It's a given that any Eric Clapton performance will be impressive, but Eric Clapton & Friends Live 1986 exceeds all expectations. "Slowhand" had been recording August with session regulars Greg Phillinganes (keyboards), Nathan East (bass), and album producer Phil Collins on drums, and the idea of live performance seemed eminently appealing. The final gig in that brief, spectacular tour--July 15, 1986, at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England--was recorded for British television, and editing to one-hour length doesn't stop it from being a full-on stunner. Perhaps at his finest in a small-band setting, Clapton appears loose, happy, and ready to rip into bluesy riffs and solos as if his trusty Fender Stratocasters were vital organs tapped into his bloodstream. While the reliable oldies "Crossroads," "White Room," "Layla" (including the rarely heard "Thorn Tree in the Garden" section), and "Sunshine of Your Love" will satisfy Cream and Yardbirds fans, the fresh cuts from August are equally dazzling, with the beautiful "Holy Mother" serving as the night's pulse-calming ballad. Collins' hit "In the Air Tonight" is clearly an obligatory inclusion (his solo debut was still high on the charts), but in terms of energy, precision, and audience appeal, it's easily on par with the rest of the gig. Visuals are only adequate--the videotaped colors have faded a bit--but sonically this show's a keeper, especially if you're equipped to use the DTS option. And just to prove that nobody's perfect, Clapton fudges a note on "Sunshine" and a word-balloon reading "Sorry!" appears above his head--all in the happy spirit of a rockin' good evening. --Jeff Shannon