Jazz and blues royalty combine in an evening of blues classics chosen by Clapton and arranged by Marsalis. It is, as you may imagine, immaculately played, splendidly recorded and will doubtless adorn coffee tables worldwide. And of course no-one should be prejudiced against people playing the blues in ties and suits and sitting down. Don’t forget how sharp Robert Johnson looks in those classic photos from a bygone age. That said, this is more a performance that people will rattle their jewellery to rather than their pots and pans. Indeed the real pleasures come not from the stars trading respectful licks, but the sidemen who steal the show: Goines’ clarinet is gorgeous throughout and notably serpentine on ‘Careless Love’ and Vappie’s banjo lights up some occasionally turgid arranging. Crenshaw’s voice is welcome on ‘Joliet Bound’ while Taj Mahal’s arrival at the end injects some needed energy. Clapton’s voice has for some time been his most intriguing asset and is notable on the drag of ‘Joe Turner’s Blues’ and, ironically as it wasn’t his choice, he revels in ‘Layla’ done as a New Orleans dirge. Clapton’s electric doesn’t always sit easy in this acoustic environment, but he still rips out some vicious phrases: Chris Barber would love this, as he was here 45 years ago. Where’s Lonnie Donnegan when you need him?