The Gods of Guitar be Praised!
June 25, 2009
“The gods of guitar be praised!” With these words the announcer of our local PBS station introduced the centerpiece of last night’s fundraising appeal—the 2007 performance of Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood together at Madison Square Garden. I have seen many of the great musical performances featured in these appeals, most of them classics and pure pleasure to see and hear. This one was new to me, and a rare treat. As I watched these older versions of my former idols perform song after song, I was reminded of the number and breadth of their collective works, and their still dazzling talent. Clapton played the guitar while Winwood alternated between keyboards and guitar. Their collaboration seemed as fresh and magical to me 40 years later as it did the first time I heard them, but sweeter for its familiarity.
I remember listening to Blind Faith, Cream, Traffic–bands featuring one or both of these men–poring over the large album covers with a zeal that no CD jewel case has ever inspired since. For a time during the 70s, these men were my gods. Both of them seemed to have found and made peace with God on their own terms, as I had learned from seeing them in individual interviews or reading about them. I was pleased that they included one of my favorite Blind Faith songs, The Presence of the Lord, with its simple and direct lyrics which speak to an uncomplicated and easy relationship with God. Although we each make our own way there in our own time, I’m grateful for the shared experience of others, who enrich us by their lives, their stories, and best of all, their music.
I have finally found a place to live
Just like I never could before
And I know I don’t have much to give
But soon I’ll open any door.
Everybody knows the secret,
Everybody knows the score.
I have finally found a place to live
In the presence of the Lord.
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I really loved the lyrics to the song! That is beautiful!
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