Guitarist left his mark on the classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, but was reluctant before accepting George Harrison’s invitation
One of the rare collaborations of another musician with the Beatles It took place with Eric Clapton. The guitarist, one of the greatest of all time, recorded “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”notorious composition of George Harrisonwith whom it had developed great friendship. The track is present on the group’s homonymous album, released in 1968 and also known as White album.
During this period, the FAB Four was marked for a moment of little collaboration among the members. Each one developed and even recorded his songs on his own. Unfortunately, the internal climate was not good; so much so that, for a few days, Ringo Starr He even left the formation.
Harrison, who was always afraid to present his compositions to his colleagues – especially John Lennon and Paul McCartney -, started working in “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” lonely. Then he had to show her to his colleagues, even so that everyone could participate in the recording.
With the basic record ready, it was time to work on the overdubs, which would include guitar soil. George even took this part, but did not like the result. He was also dissatisfied with the performance of his companions, because he felt that they were not doing the best.
Behold Harrison had the idea of bringing Clapton, his partner in other external collaborations to the Beatles. The guitarist formerCream He believed that Lennon and McCartney did not recognize his friend’s creative impetus, so he became involved in recording as a way to support him.
Eric Clapton almost declined George Harrison’s invitation
Interestingly, however, Eric Clapton was close to refusing the invitation to participate. In an interview of 1987 to Guitar worldGeorge Harrison tells:
“My ego preferred Eric to play in that song. I worked on that song with John, Paul and Ringo one day and they were not at all interested in her. But I knew inside me it was a nice song. The next day I was with Eric and I was going to the studio, so I said, ‘Oh, no, I can’t do it, no one I never touches the Beatles. I insisted, ‘This song is mine and I want you to play it’. ”
With the arrival of the guitarist known by the nickname Slowhand, the mood in the studio improved. Harrison recalls:
“The other guys were great, because he was there. Besides, having it on the ground left me free to touch the rhythm and make the vocals. Eric touched and I found it very good. So we heard again and he said, ‘Ah, but there’s a problem, it’s not’ beatley ‘enough.’ [automatic double tracker, técnica de gravação bastante usada pela banda]. ”
A Beatle Fan
Still in the 1987 interview, George Harrison revealed that he loved Eric Clapton as a guitarist. Beatle also told about the simplicity of the partnership between them.
“I love Eric. I love the touch he has on the guitar. When he comes to play in my songs, he doesn’t have to bring an amplifier or a guitar. He says, ‘Ah, you have a good straight.’ He knows I have one because he gave me. [Risos] He calls and only with his vibrate, he makes that guitar sound like Eric. ”
The last sentence reflected well the thinking of Harrison, which left us in 2001. The musician said that, regardless of “better” or “worse” in technique or skill in the instrument, every artist has its value, because identity is something unique and special.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
