Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and More Celebrate Hubert Sumlin in New York

The “Howlin’ For Hubert’ concert took place at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York. Hubert Sumlin, known for his years backing blues legend Howlin’ Wolf, died on December 4th at the age of 80.

Keith Richards, James Cotton & Eric Clapton - Photo Credits: Barry Fisch

The entire show, which featured all-stars including Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Jimmie Vaughan, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II and Elvis Costello –  plus overlooked legends like Wolf’s former bandmates, harmonica player James Cotton, guitarist Jody Williams and saxophonist Eddie Shaw – was one for the history books. The event originated while Sumlin was still alive as a celebration to mark his 80th birthday. It stayed that way; Guest after guest recounted Sumlin’s unfaltering positivity and passion for his instrument. At one point, Toni Ann Mamary, Sumlin’s longtime manager and companion, tearfully recalled Sumlin tellling her, “I’m gonna be there. I don’t care if I play – I’m going to be there.” She added, “Can you feel him?”

The show was a benefit for the Jazz Foundation of America.

There were many highlights at Howlin for Hubert – a tribute to guitarist Hubert Sumlin, who played in Howlin’ Wolf’s band for decades and passed away on December 4th due to heart failure – but that was the peak. It was Richards’ first major musical appearance since the Rolling Stones last toured five years ago, and he showed little rust. After “Going Down Slow,”  he sat down and played metallic 12-string slide while singing “Little Red Rooster,” and then strapped on a Gibson electric guitar to sing and trade licks with Clapton on “Spoonful.” “It’s good to be back,” Richards said, peering up to the balcony before breaking into a cackle. “Goddamn, it’s good to be back.”

There were 2 sets:

Set 1
Key to the Highway – EC, acoustic, accompanied by James Cotton (an old Chicago blues harmonica player)
Eric Clapton leaves stage
Followed by musicians from Big Head Todd, David Johansen, Billy Gibbons, and Warren Haynes to some terrific old Chicago blues guys.

Eric Clapton - Photo Credits: Barry Fisch

Set 2
Keb Mo, Doyle Bramhall II, Doyle Bramhall II with Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II with Derek Trucks & Susan Tdedski, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, Gary Clark Jr. -highlights were Doyle Bramhall II, Doyle Bramhall II with Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland & Buddy Guy)
EC returns to the stage to accompany Gary Clark Jr.:
Shake for Me – (Gary Clark Jr./ Eric Clapton / Steve Jordan / Willie Weeks) vocals by Gary, great rhythm playing by Eric Clapton and Eric Clapton trading licks with Gary Clark Jr.(Eric enjoys Gary’s playing)
Little Baby – vocals by Eric Clapton (entire house band incl. Jim Keltner plus Gary)
Forty-Four – vocals by Eric Clapton (entire house band incl. Jim Keltner plus Gary)
Going Down Slow – vocals by Eric Clapton, highlight of EC playing, with some guest vocals by Keith Richards (probably unrehearsed and seemingly unanticipated by Eric Clapton)
Eric Clapton leaves stage for Keith Richards
Little Red Rooster – Keith Richards plays acoustic with James Cotton (a bit uneven, but best of Keith playing)
Eric Clapton returns to stage
Spoonful – Keith Richards and Eric Clapton plus James Cotton and band (one of the other highlights)

Encores – more than thirty musicians on stage:
Wang Dang Doodle
Smokestack Lightning

Video @ YouTube - Keith Richards & Eric Clapton playing ‘Spoonful’ : http://youtu.be/ehVk3xSqQro

Read more about this very special event @ RollingStone Magazine