Description

Convention Center, Dallas, TX, USA 15th November 1976 STEREO SBD (from Original Masters)
★UPGRADE!!!

[The original master of the famous soundboard sound source from the 1976 US tour appears!]
　We’ve acquired the master recording of Eric Clapton’s legendary live performance! This work was leaked from a source involved in a clear, expansive stereo soundboard recording of the November 15th Dallas, Texas performance from the “No Reason to Cry” US tour in the fall of 1976. At the time, stereo soundboard sources based primarily on this master were broadcast on the famous live FM program “King’s Biscuit Flower Hour (KBFH).” It’s well-known among music enthusiasts that the San Antonio performance on the 12th, the Houston performance on the 14th, the Dallas performance, and the Norman performance on the 16th were officially recorded. These performances were likely recorded to assemble the KBFH live program. The radio station likely intended to compile the best takes from the four shows. However, the version that was broadcast was initially thought to be a take from the Dallas performance only. Numerous bootlegs created from KBFH airchecks also labeled the Dallas performance.

However, when I listened to the master of this album, I was surprised. The take recorded on our previously released “DALLAS 1976 PRE-FM MASTER” was different from the take recorded on “Intro., Hello old friend, Sign language,” and “Can’t find my way home” from 1:51 onwards, as well as “Tell the truth,” “Blues Power,” “One night,” and “Layla.” After carefully examining each take, I discovered the following:

“DALLAS 1976 PRE-FM MASTER” = KBFH broadcast version
1. Hello old friend (take from the Houston performance on the 14th)
2. Sign language (take from the Houston performance on the 14th)
3. Badge (take from the Dallas performance on the 15th)
4. Knockin’ on heaven’s door (take from the Dallas performance on the 15th)
5. One Night (take from the Houston performance on the 14th)
6. Tell the truth (take from the Houston performance on the 14th)
7. Can’t find my way home (take from the Houston performance on the 14th) *However, the take from the Dallas performance was used
from 0:00 to
8. Blues Power (take from the Houston performance on the 14th)
9. Layla (take from the Dallas performance on the 15th) *However, due to broadcast time slot restrictions, the drum and
percussion solo in the middle was edited out by over 2 minutes
“All our past times” and “Further on up the road” were not broadcast.
“Key to the Highway” was also performed at the Dallas concert, but it was not included on the master recording.
It is thought that the recording of this song failed for some reason.

　In other words, the KBFH broadcast version was composed of live takes from the Houston performance on the 14th and the Dallas performance on the 15th. Conversely, the master of this work is a master recording of only the pure Dallas performance, the source of FM broadcasting, on an impeccable, excellent stereo soundboard, and the six songs from the Houston performance broadcast on KBFH feature previously unreleased takes from the Dallas performance. While there are previously released versions of the KBFH sound source, they were produced solely from the broadcast KBFH version, and at the time, the master was a copy of the cassette master onto a cassette and then leaked.

　This time, this master is a digital copy of the original leaked analog tape that an overseas taper obtained from a friend who was a soundman for the performance on that day in early 1977. Therefore, there is no doubt that this sound source has the highest sound quality ever, and it is extremely valuable and valuable that it is a recording of only the pure Dallas performance, not the broadcast version.

　And in our previously released stereo soundboard title “Houston 1976 Soundboard Master,” you can listen to takes that were replaced by the Dallas performance and numbers that were not broadcast. In other words, this work and the “Houston 1976 Soundboard Master” are two must-listen works that convey the full picture of KBFH. Along with this “Dallas 1976 Soundboard,” please take this opportunity to also enjoy the “Houston 1976 Soundboard Master.”

[Another great recording from the “No Reason to Cry US Tour”!]
　Let’s review the topics of this year and see how this US tour positioned Clapton’s activities.

・July 29th to August 17th, 1976: UK tour　
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・November 5th to 22nd, 1976: US tour ←★here★
・November 26th, 1976: The Band’s farewell concert “The Last Waltz” held

　In other words, this US tour was positioned as a promotional tour for the album, following the release of “No Reason to Cry,” a self-confident album produced with the participation of Bob Dylan and members of The Band. Naturally, the setlist included new songs from this album. Clapton’s enthusiasm is evident in the two songs he performs early on in this album. Clapton was in top form that day, playing like crazy. This is evident in the first Badge of the electric set. His slow-hand technique in the middle solo is explosive. This enthusiasm continues, and from here on, Clapton’s playing is excellent throughout the entire set. Naturally, he was aware in advance that his tracks might be used for radio broadcasts, so his enthusiasm is understandable. Since the six previously mentioned tracks were taken from other performances, this album allows you to fully appreciate Clapton’s strong performance in Dallas. “Tell the Truth” sounds every bit as good as the Houston performance featured on KBFH. It’s also a passionate performance lasting over 13 minutes. In fact, this take gives the impression of Clapton playing even harder. It’s a hard-to-miss take, and I can imagine the radio station had trouble choosing the song. Another notable feature is the electric rendition of “All Our Past Times,” which was played acoustically on the previous UK tour. This allows for a solo duet between Clapton and second guitarist George Terry (Terry only had a solo on the UK tour). Terry takes the first solo, and Clapton takes the second. It’s also Terry who sings the second chorus. It’s rare to hear Terry’s vocals. This arrangement of this song is far more captivating. While he showcases his sharp playing on “Blues Power,” his performance of “Layla,” which closes the regular set, is also worth listening to. The middle section features an uncut drum solo by Jamie Oldaker and a percussion solo by Sergio Rodriguez. This long, rhythmically explosive solo perfectly captures the Texas mood. The moment the percussion section finishes and returns with that seven-note phrase during the break is thrilling. Clapton’s solo on this song is also exceptionally sharp. A 15-minute performance, this is a must-listen. For the encore, Clapton summons his beloved bluesman, Freddie King, to join in. This take is included on the 2-CD edition of the official compilation album “BLUES,” so some of you may have heard it, but the majestic figure of Clapton and Freddie in a fierce battle is captivating. The interplay between the two is also thrilling. Incidentally, the setlist also features Yvonne Elliman, who was a member of the band, as a female chorus singer on “Can’t Find My Way Home,” and Marcy Levy on “One Night” (Clapton retreats backstage for both songs and does not participate in the performances). Formed in 1974, Clapton’s band boasted unparalleled cohesion by this time, with strong relationships between members, truly demonstrating their unified professionalism. While it’s generally believed that the 1976 tour, marking the beginning of his country music career, was a relaxed one, this recording offers the complete opposite: a powerful and intense performance by Clapton. It’s definitely something you should hear for yourself.

　This limited edition CD features the original master of the impeccable Dallas performance, recorded for an FM radio show on a stereo soundboard. Stock is limited, so order early.
Disc:1 (45:27)
1. Intro.
2. Hello Old Friend
3. Sign Language
4. Badge
5. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
6. Can’t Find My Way Home
7. Tell The Truth

Disc:2 (48:22)
1. All Our Past Times
2. Blues Power
3. One Night
4. Layla
5. Further On Up The Road *

Eric Clapton – Guitar, Vocals
George Terry – Guitar, Vocals
Carl Radle – Bass
Dick Sims – Keyboards
Jamie Oldaker – Drums
Sergio Pastora Rodriguez – Percussion
Yvonne Elliman – Backing Vocals
Marcy Levy – Backing Vocals, Harp
Special Guests *
Freddie King (Guitar) on “Further on up the road”