SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE
​Eric Clapton and Friends
The Crossroads Festivals 1999-2013

eric clapton and friends sunshine of your love

ERIC CLAPTON: ‘One by one, my heroes would eventually be in the same room with me. What do we do? We just play our hearts out.’

The official, hand-crafted, signed limited edition book documenting Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals, 1999-2013, with archival photos and interviews, and exclusive contributions from the musicians who took part.

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 event grew into a celebration of guitar playing that drew virtuoso musicians and fans from around the world.

Telling this story through a wealth of stunning photography and original commentary from world-renowned musicians, Sunshine of Your Love is limited to only 2,000 copies worldwide, each signed by at least two Crossroads performers.

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE is the official limited edition book and vinyl box set of the Crossroads Guitar Festivals, 1999–2013, celebrating the historic series of concerts featuring the world’s greatest guitarists.

ERIC CLAPTON: ‘Crossroads comes from the heart of a musician. It’s not a business deal, and there is an enlightenment in that. People realise we really love what we do. And hopefully, it gets better every time. That’s the deal.’

eric clapton and friends

THE PHOTOGRAPHY

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE

Sunshine of Your Love documents the Crossroads festivals with over 350 archival photos of the musicians who were hand-picked by Eric Clapton for five festivals that spanned nearly 15 years. Featured artists include Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Keith Richards, Doyle Bramhall II, Jimmie Vaughan, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Joe Walsh, Buddy Guy and B.B. King.

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, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and Cream 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.

“Nothing beats just sitting around, on an equal footing, with about three or four other musicians. And not having anyone be the boss.” – Eric Clapton

THE MANUSCRIPT

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE

“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 historic series of Crossroads concerts but also tells the wider story of guitar music. 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., tell the story of the rich history of guitar music and of the many genres it encompasses, from blues to country, from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll.

THE CONTRIBUTORS

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE

“I call it world music and it’s a brotherhood. Guitar players do not compete with each other. In sports it’s competition. Music is about complementing.” – Carlos Santana

“I’ll tell you what happens when you go out and play with Eric Clapton and B.B. King and all these guys, you better not start thinking about it, you better have a good time.” – Jimmie Vaughan

“It was really special playing Madison Square Garden. It was amazing to be in New York City with all those cats and all that music.” – Gary Clark Jr.

“Coming to Crossroads is like being able to speak fluently with people who speak the same language.” – John Mayer

The original manuscript draws on previously unpublished interviews, extending to over 200 pages, with text from Eric Clapton and contributions 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.

THE COLLECTOR COPIES

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE

Handcrafted in Milan, Italy, the 1,650 collector copies are quarter bound in leather with foil blocking and silver page edging. Each book is individually signed by at least two Crossroads musicians, including Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Andy Fairweather Low, Sonny Landreth, Taj Mahal, John McLaughlin, Robbie Robertson, David Sanborn, Carlos Santana, and Joe Walsh. We will be announcing further signatories soon.

An exclusive 7″ vinyl picture disc includes two Crossroads performances by Eric Clapton: ‘Wonderful Tonight’ at the first benefit concert in 1999 and ‘Got To Get Better In A Little While’ performed at the final Crossroads in 2013, both recorded at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

THE SIGNATURES

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE

Each numbered copy is hand-signed by at least two Crossroads musicians. Signatories include Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Andy Fairweather Low, Sonny Landreth, Taj Mahal, John McLaughlin, Robbie Robertson, David Sanborn, Carlos Santana, and Joe Walsh. There will be announcing further signatories soon.

THE CROSSROADS CENTRE

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE

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.

Genesis Publications has a longstanding connection with Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Centre. The late founder Brian Roylance was a trustee and Nicholas and Catherine Roylance as publishers are honoured that proceeds from Sunshine of Your Love will benefit the Centre, a tradition started with Clapton’s Six String Stories (now fully subscribed). Discover more about the Crossroads Centre here

Sunshine Of Your Love
The Crossroads Festivals 1999-2013

Handcrafted in Milan, Italy, Collector copies are quarter bound in leather with foil blocking and silver page edging. Each numbered book is individually signed by at least two Crossroads musicians, including Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Andy Fairweather Low, Sonny Landreth, Taj Mahal, John McLaughlin, Robbie Robertson, David Sanborn, Carlos Santana, and Joe Walsh. We will be announcing further signatories soon.

An exclusive 7” vinyl picture disc includes two Crossroads performances by Eric Clapton: ‘Wonderful Tonight’ at the first benefit concert in 1999 and ‘Got To Get Better In A Little While’ performed at the last Crossroads in 2013, both recorded at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

– Only 1,750 Collector copies
– Quarter bound in leather
– Exclusive 7” picture disc
A-side: ‘Wonderful Tonight’
B-side: ‘Got to Get Better in a Little While’
– Signed by 2 contributors

Eric Clapton’s official, hand-crafted, signed limited edition book documenting the Crossroads Guitar Festivals, 1999-2013, with archival photos and exclusive commentary from the musicians who took part.

Published Mar 2018
Page size: 245mm x 290mm
204 pages
36000 words
350 images

For more details and ordering the book visit Genesis Publications website : http://www.genesis-publications.com/book/9781905662517/sunshine-of-your-love


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