Despite his massive popularity and influence, it’s obvious Eric Clapton just wants to play the blues — with occasional wanderings into sterile territory whenever the mood strikes. So, in 2001, he did just that for his 14th studio album. Reptile is a well-rounded effort that places the guitarist at the center of his own domain. The lineup of tunes is neatly assembled and evenly spaced in terms of mode and tone. While Clapton doesn’t necessarily burn up the fretboard, his playing is as dexterous, proper and discerningly executed as ever.
The title track, which opens the album, is a mindful instrumental that showcases Clapton’s penchant for jazz stylings. From there, it’s straight to the blues for “Got You On My Mind.” Clapton nails the vocals cold while he wails away on his guitar between verses. Accompanied by guitarists Andy Fairweather Low, Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East, drummer Steve Gadd, along with splashes of keyboards from Joe Sample and Billy Preston — Clapton swings and rocks with a rekindled spirit on many of the 14 tracks. His rendition of J.J. Cale’s “Travelin’ Light” is testament enough that the man could take a powerful melody and kick it into gear when he wants to.
For Clapton, the pull of the blues always seems to put things in perspective. On Ray Charles’ “Come Back Baby,” he simply delivers as fine of a performance as you can expect. When he scurries down mellower roads with such excursions as “Find Myself,” “Modern Girl” and the closing instrumental, “Son & Sylvia,” EC’s touch and feel of the material remains as consistent and inspired as when he tears into the blues. While many of us yearn for the days of Cream and Derek & The Dominoes, the fact remains that Eric Clapton still pours his heart and soul into every note he spews out — blues and beyond.
~ Shawn Perry
