Strange Brew: Eric Clapton and the British Blues Boom (Book) (Paperback)

~ (Author), John Mayall (Foreword) "Lead guitarist Eric Clapton (born March 30, 1945 in Ripley, Surrey), singer Keith Relf, rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja, bassist Paul Samwell-Smith, and drummer Jim McCarty..." (more)
Key Phrases: blues boom, bass placer, ihc group, Blind Faith, New York, Manor House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This definitive look at the British blues explosion centers around three guitarists: Peter Green, Mick Taylor, and especially Eric Clapton. Describing the groups they played in from 1965 to 1970, including John’s Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Blind Faith, and The Rolling Stones, the book is presented in an engaging day-by-day format. With a wealth of illustrations and never-before-published details, the book reveals the way the musicians behind the blues boom worked together, influenced each other, and pushed one another to ever greater achievements.

About the Author

Christopher Hjort (born 1958) a rock historian who combines a love for popular music with an interest in typography and graphic design. He has written record reviews and artist profiles in various Norwegian music magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Jawbone Press (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1906002002
• ISBN-13: 978-1906002008
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #364,731 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BIBLE: God, Father of God, Green God and Younger Brother of God, March 22, 2007

By	Samuel B. King "Sam King" (Concord, NH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm not kidding with this title (well, maybe half-kidding). Like the Bible is, in some ways, the history of the Hebrew people, this book is a veritible day-by day document of the activities of Slowhand (God), John Mayall (Father), Peter Green (Green God) and Mick Taylor (Younger brother of God). I'll admit to being at first a bit put off about the calendar style of writing, but you easily sink into the format. Its all here. The story of British Blues as seen through the eyes of the greatest British guitarists of their generation. You will learn obscure details, such as set lists, equipment played and what went on in the recording studios. The formidible impact of Clapton on British music and blues in general is clearly illustrated here. Also, I was not aware that Paul Butterfield played gigs with Mayall during their tour there, or the fact that Bloomfield and Clapton connected in Britain prior to Clapton's visits to the U.S. The detailed info on the Beano, Hard Road and Crusade Mayall albums is worth the cost of the book alone (If this sounds like so-much guitar mumbo jumbo, celebrate, because it is!!!!! Those of you who are into this stuff will have a huge ball!!). The performance reviews are both insightful and at times extremely humorous. For instance, one review reports that all members of Cream, during an early gig, were so high that they got stuck in the "Cat's Squirrel" riff loop and it took them 15 minutes to find their way out of it. (:-). Beyond the detail, this book provides a clear picture of the British blues scene, specifically that scene revolving around John Mayall and his allumni. Mayall, in fact, provides the intro. The period covered runs from Clapton's membership in the Yardbirds through Derek and the Dominoes in the early '70s. Of course, other bands, including Hendrix (the best of them all), Free and Jeff Beck are also included. However, this book definitely has a Mayall focus. My only regret is that there wasn't any info on the Graham Bond Organization. However, for that info we also have the bio of the late great Dick Heckstall Smith which came out a couple of years ago. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who really wants to learn about one of the most formative periods in popular music, the rise of British Blues. It will inspire all you guitar players to dust off that Les Paul, plug in that Bluesbreaker Marshall and try your hand at "Steppin' Out"!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wealth of details, May 16, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

"Strange Brew: Eric Clapton & The British Blues Bloom" by rock historian Christopher Hjort is a history of the 1960s British blues music boom in general, and Eric Clapton's stellar music career from 1965 to 1970 in particular. "Strange Brew covers hundreds of gigs, radio and television appearances, recording sessions, discographical information, trivia, contemporary reviews, and first-hand accounts and recollections from ex-band members and fans. Some of the stories will be new information for even the most dedicated Clapton fan, such as the comprehensive account of Clapton's Greek odyssey in 1965 (including the true story of The Glands and Greek band The Juniors, as well as fresh information about John Mayall's recording with Bob Dylan). Here presented in a day-by-day format laced with photographs and memorabilia, the way the musicians behind the British Blues worked together, influenced each other, and helped each other to ever greater musical accomplishments. "Strange Brew" is essential reading for Clapton fans, British Blues music enthusiasts, and academic library 20th Century Music History reference collections.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The evolution of British Blues in London, May 7, 2007

By	Glen Anderson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a great collection of tour dates and band interviews of all the bands that were emerging in London during the early sixties. The author does a great job of weaving it all together and this is a great edition to anyone's library of this period. Some great photos of the Bluesbreakers and all London players and club scene.