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"Crossroads brought together all the players I had admired and respected over the years. It was like a magic circus, a dream come true. " – Eric Clapton
In 1999 Eric Clapton invited a handful of musicians to join him on stage at New York’s Madison Square Garden to raise money for his Crossroads Centre, an addiction rehabilitation centre in Antigua. Over the course of nearly 15 years, the festival grew into a celebration of guitar playing that drew musicians and fans from around the world.
"Staging these festivals, for what I believe is a serious, worthy cause, has been the culmination of all my musical ambitions, and created the opportunity for me to replay my entire journey through music." - Eric Clapton
Interspersed throughout the book are also vintage photographs that illustrate the rich tapestry of musical influences and collaborations that can be traced through the history of guitar music. Eric Clapton's work in the Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, Delaney & Bonnie and Derek and the Dominos is documented, and pages are dedicated to subjects such as the history of the slide guitar - from Elmore James to Duane Allman - and to the continuing significance of the Chicago bluesmen.
"Eric's been such a great person for guitar players. Anybody would be happy to be a part of this." - Buddy Guy
The musicians who performed at the Crossroads festivals tell the story, taking the reader through their musical influences, experiences at the festivals, and their appreciation of each other's music.
The 36,000-word manuscript not only documents the extraordinary series of Crossroads concerts but also tells a wider story. Multi-generational voices from blues legends such as B.B King, Johnny Winter and Buddy Guy to the newer guard of guitar virtuosos, such as John Mayer and Gary Clark Jr., recount the rich history of guitar music and of the many genres it encompasses, from blues to country, from jazz to rock 'n' roll.
"I call it world music and it's a brotherhood. Guitar players do not compete with each other. You compete in sports, but music is about complementing." - Carlos Santana
The original manuscript draws on previously unpublished interviews, extending to over 200 pages, with new text from Eric Clapton and from friends such as J.J. Cale, Robert Cray, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, John Mayer, Robert Randolph, Carlos Santana, James Taylor, Derek Trucks, Steve Winwood, Ronnie Wood and many, many more.
"When I'm on stage with Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray and the others, I don't let myself think about what I'm doing. Because if I did, I might freeze up." - Jimmie Vaughan
"Crossroads was a whole new experience for me. Just to get called to that gig is something every guitar player hopes and dreams for." - Gary Clark Jr.
"When you come to Crossroads, you're able to communicate fluently with people who speak the same language." - John Mayer
Handcrafted in Milan, Italy, the 1,650 collector copies are quarter bound in leather with foil blocking and silver page edging. Only 30 copies remain.
Each numbered copy is hand-signed by at least three Crossroads musicians.
Signatories include Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather Low, Billy Gibbons, Blake Mills, Carlos Santana, Dan Aykroyd, David Sanborn, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Jimmie Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Walsh, John McLaughlin, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Nathan East, Neal Schon, Robbie Robertson, Robert Cray, Robert Randolph, Sheryl Crow, Sonny Landreth, Steve Cropper, Steve Jordan, Steve Vai, Susan Tedeschi, Taj Mahal and Vince Gill. We will be announcing further signatories soon.
Genesis Publications has a longstanding connection with Eric Clapton's Crossroads Centre.
Situated on the beautiful island of Antigua, The Crossroads Centre was founded by Eric Clapton to provide a supportive and safe environment for those seeking recovery from addiction.Select from the following editions:
| Collector | £325 |
The official, hand-crafted, signed limited edition book and record set documenting the Crossroads Guitar Festivals, 1999-2013, with archival photos and exclusive commentary.
Since 1974 Genesis has created signed limited edition books on behalf of authors and artists ranging from the Beatles to Buckingham Palace.
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