Recorded in 1997 at the Montreux music festival, this all-star session features Eric Clapton, Steve Gadd, Marcus Miller, Joe Sample and David Sanborn.

What that means is that Clapton is playing with a bunch of legendary session and jazz guys, and on this occasion he’s just one member of the band, not leader.

What’s great about this is the genuine sense of fun the musicians appear to be having. No-one is having to impress, just enjoy playing with others of similar calibre, and nearly all the songs are funk, jazz or blues classics that the guys have probably played heaps of times before, but never been able to engage with in quite such celebrated company.

It’s weird but even Clapton’s playing here seems qualitatively better than that on his own recordings, but even so, it barely registers next to the tight-as chops of these session luminaries.

What’s nice about this set is its funky bone, and lack of pretension. Of course, those with a low tolerance for semi-Kenny G tones on saxophone might want to avoid it, because David Sanborn’s sound can be, well… irritating. GARY STEEL

Sound = 3.5

Vision = 3.5

BD = 3.5