayer :: Crossroads :: 07.28

After the first intermission of the day the show continued with John Mayer who quickly made it clear why he was invited back for his second Crossroads Festival. Focusing primarily on newer material, at one point screams of, “Play some blues!” were heard. Mayer responded, “I was, in my mind, but I know what you mean.” The band tore into Ray Charles’ “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” and the crowd was very pleased. Mayer ended his set with fan favorite “Gravity.”

Vince Gill arrived with a large band and proceeded to play his blend of country rock. Gill’s set reached a climax with the help of Albert Lee when they tore up a great version of “Country Boy.” Lee stayed out for a bit longer as Sheryl Crow made an appearance and played “Strong Enough To Be My Man” with the help of Alison Krauss. Clapton came out for one of his few sit-ins of the day and played “Tulsa Time” with Crow.

Crow & Nelson :: Crossroads :: 07.28

Those who were keen enough to notice a very beat up acoustic guitar sitting on the stage knew that there would be at least one more guest to this already huge band. Sure enough, American icon Willie Nelson came out from the wings. He picked up his trusty guitar, “Trigger,” and waved to the crowd. He played a few songs with Gill and Crow and before it even started, the set was over.

As Bill Murray introduced the next band he said that what Bridgeview, IL lacked was a bit of East L.A. Enter Los Lobos. The band, known to most for their version of Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” chose to play their own material that day. The mood instantly went from mild to extra spicy. The layering of Dave Hidalgo and César Rosas‘ instruments complimented the rest of the band’s talents and proved why this band has achieved such legendary status.

Jeff Beck :: Crossroads :: 07.28

Now in the final stretch, the heavy hitters started coming on. Jeff Beck played an hour long set that amazed the entire crowd. Beck tore through his catalogue and played tracks such as “Because We’ve Ended As Lovers” and The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life.” Beck’s guitar is basically an extension of his arm. The sounds you hear don’t seem to match the actions of Beck. His playing is effortless, to say the least. His bassist, Tal Wilkenfeld, sat in with Beck and amazed the crowd as well. She looks young enough to be in day camp (she’s actually in her early twenties) and already has a reputation of her own. There were no collaborations between Clapton and Beck unfortunately, but the next set made up for that.

Sumlin, Winter, Guy, Clapton :: Crossroads :: 07.28

Eric Clapton and his band (equipped with Trucks and Bramhall on secondary guitars) arrived to the stage with much anticipation. For fans of Derek and The Dominos, they got a real treat with classics like “Anyday,” “Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad,” “Got To Get Better In A Little While” and “Key To The Highway.” The show also showcased a number of covers. Of note was George Harrison’s “Isn’t It A Pity,” which Clapton dedicated to his departed longtime friend.

Robbie Robertson (The Band) made a rare appearance for a pair of songs with Clapton’s band, “Further On Up The Road” and “Who Do You Love?,” the later a tribute to the ailing Bo Diddley. Steve Winwood made his way to the stage and sat down behind the Hammond. Backed by Clapton’s band, he launched into Traffic’s “Pearly Queen.” Clapton made a point to say how excited he was about playing with Winwood again after 25 years. They continued with Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” “Presence Of The Lord” and “Had To Cry Today.” This grouping of songs would have been the cherry on the sundae, that is until Clapton went backstage and left Winwood to steer the ship. Winwood followed with what might have been the highlight of the show, “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” When one thinks of Winwood, we think of a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, not necessarily a lead guitarist. When it came time for the solos in “Fantasy” his guitar work brought the crowd to a level that hadn’t been reached all day. Clapton came back and they finished with J.J. Cale’s classic “Cocaine.”

Guy & Clapton :: Crossroads :: 07.28

One last time, Billy Murray introduced the final act of the show. Dressed simply in a Blues Brothers t-shirt, he put it plainly, “I’d like to turn it over to the local authorities.” Chicago’s own blues legend Buddy Guy took center stage with his band. Appropriately, the set started off with “Dam Right I’ve Got The Blues,” and the audience fell in love with Guy. How could you not?

Guy is a master showman in every sense and knows how to entertain a crowd, even a sold out mob of 30,000 like this one. Near the end of the show, preparations for the finale started. Vaughan, Cray, Mayer, Winter, Sumlin, Trucks, Bramhall and, of course, Clapton took to the stage to help Buddy for a mandatory “Sweet Home Chicago,” where everyone traded licks. At about 10:45 p.m., Guy and Mayer looked to the sound pit to see if there was time for one more. Fortunately, there was. The final song of this all day masterpiece was “She’s Just 19.”

Bill Murray

Sonny Landreth

Jerry Douglas

Robert Randolph

B.B. King

Sheryl Crow

Eric Clapton & Sheryl Crow

Jeff Beck

Tal Wilkenfeld (bass for Jeff Beck)

César Rosas – Los Lobos

Bill Murray

Bramhall II, Trucks, Clapton

Doyle Bramhall II & Derek Trucks

Steve Winwood

Eric Clapton

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