Bobby Whitlock - Bobby Whitlock (1972)

Bobby Whitlock is an American singer, songwriter and musician.

Bobby Whitlock grew up in Memphis, Tennesse, and began his music career at an early age, becoming associated with the Memphis-based record label Stax. It was there he was discovered by Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett, who invited him to play on their debut album. He formed a long-standing friendship with the Bramletts, and appeared on all five of their subsequent albums. It was when they were on tour together in 1969 that he met English guitarist Eric Clapton, and the two of them (plus fellow Bramlett band members Carl Radle and Jim Gordon) formed Derek & The Dominos. Their one studio album (1970's Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs) is generally regarded as masterpiece of blues-rock. Whitlock's contributions to the album were vital, as he sang co-lead with Clapton, played keyboards, and co-wrote much of the material. However the band did not last long, and fell apart after a drug-fuelled tour.
Whitlock returned to his role as reliable sideman for Delaney & Bonnie, and the Bramletts and their friends help him record a solo album, which was released in 1972. The full list of featured musicians consisted of Clapton (guitar), Jerry McGee (guitar), George Harrison (guitar), Jim Gordon (drums/percussion), Jim Keltner (drums), Carl Radle (bass), Klaus Voorman (bass), Bobby Keys (sax) and Jim Price (trumpet). Whitlock played organ, piano and acoustic guitar, and the Bramletts both sang backing vocals and assisted with the songwriting. The result was a fantastic and criminally-overlooked record, with a really great mix of rock, soul, folk and country, driven throughout by Whitlock’s powerful, muscular voice. One of the songs had already appeared on Delaney & Bonnie’s On Tour live album, and another would later appear on their D&B Together album.

|> Raw Velvet (1972)
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