Take for instance two categories: ‘Classic Rock’ and this thing we love and call ‘Americana.’ If you tune in to a �Classic Rock� station, you might hear a 1970�s cut from Bob Dylan or a 1980�s tune from Eric Clapton. But rarely will you hear their new stuff, but you will find it on the Americana stations and sales lists.
I guess, to a degree, it makes sense; these artists need an outlet and studies show that the Americana audience more than likely grew up hearing those songs from the �Classic Rock� stations when they were new releases. The music of the 60�s and 70�s, not just Country music, but also Pop and Rock had its influence on the Americana artists we hear today.
Artists like Clapton and the Allman Brothers are often cited by bands from all genres as primary influences. And I mention those two specifically to serve and a handy tie-in to the book I present to you now: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos.
Of course, Derek was Eric Clapton and the Dominos consisted of keyboardist Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle and drummer Jim Gordon. The band came together and began to rehearse songs written predominately by Clapton and/or Whitlock. The songs were beginning to take shape, but at times, obsessed with the desire for the love of his best friends� wife, Clapton seemed to need that spark to get him back on track.
That spark, as we know, came in the form of Duane Allman, who contributed, among other things, the memorable intro lick to the albums most successful song, �Layla.�
Jan Reid, who has also written on Country and Southern Rock music as well as for Texas Monthly, weaves the story from the formation of the band with the improbable love triangle between Eric Clapton, Pattie Boyd and her husband, and Clapton�s best friend, George Harrison and takes both up to their ultimate demises. Reid provides great insight and his research uncovering interviews with the main subjects those surrounding the project is terrific.
The book is part of the new Rock of Ages Series from Rodale Books. Layla is the second volume in the series (see sidebar for the first release) which will cover some of the greatest recordings in Rock music. The next scheduled release will be the Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet and will be released in March.
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