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ERIC CLAPTON INVERVIEW 4TH SEPTEMBER
2005
QUESTION: Duke Ellington, who was surely one of the most prolific composers ever, was once asked what inspired him to compose, and he replied with a smile: "Give me a deadline."
CLAPTON: (laughs).
Q: Given the relaxed pace with which you made your new album, "Back Home," how important were deadlines for this particular project and how important are they to you in general?
CLAPTON: Deadlines? I think it's a nice idea, but they don't really work for me. I have to be happy with the end results. I'll carry on working on something as long as it takes until I get it right.
Q: So there are no self-imposed deadlines; it's only when your happy with it that you decide it's finished?
CLAPTON: I think so, yeah, within reason. Obviously, if the record company, the business people, are really breathing down my neck I'd have to bite the bullet and say: "That's as good as I can get it."
Q: Does that lead you to over-polishing something and making it too perfect?
CLAPTON: (laughs) I don't think that will ever be a risk for me! It's never good enough for me. I don't think I've ever walked away from anything and said: "That's as good as it can be." I much prefer listening to (my) work in retrospect, 10 years later.
Q: Over the years, you've had excellent musicians in your bands, from Jim Gordon, George Terry and Albert Lee to Steve Gadd and my fellow San Diegan, Nathan East. Obviously, they are all very gifted players, but I wonder: What are the personal qualities as people that you look for in your collaborators?
CLAPTON: Well, they're all very, very generous people. What I need to find in a player is humility above all, the ability to listen. All the great players I've ever been with, and have wanted to play with for any length of time, have had that.
Q: Do you think that's something you're born with, or is it an acquired skill?
CLAPTON: I think it's acquired, I think it's a learned quality. I think it's quite possible to go through life just thinking that you're the only person there. I'm constantly shocked by how many people don't really study music, who are in the (music) business. I think we all ought to be musicologists to a certain extent, just to know the history of the music.
Q: Could I ask you to comment on Nathan East, who grew up here in San Diego and has been in your band for the past 20 years?
CLAPTON: Nathan is probably the closest friend I have in the music world.
Q: How so?
CLAPTON: He's the most supportive and caring musician I've met.
Q: How about musically?
CLAPTON: Musically, Nathan is in the top three as a bassist.
Q: Who are the other two?
CLAPTON: Willie Weeks and Nathan Watts. .
Q: As an observer from afar, you seem to have had a restless nature for much of your life. Is that accurate? And is it also accurate to say that "Back Home" exudes a quiet air of contentment and belonging and, ultimately, love for your family?
CLAPTON: Yeah, I think I've finally landed on my feet in a situation where there is no greener grass. I always found myself on the lookout for something else. Where ever I was, the better party was always down the road; I didn't know what was going on, but I knew it wasn't this. I finally found the party I'm actually at the party so even at its most quiet and dire moments, it's still the best place to be.
Q: If, 10 years ago, someone had told you that in 2005 you'd be happily married and the father of three young girls, how do you think you would have responded?
CLAPTON: I think I would have been quite pleased. Because 10 years ago I was quite low, but I wouldn't have been able to imagine that; I wouldn't have believed them. But if they could have assured me this would happen, that it would be an absolute concrete reality, it would have been a great thing to look forward to.
Q: Is music less or more important, now that you have a young family, or is it just as important as before?
CLAPTON: It's just as important, its just doesn't play such a huge role. I think it's probably more important sometimes (now), because I don't focus on it so much. So when I come to it, it just has more power.
Q: What's the division now between being a father and being a musician?
CLAPTON: Well, I'm only a musician when I'm required to be, actually. And sometimes I'm required to be as a father, too, and that's the beauty of it, that I can play for them. It's a humbling thing playing for your kids, because they're entertained for only so long. (laughs) Then, they find something else they want to do.
Q: So how do you how hold their attention?
CLAPTON: It's very hard, so I try and make it as engaging as it can be. But you have to face the fact that, no matter how good it is, you can only hold their attention for a little while.
Q: What do you play for them? Your own songs? Children's songs?
CLAPTON: Their favorite tune is Robert Johnson's `Hot Tamales,' and I have to play that as loud and fast as I can, and then they dance. But then I get tired, so then I tell them they're going to dance ballet, so that I can do simple arpeggios on the guitar and take a rest.
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