Unplugged by Eric Clapton
Unplugged is a live album by Eric Clapton released in 1992. It was recorded live in England for the MTV Unplugged series and includes both the hit single "Tears in Heaven" and a heavily reworked acoustic version of "Layla". Clapton performed the show in front of a small audience on 16 January 1992 at Bray Film Studios in Windsor, England. In addition to the final album tracks, the performance included early versions of "My Father's Eyes" and "Circus Left Town" along with "Worried Life Blues and an impromptu version of Rollin' and Tumblin'." Clapton played a Martin 000-42 acoustic guitar for much of this performance, and in 2004, the guitar sold for $791,500 (£434,400) in auction.
<i>Clapton</i> has a little bit of everything, jumping between blues, pop and soft rock, delivering each with a wise and gentle touch. "Hard Times Blues" sees Clapton, once again, faithfully reviving an old classic—mixing it up by adding some mandolin under his tastefully gruff vocals. "How Deep Is the Ocean", meanwhile, climaxes not with a guitar solo, but with the melancholy trumpet playing of Wynton Marsalis (backed by a lush string section for good measure).
