The Festival Radio Show brings the electrifying energy of music festivals directly to your speakers, featuring live recordings and new releases from the world’s most renowned events. One standout this year is Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023, a star-studded celebration of the blues and rock ‘n’ roll traditions. This incredible event, hosted by Clapton himself, has yielded a brand-new live album and concert film that showcases some of the most legendary performers in the music world. The 2023 festival featured an impressive lineup of musical icons, including Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Eric Gales, H.E.R., Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Los Lobos, John Mayer, The Marcus King Band, Roger McGuinn, John McLaughlin, Santana, The Wallflowers, and many more. As if the music wasn’t enough, the one and only Bill Murray served as the evening’s “Master of Ceremonies,” adding his unique charm and wit to the unforgettable performances.
The festival’s setlist ranged from timeless blues staples to American Songbook classics and rock ‘n’ roll anthems, all brought to life by an elite ensemble of guitar virtuosos. The 4CD set, packed with incredible live tracks, highlights the range and depth of the performances that night.
Track Highlights from the 4CD Set:
CD 1 kicks off with the smooth blues of Sonny Landreth’s “Groovy Goddess” and flows seamlessly into live performances from legends like Gary Clark Jr. and Judith Hill. Highlights include the intense blues jam “Smokestack Lightning” featuring Eric Gales, Samantha Fish, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, as well as the classic “Layla” by the same trio. Tracks like “Fall Like Rain” (with Eric Clapton) and “Always on My Mind” (with Bradley Walker and Clapton) add a powerful emotional element to the album.
On CD 2, the mood shifts with tracks like “Breaking Up Somebody’s Home” by Joe Bonamassa and “Redemption Day” by Sheryl Crow. “The Waiting” from The Wallflowers and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” from Roger McGuinn with The Wallflowers offer a blend of folk-rock and blues. The highlight of this disc is “Gimme All Your Lovin’” by ZZ Top, a high-energy crowd-pleaser that brings the house down.
CD 3 introduces some more experimental sounds with Robert Randolph’s “Für Elise/Foxy Lady”, blending rock with blues in a way only he can. Songs like “It’s Too Late” from The Marcus King Band and “Best Part” by H.E.R. offer heartfelt moments of vulnerability and soul, while “Carried Away” by H.E.R. with John Mayer shows off their extraordinary chemistry.
Finally, CD 4 brings the fire with “The Healing” and “Our Love” by Gary Clark Jr., offering an electric guitar-driven showcase of his dynamic style. “Jingo” by Santana and “A Love Supreme” (featuring John McLaughlin) are bold, powerful tracks that reaffirm the festival’s commitment to celebrating legendary sounds. The album closes with two iconic tracks by Eric Clapton—“I Shot the Sheriff” and “Crossroads” featuring Stevie Wonder, cementing the festival’s legacy as a celebration of musical mastery.
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 is a must-have for any music lover, offering a curated collection of unforgettable live performances from some of the greatest musicians of all time. The festival’s new live album and concert film capture the raw energy, soul, and virtuosity that make these music festivals so special. Be sure to tune into the Festival Radio Show for a deep dive into this and other live music releases from legendary festivals worldwide. Whether you’re reliving past performances or discovering new sounds, the Festival Radio Show brings the magic of live music straight to you.