Review Sept 5th 2024

“I've been covering venues in Asbury Park since '76 and watched the town go from a place you'd avoid if you could, to an attractive, well dressed example of NJ's finest shoreline communities. And, McCloone's Supper Club, sits atop the beach providing panoramic views as well as memorable food, drink and entertainment. Last evening, Best of Clapton performed selections from nearly all of Eric Clapton's contribution to live band recordings. Groups including John Mayal, Cream and The Yardbirds continuing along Clapton's over 50 years of live performances and immense studio album library. Best of Clapton's 2 hour show was seamless with all the musicians improvising solo sections throughout the evening. Additionally, Lindsay Jordan, (LJ & The Gypsies) brought her backing vocal experience to round out the four part harmonies and went on, bringing the house down, with her leading vocal on "The Core". The center stage guitarist and primary vocalist, Mario DiBartolo, sings and plays note-perfect guitar solos as if sewn from the same Coventry cloth as Mr. Clapton. Supporting guitarist, Frank Clayton, cuts the night air with his Telecaster rhythm and solo work. His opening, upper-octave vocal on Strange Brew (ala Cream bassist, Jack Bruce) caused a momentary, musical pause brought forth by the audience reponse. The medley intro into "White Room" kept the groove moving. Back line drummer Joe D Ricci and percussionist, Bob Demetrician lay the groundwork for the band's unwavering tempos and rhythmic pocket. Demetrician also wields a tenor saxaphone, soloing on several tunes. Rounding out the aft portion of the sound is bassist, Gary Bernabe. Using the upper neck, his chordal introduction on "Change the World" is, eh', so pretty, you are lulled and then awakened as he slides down the five stringed bass and lays hold of the opening chords. His vocals are solid and true; including his lead on an uptempo "Lay Down Sally". None of the audience was laying down during that song or for much of the show. On the right of the stage (audience left) are the keyboards. Employing two, noticeably red, Nord keyboards is Brian Leahy. Covering the work of pianists like Chris Stainton and David Sancious with Hammond Organ stylist, "Fifth Beatle" Billy Preston, requires the use of more than one set of keys and, at times, more than two hands. His high vocal harmonies worked well throughout the show with Jordan simply singing a higher harmony. The crowd, already singing along on "Layla", roared with appreciation as the all familiar, piano outro began to complete the composition and the Best Of Clapton's show at McCloone's.
Non-stop applause and calls for more went on until the band returned and iced the evening with "Crossroads" and "Let it Rain" Whata show-whata night-whata town-What a great band......”

Sed Phelps, JL,JS.
Brigantine/Atlantic City, New Jersey