"Black Magic Woman" is a popular song that was written by Peter Green and originally performed by the British blues rock band Fleetwood Mac in 1968. However, it wasn't until years later that Eric Clapton, another legendary guitarist, released his own version of the song. Eric Clapton's version of "Black Magic Woman" can be found on his 1970 album called "Eric Clapton." This album, sometimes referred to as "The Fool Album" because of its cover art, includes a mix of blues, rock, and folk songs. Clapton's rendition of "Black Magic Woman" showcases his exceptional guitar skills and his unique approach to blues music. His interpretation adds his signature style to the song, creating a more energetic and powerful rendition compared to the original.
Watch Eric Clapton performing "Black Magic Woman" from his upcoming release 'The Lady in the Balcony'
Eric Clapton has premiered a new preview clip from his upcoming performance video The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions that captures him playing an acoustic version of the 1968 Fleetwood Mac classic, "Black Magic Woman."
As previously reported, The Lady in the Balcony, which will be released on November 12 on video and audio formats, features an intimate performance by Clapton and members of his touring band in February 2021 year at the Cowdray House country mansion in West Sussex, U.K.
The show was recorded without an audience, with exception of Eric's wife, Melia, who watched the performance from a balcony -- hence the release's title.
For his version of "Black Magic Woman," Clapton is featured on acoustic 12-string guitar, joined by Chris Stainton on keyboards, Nathan East on standup bass and Steve Gadd on drums.
As he begins the tune, Eric declares, "This one's for Peter," referring to founding Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist Peter Green, who wrote the song and who passed away in July 2020 at age 73. Of course, Santana recorded the most famous version of "Black Magic Woman," scoring a 1970 hit with the song.
The show also featured Eric performing some of his best-known original songs, several blues classics and another Green-penned Fleetwood Mac tune, "Man of the World."
The Lady in the Balcony, which you can pre-order now, will be available as a DVD/CD or Blu-ray/CD set, a 4K UHD/Blu-ray package, a two-LP colored-vinyl set, as digital video and audio versions, and as a Deluxe Edition featuring the DVD, Blu-ray and CD housed in a 40-page hardback photo book. In addition, a standalone CD version will be sold exclusively at Target.
Here's the full The Lady in the Balcony track list:
"Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out"
"Golden Ring"
"Black Magic Woman"
"Man of the World"
"Kerry"
"After Midnight"
"Bell Bottom Blues"
"Key to the Highway"
"River of Tears"
"Rock Me Baby"
"Believe in Life"
"Going Down Slow"
"Layla"
"Tears in Heaven"
"Long Distance Call"
"Bad Boy"
"Got My Mojo Working"
Watch Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton close out Crossroads 2023 with a cover of Peter Green’s Black Magic Woman
Returning for the first time after a 3-year hiatus, the festival featured a star-studded lineup of more than 40 guitar heavyweights.
Image: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Last weekend’s 2023 Crossroads Guitar Festival saw Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton paying tribute to the late Fleetwood Mac legend Peter Green with an stirring rendition of Black Magic Woman.
- READ MORE: “He holds his hand up and blood’s coming out”: Simon Phillips recalls Pete Townshend’s infamous 1989 Stratocaster incident
Returning for the first time after a 3-year hiatus, the lineup for this year’s Crossroads Festival could be described as—well, let’s just call it absolutely insane.
With more than 40 heavyweight artists (including H.E.R., Joe Bonamassa, John McLaughlin and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram) making their appearances throughout the two-day shredding extravaganza, the show closed out with an equally impressive showcase of guitar genius from Carlos Santana and festival organiser Eric Clapton.
The pair began with a tip of the cap to Peter Green, in the form of a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Black Magic Woman, before finishing off with the Doors’ bar-band hit, Roadhouse Blues.
Throughout the set, Santana was seen using a single-cut version of his PRS signature guitar, while Clapton was armed with a colourful custom-built Fender Stratocaster inspired by his previous collaborations with New York Street artist, John Matos.
Check out fan-filmed footage of their performance below.
Santana’s latest team up with Clapton might not come as a surprise given the man has recently named the blues rock legend as one of his ‘dream collaborators’.
Also included in the list was pop icon Taylor Swift, as Santana reveals in a Reuters interview surrounding the release of his new documentary CARLOS: The Santana Journey.
Asked who he’d like to collaborate with going forward, Santana said, “Well, definitely Taylor Swift, Adele, Beyonce, Metallica, AC/DC, U2. Of course, Eric Clapton. I’d like to enter into the music of the youngsters, you know? Whether it’s rap like Jay-Z. I wanna stay relevant – I don’t wanna be a ghost in a jukebox.”
Black magic woman eric clapton
Eric Clapton is streaming video of his cover of the Fleetwood Mac classic, “Black Magic Woman”, from his forthcoming live package, “The Lady In The Balcony: Lockdown Sessions.”
“This one’s for Peter”, says Clapton at the start of the song, in dedication to Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green, who passed away in July of 2020 at the age of 73.
The 1968 standalone single was a UK Top 40 hit for Fleetwood Mac before it appeared on a pair of compilations the following year; Santana scored a major hit with their 1970 cover of the tune when it was included on the “Abraxas” album.
“Black Magic Woman” is joined by “Man Of The World” as one of two Green compositions featured on “The Lady In The Balcony: Lockdown Sessions”, which captures Clapton and his band performing acoustic renditions of his classics alongside an assortment of other numbers encompassing blues, country and rarified originals.
Clapton and the band performed to an empty venue, with one exception: his wife, Melia, was the sole outside observer and the inspiration for the Sessions title.
Due November 12, “The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions” will be available in the United States on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, 4K UHD+Blu-ray, 2 LPs pressed on yellow vinyl, and a Deluxe Edition containing the DVD, Blu-ray & CD packaged in a 40 page 12” x 12” hardback photo book, digital video & digital audio. In addition, a CD-only version will be available exclusively at Target.
The project will be available in all other global territories on the following formats: DVD, Blu-ray, CD, DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, 4K UHD+Blu-ray, 180-gram 2LP, limited edition 2LP pressed on 180-gram yellow vinyl, and a Deluxe Edition containing the DVD, Blu-ray & CD packaged in a 40 page 12” x 12” hardback photo book, digital video & digital audio.
Eric Clapton
"The Lady In The Balcony: Lockdown Sessions"
Release date: November 12
01. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
02. Golden Ring
03. Black Magic Woman
04. Man of the World
05. Kerry
06. After Midnight
07. Bell Bottom Blues
08. Key to the Highway
09. River of Tears
10. Rock Me Baby
11. Believe in Life
12. Going Down Slow
13. Layla
14. Tears in Heaven
15. Long Distance Call
16. Bad Boy
17. Got My Mojo Working
His interpretation adds his signature style to the song, creating a more energetic and powerful rendition compared to the original. The lyrics of "Black Magic Woman" are mysterious and refer to a woman who possesses mystical powers. The song explores themes of fascination and danger, as the woman's enchanting and seductive nature pulls the narrator in.
This combination of mysterious lyrics and captivating guitar riffs is what makes this song so compelling. Throughout his career, Eric Clapton has covered various blues, rock, and folk songs, but his version of "Black Magic Woman" is particularly noteworthy. His skilled guitar playing combined with his soulful vocals creates an unforgettable musical experience. In conclusion, Eric Clapton's version of "Black Magic Woman" is a powerful and captivating rendition of the original song. Through his unique guitar style and soulful vocals, Clapton brings a new energy to the mysterious lyrics of the track, making it a standout piece of his discography..
Reviews for "The Evolution of Eric Clapton's Vocal Style in "Black Magic Woman"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to listen to "Black Magic Woman" by Eric Clapton, as I am a huge fan of his work. However, I was left disappointed with this rendition. Clapton's guitar playing was lackluster and didn't have the usual magic and energy that I associate with his performances. The vocals were also quite average and didn't capture the essence and soulfulness of the original song. Overall, this version felt flat and uninspiring.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - I found Eric Clapton's cover of "Black Magic Woman" to be underwhelming. While he is undoubtedly a talented musician, this particular performance lacked the passion and intensity that I was expecting. The guitar solos were decent, but they didn't leave a lasting impression on me. Additionally, the vocals felt slightly forced and didn't do justice to the hauntingly beautiful lyrics of the song. Overall, it was an average rendition that didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - "Black Magic Woman" by Eric Clapton was a disappointment for me. Having heard Clapton's incredible guitar skills in other songs, I was hoping for a mesmerizing and captivating performance. However, this cover felt lackluster and didn't showcase his true potential. The guitar solos were dull and repetitive, and the vocals felt monotone and lacked emotion. It felt like Clapton was just going through the motions instead of putting his heart and soul into the performance. Overall, it was a forgettable rendition and not one of Clapton's best works.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - As a fan of both Eric Clapton and the original version of "Black Magic Woman," I was excited to hear his interpretation. However, I was left disappointed. Clapton's guitar playing lacked the fiery and passionate energy that the song demands, and his vocals were average at best. It felt like a watered-down version of the original, lacking the soulfulness and intensity that made it such a classic. Overall, it was a forgettable cover that failed to capture the essence of the original song.